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How to Determine the Right Size Chandelier for any Room?

Having the correct size chandelier for your room is important.  If the chandelier is too small it will become lost in the space, and may not provide enough lumens to adequately light the space.  If the chandelier is too large, it will overwhelm the space resulting in an imbalance in the room.

There are two important factors used in determining the correct size chandelier for any room such as a dining room, kitchen, bedroom, or entryway/foyer.

1. Size of the Room (diameter of the chandelier fixture)

2. Ceiling Height (length of chandelier fixture)

With this information, you can determine how far from the floor your chandelier should hang as well as how large the chandelier fixture should be.

 

Finding The Correct Size (Height & Diameter) of a Chandelier

A simple and effective way to determine the optimal size of a chandelier for any room is to measure the width and length of the room. Add these two numbers together and consider the resulting figure as inches rather than feet.

Chandelier Diameter: The calculated number equals the diameter of the chandelier which will best suit the room.  For example, if the room measures 10′ x 14′, the diameter of the fixture should be about 24″.

Chandelier Height: The height of the fixture is determined in large part by the ceiling height.  The convention is that the height of the fixture is 2″ to 3″ in height for every 1′ of ceiling height.  For example, if the ceiling height is 18′, the height of the fixture appropriate for the space would be 36″ – 54″ tall.

 

When to Select a Little Larger or a Little Smaller Chandelier?

Chandelier Density is another factor to be aware of when considering the visual weight of a chandelier fixture.  The greater the perceived density of the chandelier, the larger the chandelier will appear to be in the room (for example, a drum pendant). In this scenario, you may find a slightly smaller fixture will better suit the room.

Conversely, if the desired fixture is structurally open (for example, an orb chandelier constructed with small metal tubing), you may find a slightly larger fixture will better suit the room.

 

Finding The Correct Hanging Height of a Chandelier

The best way to determine the correct Chandelier hanging height is based on your room’s ceiling height.  Homes built in the ’70s and ’80s are commonly 8′, while homes built before this period can be smaller.  Homes built after this period are commonly done with 9′ ceilings.

Ideally, the bottom of the chandelier fixture should hang 7′ 6″ off of the floor for single-story entryway rooms or it should be at the same height as the bottom of the second story if the entryway room includes a vaulted ceiling (a ceiling higher than a single story).

 

Chandelier Height with ceilings less than 7′ 6″

For homes with 7’6″ ceiling heights and lower, the optimal lighting fixture of choice will be a flush-mount lighting fixture with a height no greater than 4″ – 6″.

Flush-Mount Lighting Fixtures

 

Chandelier Height with ceilings between 7′ 6″ – 8′

For homes with a ceiling height of less than 8,’ this is more difficult.  You can hang a chandelier in the space where the bottom of the chandelier fixture is no less than 7’6″ off the floor.  But you also may find it best to use a flush-mount or semi-flush mount lighting fixture.

Flush-Mount Lighting Fixtures

Semi-Flush Mount Lighting Fixtures

 

Chandelier Height with ceiling heights between 8′ – 12′

For homes with ceiling heights of 8′ – 12′, the hanging height of your chandelier should be 7’6″ off the floor.

Entryway & Foyer Chandeliers

All Other Chandeliers

 

Chandelier Height with ceiling heights over 2 stories (13’+)

For homes with a two-story entryway, the convention is that the bottom of the fixture should be at the same height as the bottom of the second story.

Entryway & Foyer Chandeliers

All Other Chandeliers

 

Chandelier Height over a Dining Table

The optimal hanging height for a chandelier fixture over a table is 30-36″ above the tabletop to the bottom of the chandelier.

Dining Room Chandeliers

 

Still not sure what fixture is right for your space? We get it! Most people don’t think about lighting and chandeliers as much as we do. We are here to help!  Give us a call to discuss your situation (978)369-3000 and we can help select the perfect chandelier options for your room.

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