Often considered the jewelry of a room, chandeliers are true interior design statement pieces. When you enter a room and gaze at the sparkling confection hovering above, it’s easy to see why these light fixtures have remained enduringly popular. They can be as versatile or stately as you want them to be. Since many different styles of chandeliers are available, getting the size right and keeping everything in proportion is critical.

In this chandelier size guide, we’ll go through choosing the right chandelier size for the different rooms and other areas in your home.

How Do You Know What Size Chandelier to Buy?

Chandeliers give your home a look and a vibe unlike any other lighting fixture. They create interest, soft lighting effects, and intimacy in ways other lighting types don’t. Because of this, choosing a chandelier for a specific room isn’t guided by size alone. Important factors to consider include: Will you hang it over a table or use it as overall light in a room? Or will the chandelier be used to create a mood in the room? What style works well with your current décor? Once you’ve figured that out, measure the space using the formula room length + room width = chandelier diameter in inches to determine the right size chandelier for any room in your home.

Is It Better for a Chandelier to Be Too Big or Too Small

A chandelier is automatically the center of attention in any room–making a bold statement is the point. If your chandelier is too small, it may not make the design impact you want. It might overpower all the other design elements and feel out of place if it is too big. If you fall in love with a chandelier slightly larger, go for the bold choice. But be sure to consider ceiling height, traffic flow, and furniture placement. Proportionality and placement are key to maintaining balance.

Celeste 8 Light Chandelier by Generation Lighting

@jlv_creative, photography by @franziannika.photography

The smooth, sculptured, multi-tier rings of the Celeste 8 Light Chandelier by Generation Lighting make a stunning statement in this dining room. The airy look of the design takes up less visual space, making it the ideal choice for this small dining area. The aged iron and gold finish accentuates its modern rustic appeal and playful movement.

Chandelier Size Guide for Dining Rooms

The dining room is the most traditional and popular place for a chandelier. This makes getting the size right critical to creating not only visual balance but also an enjoyable ambiance for dining. As a general rule, the chandelier should be one-half to two-thirds the width of the dining room table, and the bottom should hang 30-36 inches above it so that you have room for centerpieces or other décor and dishes while keeping an intimate feeling.

For long, rectangular dining tables, consider installing two smaller chandeliers or a linear light fixture to ensure even lighting over its entire length.

Calypso 30 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Crystorama

328designgroup

A pair of Calypso 30 Inch 6 Light Chandeliers by Crystorama bring elegant practicality to this dining area. Each one is perfectly placed above the table beneath, illuminating the room with its abundance of clear drops and balls. This pairing complements and highlights the casual sophistication of the space.

Choosing the Right Size Chandelier for Living Rooms and Family Rooms

Using the formula above, you can determine the right size chandelier for your living or family rooms. These versatile spaces can generally handle larger chandeliers, especially if they have high ceilings or open floor plans. For a typical 12×16 living room, a chandelier with a diameter of 24-30 inches works well. If the room has a ceiling higher than 9 feet, you can choose a chandelier that hangs lower, but leave at least 7 feet of clearance to keep it from obstructing traffic flow. Center the lighting over the main seating area or coffee table.

Piemonte 32 Inch Chandelier by Corbett Lighting

@larinakase, photographer by @jonfriedrich

Centered over the coffee table and lined up with the fireplace, the Piemonte 32 Inch Chandelier by Corbett Lighting transforms this living room with a beautiful focal point. The royal gold finish and handmade glass shade give you the perfect mix of form and function.

Chandelier Size Guide for Entryways and Foyers

Good lighting is one of the best ways to make a good impression in your entryway, and a chandelier will certainly do it. However, as with other areas of the home, getting the size right, especially this area, is essential. Creating accent layers and using decorative fixtures make this space warm and welcoming.

Tips for lighting your entryway:

Use the room length + room width formula to determine the diameter of your chandelier. Then, use your ceiling height to determine your chandelier’s ideal height (also known as the width). The rule of thumb is that a hanging lighting fixture should have 2 to 3 inches of height/width for each foot of ceiling height. In addition, the bottom of the fixture should be no lower than 7 feet from the floor. As well for a two-story foyer with 18 to 20-foot or higher ceilings, it is recommended to hang the fixture level with the second floor.

Galahad 43 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Currey and Company

@_mscreative

The unique Galahad 43 Inch 12 Light Chandelier by Currey and Company will stop your guests in their tracks when they enter your home. Myriad recycled, recast glass discs are individually attached by hand to hang from an immense wrought iron frame finished in bronze to make this shapely chandelier a true statement piece. When lit, the light travels around the shade to glint through each disc, depending on the position from which it is viewed.

Bedroom Chandelier Size: Getting the Proportions Right

Chandeliers have moved into bedrooms, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to this deeply personal space. Getting the scale right is essential to create a serene and comfortable haven. Using the formula, calculate the diameter ideal for your bedroom, then, as above, 2-3 inches per foot of ceiling height to get the right proportion. But it’s not just about size – other things to consider include matching your décor and balancing light levels. A fancy chandelier can make a simple bedroom feel more rich and special.

Tilda Chandelier by Arteriors Home

@annahislophome

Natural wood and neutral white make this bedroom a relaxing retreat from the world. The whitewashed arms of the Tilda Chandelier by Arteriors Home work well with the natural wood headboard, adding a bit of whimsy to the décor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Chandelier Size

• Make sure your chandelier leaves enough clearance in areas where people walk or sit, especially over tables and in entryways.
• Be sure to take your room’s measurements with you when chandelier shopping, and includeceiling height.
• Even the right-sized chandelier can feel off if it’s not placed correctly. Always center it over key areas like the dining table, seating arrangement, or entryway.
• Make sure your chandelier leaves enough clearance in areas where people walk or sit, especially over tables and in entryways.

If you are looking for the perfect chandelier for any room in your home, make Capitol Lighting your first stop. Check out our online catalog or visit a local lighting showroom near you for the largest selection and expert advice.