From time-honored crystal candlestick chandeliers to contemporary fixtures made from glass and steel, the chandelier has never been limited to one specific style, shape, or size. Traditionally, most people associate chandeliers with dining rooms; today, chandeliers are placed in any room where there is a need for an additional source of soft, elegant lighting. Because of their popularity, we regularly have customers ask the following questions as they begin their search for an appropriate chandelier.
1) How high should a chandelier hang above the dining table?
We suggest staying within a small range of heights varying from 30″ to 34″ above the table, although there will probably be some fine tuning involved specific to each installation. Typically, chandeliers come with extra links which enable the hanging height to be adjusted according to what is most pleasing to the eye. Something to consider for ceilings above eight feet high–you will want to raise the hanging height by 3″ per each additional foot of ceiling height.
2) What size chandelier should I be looking for?
The size of your chandelier is almost directly related to the size of another piece–your dining room table. A good rule of thumb to follow is that the width of the fixture should be one-third to one-half the width of your dining room table. Always keep in mind the height of the chandelier in relation to ceiling height. A 36″ high chandelier would not be ideal for a room with nine foot ceilings.
3) Do the same set of rules apply to hanging a chandelier in a foyer?
Not necessarily. Some guidelines to follow in the foyer, and in any area that will not be anchored by a table, is that the fixture should be suspended at least seven feet about the finished floor to safeguard against clearance issues. Not sure about the diameter? Try taking the width of the intended room and adding that dimension to the length. For example, a foyer measuring 10′ wide by 12′ long could use a 22″ wide chandelier hung seven feet above the floor.
Chandeliers are no longer confined to the dining room. They can provide an alternative source of light over a seating area in the living room…
An elegant addition to a powder room…
Add softness to the master bedroom…
Or provide a break from the traditional in a library…
Of course many of these guiding principles are just suggestions to aid in your decorating journey. There are always exceptions to the rule as each home has its own individual character; given their time to shine, chandeliers will always provide a unique statement in any living space. Please stop by any of our stores where we not only can provide you with additional advice, but also an assortment of in-stock and special order chandeliers.
