If you are sizing the chandelier to your room, measure the length and width of your room in feet and add those two numbers together. The sum of those numbers converted into inches is the diameter of light fixture you require for your room. This calculation works for any room.
Example: 12’ x 10’ room (12 + 10 = 22) a chandelier with a diameter of 22” would be appropriate.
If you are sizing the chandelier to your dining table, the diameter should be one half to two thirds the width of the table, and no greater than 12” narrower than the width of the table.
Example: 48” diameter round table
MINIMUM DIAMETER one half of 48” (48 ÷ 2 = 24) two thirds of 48” (48 ÷ 3 = 16) (16 x 2 = 32) the minimum diameter of the chandelier is 24-32”.
MAXIMUM DIAMETER (48 – 12 = 36) the maximum diameter of the chandelier is 36”.
A chandelier with a diameter between 24-36” would be the correct size for a 48” diameter table.
Another consideration when determining the correct size of chandelier for your dining room is the actual height of the fixture. A good rule to follow is for every foot of ceiling height, the chandelier should be 3” in height. Rooms with ceilings 9’ tall or more can handle larger chandeliers with two tiers to fill the space.
HOW HIGH SHOULD I HANG MY CHANDELIER?
CAN I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHANDELIER?
If your dining table is long, consider hanging two fixtures instead of one. Choose chandeliers with a diameter one third of the width of the table and hang centered on each half of the table.
Example: 48” x 96” table (48 ÷ 3 = 16) two 16” diameter chandeliers would be ideal.
Pendants in groupings of three are also popular. Three pendants with a diameter approximately one quarter of the width would be luminous.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO I NEED?
SHOULD BULBS FACE UP OR DOWN?
If the table is used for other purposes such as homework or crafting, then having the bulbs facing down will create a task light which will illuminate the table even more.
CHANDELIER IS NOT CENTERED?
CEILING MEDALLIONS
Medallions are a decorative way to enhance your chandelier. Medallions should be about two thirds the diameter of the chandelier. Measure the length and width of your room and multiply to get the square footage, then divide by 7. This will give you the correct diameter in inches of the medallion you should use.
Example: 10’ x 10’ room (10 x 10 = 100) (100 ÷ 7 = 14) a 14” diameter medallion would be appropriate with a 20” diameter chandelier.
WALL SCONCES & TABLE LAMPS
Sconces are a beautiful way to illuminate the walls of your dining room and add another layer of light. Choose sconces from the same lighting family as your chandelier for a unified look, or choose ones that compliment it by having the same finish. Sconces should be mounted 60” from the floor and 6-8’ apart. They look great on either side of a mirror or artwork. Tall table lamps on a buffet or sideboard look stunning and give you additional light as well.
MINIMUM DIAMETER one half of 48” (48 ÷ 2 = 24) two thirds of 48” (48 ÷ 3 = 16) (16 x 2 = 32) the minimum diameter of the chandelier is 24-32”.
MAXIMUM DIAMETER (48 – 12 = 36) the maximum diameter of the chandelier is 36”.
A chandelier with a diameter between 24-36” would be the correct size for a 48” diameter table.
Another consideration when determining the correct size of chandelier for your dining room is the actual height of the fixture. A good rule to follow is for every foot of ceiling height, the chandelier should be 3” in height. Rooms with ceilings 9’ tall or more can handle larger chandeliers with two tiers to fill the space.
HOW HIGH SHOULD I HANG MY CHANDELIER?
For a standard 8’ ceiling, chandeliers should hang about 30-32” above the surface of the table for good illumination. For each additional foot of ceiling height, raise the chandelier 3”.
CAN I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHANDELIER?
If your dining table is long, consider hanging two fixtures instead of one. Choose chandeliers with a diameter one third of the width of the table and hang centered on each half of the table.
Example: 48” x 96” table (48 ÷ 3 = 16) two 16” diameter chandeliers would be ideal.
Pendants in groupings of three are also popular. Three pendants with a diameter approximately one quarter of the width would be luminous.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO I NEED?
Multiply the dimensions of your room to get the total square footage, then multiply that number by 1.5 for the number of watts you require.
Example: 10’ x 12’ room (10 x 12 = 120) (120 x 1.5 = 180) 180 watts of total illumination is required for the room.
Dining room chandeliers should always be on a dimmer switch. This allows you to have the full wattage of your fixture available to you when you need it, but also allows for more appropriate mood lighting for dining.
SHOULD BULBS FACE UP OR DOWN?
The chandelier in your dining room is your main source of light, referred to as ambient light. There is no right or wrong way for the bulbs to face and your decision is based purely on your preference.
Bulbs that face upwards direct the light towards the ceiling. The light is reflected off the ceiling, creating a diffused light throughout the room. This style is general preferred to minimize the harsh glare from light bulbs while dining. Many drum shade fixtures have glass diffusers on the bottom to create a softer light.
CHANDELIER IS NOT CENTERED?
This is a common issue that many home owners must deal with. A chain-hung chandelier will be required with use of a swag hook so the fixture can be centered over your dining table. If you can have an electrician move the octagon box, use a medallion to cover the hole from the old box.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
ADDITIONAL TIPS
CHANDELIER SHAPE
Matching the shape of your chandelier to your table is a great way to bring continuity to your dining room. Use a linear fixture over a long rectangular table, or a round drum shade over a circular table to compliment your table and enhance the space.
CEILING MEDALLIONS
Medallions are a decorative way to enhance your chandelier. Medallions should be about two thirds the diameter of the chandelier. Measure the length and width of your room and multiply to get the square footage, then divide by 7. This will give you the correct diameter in inches of the medallion you should use.
Example: 10’ x 10’ room (10 x 10 = 100) (100 ÷ 7 = 14) a 14” diameter medallion would be appropriate with a 20” diameter chandelier.
WALL SCONCES & TABLE LAMPS
Sconces are a beautiful way to illuminate the walls of your dining room and add another layer of light. Choose sconces from the same lighting family as your chandelier for a unified look, or choose ones that compliment it by having the same finish. Sconces should be mounted 60” from the floor and 6-8’ apart. They look great on either side of a mirror or artwork. Tall table lamps on a buffet or sideboard look stunning and give you additional light as well.
DESIGNER TIP
Many designers prefer to hang a slightly oversized fixture. It is always better to have an oversized chandelier than one that is too small.
LOVE IT!
No matter what your style is, make sure you pick a chandelier that you love because it will be the focal point of your dining room.