What Size Chandelier? Dining Room, Entryway and Island

Two numbers decide whether a chandelier looks right: how wide it is, and how far it hangs. Get either wrong and the fixture reads as too small - which is the mistake almost everyone makes.

Diameter: add the room dimensions

Add the room's length and width in feet. That number, in inches, is your chandelier diameter. A 12 x 14 foot dining room wants a 26-inch fixture.

If the chandelier hangs over a table rather than centred in the room, use the table instead: the fixture should be about half to two-thirds the table's width, and at least 12 inches narrower than the table on each side so nobody hits their head standing up.

Height: 30 to 36 inches above the table

For an 8-foot ceiling, the bottom of the fixture sits 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop. Add 3 inches for every extra foot of ceiling - 33 to 39 inches at 9 feet, 36 to 42 at 10. Where there is no table beneath it, keep the bottom at least 7 feet off the floor so people can walk under.

Rectangular tables want a linear fixture

A round chandelier over a rectangular table leaves both ends dark. A linear fixture - one long bar with multiple lights - covers the length. Size it to about two-thirds of the table's length. The same applies to a kitchen island: linear over rectangular, and hang the bottom 30 to 36 inches above the counter. See linear chandeliers from 30 to 60 inches wide.

Two-story entryways are a different problem

A foyer chandelier has to look finished from two floors, not one. Tiered and cascading designs read as complete from below and from the landing; a single-tier fixture looks cut off from above. For a two-story entry, aim for 24 to 30 inches in diameter and hang the bottom roughly level with the second-floor windows from the outside. Check the chain or cord length before buying - most adjust to 70 inches or more. See foyer chandeliers with adjustable drop.

Finish changes the apparent size

A black fixture reads smaller and sharper against a white ceiling; gold and brass read warmer and slightly larger. If you are between two sizes, go up in black and down in gold.

• Black chandeliers - matte black, wrought iron and black crystal, 12 to 48 inches
• Gold chandeliers - brushed gold, antique brass and champagne
• Farmhouse chandeliers - wood, wrought iron and candelabra styles

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