Choosing the Right Sized Chandelier

How Wide?

Simply add the width and length of your room and use this sum as a starting point. For example, if your room is 12´x14´, we would suggest looking for a 26" wide chandelier. Consider choosing slightly smaller if you feel liked your room is overly full or close. Or consider going a bit larger for an open room or a room with a high ceiling. If you are putting your chandelier in a two story foyer, remember that the higher you hang a chandelier, the smaller it looks, so you can go bigger than the formula suggests. For living rooms, bedrooms, or baths where it is necessary to walk under the chandelier, you might need to choose smaller than the formula suggests.

How Many Lights?

Each of our sockets can carry 60 watts, but 40 watts is usually sufficient and more flattering to the chandeliers. Smaller rooms do fine with 6 to 8 lights, but larger rooms may require 8 or more lights if the chandelier is your only light source. Using a dimmer with allow you to adjust brightness as needed and add to the lifetime of your bulbs.

What Length?
Whatever fits! For a dining room, from your ceiling height subtract your table height, the distance you desire from the table to the bottom of the chandelier, and 4" for the ceiling hardware. This figure represents the maximum length that your chandelier can be. If your choice of fixture is shorter than this figure, you will need to use chain. For living rooms or other rooms that must have a walking clearance, 6´6" or more is an appropriate clearance. Subtract your desired clearance form your total ceiling height, less 4" more for hardware. This will give you your maximum chandelier length.


How Far from the Table?
We advise anywhere from 29" to 34", your preference. This is high enough to be out of the way, but low enough to complement your table. If you have high ceilings, or like tall center pieces, you may want to consider 36" or more off the top of the table.