How to Choose a Chandelier Size
Whether you prefer a chandelier with clean lines, a rustic finish or dripping with crystals, a great fixture captures the eye and makes a dramatic statement. Once you've decided on what style you want, there's one more key ingredient to consider — size. Not only do you want to get the scale right, but you also want to make sure you're casting enough light for the space. There are a few things to consider before you select and hang a chandelier for your room, so grab a tape measure and follow our tips below.
How to Choose In The Dining Room
To find a chandelier that looks proportionate to your table, sheds the right amount of light and won't bump the heads of your dinner guests, stick to the rule of thumb that your chandelier should be about one-half to three-quarters of the width of your table.
Tip Your chandelier should hang 30-36" above the top of your table.
Tip This same rule applies to flush mount pendants. A larger room requires a flush mount light fixture with a wider diameter.
How to Choose In The Living Room
For a room where your chandelier isn't hanging over a table, select a size that matches the scale of the room. Simply add the length and width of your room in feet to get the diameter of the chandelier in inches. For example, if your living room is 12 feet wide by 16 feet long, a 28" diameter chandelier works best.
How High to Hang?
Once you've chosen the right size light fixture, the next challenge is being sure it's hung at the proper height. Over a dining table or island, we suggest 30-36 inches above the surface.
If you're hanging two pendants or chandeliers, leave 30 inches of space between them.
How To Hang In An Entryway
In an entryway, follow the same rule for the living room. The length plus width of the entry in feet should be the size of the light fixture in inches.
If it isn't positioned over a table or surface, hang your pendant or chandelier no lower than 7 feet to allow plenty of room for tall folks.
