📐 Standard Heights & Distances of Fixtures in Construction
In residential or commercial building construction, ensuring the right height and distance for various fixtures is critical for safety, comfort, accessibility, and aesthetics. These dimensions are usually guided by ergonomic studies and practical usage patterns. Here's a room-wise breakdown of recommended standards:
🏠 1. Living Room / Hall
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Distance |
Switchboards | 42" – 48" | 5 ft apart in large rooms |
TV Unit (Wall-mounted) | 42" – 60" (TV center) | Eye-level from seating |
Fan (Ceiling) | 7' – 9' | Centered in room |
AC Unit | 7' | Corner away from window |
Light Fixtures | Ceiling-mounted: 8' – 10' | Wall sconces: 5' |
Curtain Rods | 6"–12" above window frame | Extend 3–6" beyond window |
🍳 2. Kitchen
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Kitchen Platform / Countertop | 34" – 36" | 24" depth standard |
Wall Cabinets | Bottom at 54" | 15" above countertop |
Chimney | 24" – 30" above stove | Varies by model |
Sink Height | 34" | Align with counter |
Switches | 48" | Avoid near sink/stove |
Exhaust Fan | 7' | Opposite stove wall |
🚿 3. Bathroom / Toilet
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Wash Basin | 32" – 36" | With mirror above |
Mirror | Bottom at 48" | Top ~5.5 ft high |
Tap over Basin | 42" | Wall-mounted or deck |
Showerhead | 6.5' – 7' | Adjustable possible |
Geyser | 7' – 7.5' | Above WC or near ceiling |
Towel Rod | 42" – 48" | Away from wet zones |
WC (Toilet) Seat | 15" – 17" | Centered at 18" from side wall |
Switches | 48" | Outside bathroom door recommended |
Exhaust Fan | 7' | Near ceiling, away from water zones |
🛏️ 4. Bedroom
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Switchboards | 42" – 48" | Bedside switches: 24" |
Fan | 7' – 9' | Centered in room |
AC Unit | 7' | Away from bed direction |
Wardrobe Switch / Light | 42" | Interior lighting optional |
Dressing Table | 30" – 36" | Mirror center at 5'–5.5' |
🚪 5. Wardrobe / Closet
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Hanging Rod | 66" (full-length) | 42" for short clothes |
Shelf Above Rod | 78" – 84" | Depth: 12" – 15" |
Drawers | 6" – 30" | Prefer base drawers |
Light | Top or sensor-based | LED strips preferred |
🌅 6. Balcony
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Railing Height | 3' – 3.5' | Vertical bars <4" apart |
Light Fixtures | 6.5' – 7' | Wall or ceiling-mounted |
Switchboards | 42" – 48" | Waterproof cover |
Water Tap | 18" – 24" | Corner placement |
🏡 7. Backyard / Utility Area
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Water Tap | 18" – 24" | For hose or garden |
Sink / Wash Area | 34" – 36" | With backsplash |
Switchboards | 48" | Waterproof casing |
Lighting | 7' or above | Wall or floodlight type |
🧱 8. Staircase
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Handrail Height | 34" – 36" | Consistent throughout |
Riser Height | 6" – 7" | For comfortable climbing |
Tread Depth | 10" – 11" | With anti-slip edge |
Lighting | Each landing | Wall or riser LED strips |
Switchboards | 42" – 48" | Entry/exit of staircase |
🌇 9. Terrace / Roof
Fixture |
Standard Height (From Floor) |
Spacing / Notes |
Parapet Wall / Railing | 3' – 4' | For safety |
Lighting Fixtures | 7' or above | Corner-focused for coverage |
Water Tap | 18" – 24" | Garden or wash use |
Electrical Outlet | 48" | For pump or appliances |
Drain Outlets | Floor level | 1–2% slope recommended |
✅ General Notes
- All switches should be placed between 42" to 48", easily reachable without bending or stretching.
- Childproofing may require lower switchboard or socket heights.
- Accessibility for disabled or elderly residents might demand adjustments in bathroom and kitchen fixture heights.
- Always confirm local building codes and safety norms which may override general standards.