CHOOSING THE PERFECT CHANDELIER SIZE

6 min readMay 4, 2021

Chandeliers have evolved and it’s time to think beyond the traditional dining room chandelier! The versatility of chandelier lighting has enabled it to venture out beyond the formal rooms and not only serve as a striking visual centerpiece but as the main source of lighting for almost any room.

Choosing the right chandelier size is not an easy task as there are so many variables and sometimes we do not even know where to get started. What should be the right size for a chandelier? A small chandelier can easily get lost if it is a large space and cannot deliver a strong design element, while a large chandelier can be too overwhelming in a small space.

A unique, unusual, and fun chandelier can set the tone for an entire room and enhance its surroundings. At shades of Light, we have curated a truly distinguished selection of chandeliers that spans the breadth of today’s home decor styles.

Just like pendants, you need to consider the size of your space and your dining table when choosing the perfect chandelier size. We recommend that the diameter of your chandelier should be about half to two-thirds of the length of your table. For a more modern look, you can play with the scale with an oversized chandelier, like our KOSMIA LG93, above a large rectangular table. For round tables, try a classically elegant fixture like our MONTERNIOS LG113 which features an acrylic shade that is cast in Italy and then assembled at our factory.

Here are the three steps that apply to most spaces for choosing the perfect Chandelier size:

1. DETERMINE THE CHANDELIER’S DIAMETER

Diameter: Here’s a formula to figure out what size fixture your table needs: When you add the length and width of your dining room in feet, the sum will equal the diameter (in inches) that your light needs to be. For example, if your dining room is 14 x 10 feet, 14 + 10 = 24, so you should have a 24-inch-wide light fixture

Measure spaces’ length and width in feet, sum them up and that will be the approximate diameter for the chandelier in inches.

For example, 16 feet (Room Length) + 8 feet (Room Width) = 24 feet; The chandelier should be about 24 inches for its diameter

2. DETERMINE THE CHANDELIER’S HEIGHT

Measure the space’s floor to ceiling distance in feet, multiple by 2.5 will be the approximate height for the chandelier in inches.

For example, 11 feet (Room Height), 11*2.5 = 27.5 The chandelier should be about 27.5 inches for its height

3. DETERMINE HOW HIGH SHOULD THE CHANDELIER BE HANGED

Height: For ceiling lighting, it’s important to consider how far down you want the fixture to hang from the ceiling. The bottom of a pendant should be 30 inches from the surface of your dining table. If you’re in the process of redecorating your whole space, make sure to note the height of your new table when planning your lighting.

If you are hanging the chandelier on an open floor, the chandelier’s bottom should at least be 7 feet away from the floor.

If you are hanging the chandelier above a dining table, the chandelier’s bottom should be 30 to 36 inches away from the tabletop.

Other rules which can apply for a different type of spaces.

DINING ROOM

There’s a lot to consider before deciding on a dining room light. The prized spot over your dining room table not only illuminates your dining area, but it’s also a showcase for your personal style. And if you have an open floorplan, it may even help set the tone for your entire living space. These personal considerations go beyond style, and from pendant placement to chandelier size, it’s important to consider your space and your existing furniture before purchasing lighting. Here we highlight our top tips for choosing dining room lighting.

If you are hanging the chandelier above your dining table, you can also decide the size of the chandeliers based on the size of your dining table. We generally recommend that the width or diameter of the chandelier should be between 1/2 and 2/3 of the width of the dining table.

For example, let’s say that you have a dining table with 32 inches in width and 66 inches in length.

If you are choosing a round chandelier, its diameter should be between 16 (32 x 1/2) to 21 (32 x 2/3) inches.
If you are choosing a rectangular chandelier, its width should be between 16 to 21 inches and length should be 33 to 44 inches (Same here 1/2 to 2/3 of the dining table length)

TWO-STORY FOYER WITH STAIRCASE

Besides the general rule that the chandelier’s bottom should be at least 7 and a half feet away from the floor. For two stories, what you also need to consider is how will it look from the second floor. In general, staircase chandeliers will be a good choice for space. In term of placing, below are two commonly seen guidance:

The general guideline is to use the second floor as a reference point. Hanging the chandelier slightly lower than or at the top of the staircase. This way, when you are at the top of the staircase, the top of the chandelier will be at your eye level.
On the other hand, many designers advocate for independent placement just to make the chandelier the focal point or to place the chandelier about another architectural feature. For example. if there is a large transparent window above the door, it should be centered in the window for the best visual result from outside.

LONG HALLWAYS

Chandelier size for hallways should be determined by the width of the hallway. Multiple the hallway’s widths in feet by 2.5 will be the diameter of the chandelier in inches.