The first step to buying a chandelier is finding the right chandelier size. However, where you place the chandelier in your home impacts the size. To take the guesswork out of the process, follow our tips for both sizing and placement.
Chandelier Size
No matter what type of chandelier you are looking for – crystal, candle style, lantern, sputnik, or another design – the dimensions of your space are a key factor when picking chandelier size. If the fixture is too big or too small, the room will feel disjointed. Before you start the shopping process, we recommend measuring the length and width of your rooms as well as the height of your ceilings.
Width
Measure your room's length and width in feet, and add those two numbers together. Then use that number as the width in inches for your chandelier. For example, if your room is 10' x 16', the sum of those equals 26'. The chandelier should be 26" wide.
However, if you are placing the chandelier over a table, the width of the chandelier should be 12" narrower than the width of the table so no one bumps into it while getting in and out of their seat.
Height
Regarding chandelier height, we recommend 3" for every foot of space between the floor and ceiling. You can find this number by multiplying the height of your ceiling (in feet) by three. For example, if your ceilings are 8' high, your chandelier should be 24" tall (8 x 3 = 24).
Where to Place Your Chandelier
Positioning a chandelier consists of two main factors: where it will be placed in the room and its hanging height. Mounting the chandelier in the wrong spot will impact the room’s overall aesthetic – if it hangs too low, it will hinder the flow of traffic through your home; if it’s too high, the light may be too dim to be useful. When placing a chandelier in a specific room, reference the recommendations below.
Dining Room
Hanging Height: The bottom of the chandelier should hang 30" – 36" above the table.
Where to Hang: Mount the light above the middle of the table – not the middle of the room. If you have a sideboard or buffet table, your dining table is likely placed off-center in the room, so a chandelier hanging in the middle of the space will be confusing to the eye.
Above a Kitchen Island
Hanging Height: The bottom of the chandelier should hang 30" – 36" above the countertop.
Where to Hang: Center the chandelier in the middle of the island. However, if you are hanging multiple pendant lights or chandeliers, we recommend placing the lights 30" apart from each other along the center line of the island. If you will have three lights, center one above the middle of the island and then hang the other two 30" apart on either side.
Entryway, Bedroom, or Living Room
Hanging Height: So no one bumps their head, always have 7' of clearance between the bottom of the chandelier and the floor. However, if your ceiling is taller than 8', mount the chandelier an additional 3" higher for every extra foot above 8'.
If you have a two-story foyer, the bottom of the fixture should hang at the same level as the second floor.
Where to Hang: If you have a large foyer, a chandelier placed over a round table will provide a bold statement. In a small entryway, the chandelier should hang in the middle of the room.
If the chandelier is being hung in your bedroom or living room, place it in the middle of the room or above a bed or coffee table. Mini chandeliers also look great hanging above nightstands (but remember the 30" – 36" rule!).
Bathroom
Hanging Height: At least 8' above the highest point from the tub's edge.
Where to Hang: Due to strict building codes for wet environments, the chandelier must be at least 3' from the edge of the tub or shower.
For safety reasons, make sure that the chandelier is enclosed or made for moisture-rich environments.
