A chandelier that is too small looks lost, and one that is too big overwhelms the room. The good news is that two simple formulas get you very close to the right size every time. Here is how our lighting consultants size chandeliers for dining rooms, foyers, living rooms and bedrooms.
The room formula: length + width = diameter
Measure the room's length and width in feet and add them together. Use that number in inches as the chandelier's approximate diameter.
- 10 ft x 12 ft room: 10 + 12 = 22, so look for a chandelier about 22 inches wide.
- 12 ft x 14 ft room: a fixture around 26 inches wide.
- 14 ft x 16 ft room: a fixture around 30 inches wide.
Treat the result as a starting point. A light, open design (thin arms, clear glass) can go a few inches larger, while a solid drum or a dense crystal fixture can go a little smaller.
Over a dining table: use the table, not the room
When the chandelier hangs over a table, the table matters more than the room. Choose a fixture between one half and two thirds of the table's width, and keep at least 6 inches between the edge of the fixture and the edge of the table on each side so no one bumps their head standing up.
For long rectangular tables, a linear chandelier or two smaller fixtures spaced evenly usually works better than one large round piece. A linear fixture about two thirds of the table length is a reliable rule.
How high to hang a chandelier
- Over a dining table: 30 to 36 inches from the tabletop to the bottom of the chandelier on an 8 ft ceiling. Add about 3 inches for each extra foot of ceiling height.
- In open areas without a table: keep at least 7 ft of clearance from the floor.
- In a two-storey foyer: the bottom of the fixture should generally sit at or slightly above the second-floor window sill or landing, so it can be seen from both levels.
How tall should the chandelier be?
A quick guide for fixture height is about 2.5 to 3 inches of chandelier height for every foot of ceiling height. An 8 ft ceiling suits a fixture about 20 to 24 inches tall, while a 10 ft ceiling can handle 25 to 30 inches. Most chandeliers include chain or extra stems so the overall drop can be adjusted during installation.
Brightness and dimming
A dining chandelier is often the main light in the room, so it needs enough output for everyday use but should also dim down for dinner. Look for integrated LED fixtures with a listed dimmer type, or use dimmable LED bulbs in fixtures that take bulbs. Warm white (2700K to 3000K) is the most flattering for dining and living spaces.
Choosing a style
Once you know the size, narrow down by style:
- Modern chandeliers: rings, linear bars and sculptural integrated LED designs.
- Contemporary chandeliers: glass globes, mixed metals and drum shades that fit most homes.
- Crystal chandeliers: maximum sparkle for dining rooms, foyers and primary bedrooms.
- Traditional chandeliers: candle-style arms and classic finishes.
You can also browse every style in one place in our chandelier collection.
Quick checklist
- Measure room length and width, and add them to get a diameter in inches.
- If it hangs over a table, keep the fixture at one half to two thirds of the table width.
- Plan 30 to 36 inches above the table on an 8 ft ceiling, plus 3 inches per extra foot.
- Check the fixture height against your ceiling height.
- Confirm the weight rating of your ceiling box for heavy or crystal fixtures.
Get free help from a lighting consultant
Every space is different. LV Lighting is a team of lighting consultants based in Richmond, BC, and our online store carries thousands of fixtures from brands like Hinkley, WAC Lighting, Dainolite, Matteo and Artcraft. Send us your room dimensions, ceiling height and a photo or plan, and we will suggest fixtures, sizes and mounting heights at no cost. Call 604-233-1998 or email sales@lvlighting.ca. Orders over $199 ship free, and all prices are in Canadian dollars.