How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier for Any Room of Your Home

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Your Guide to the Perfect Size Chandelier For Any Room

What is the right size chandelier for a room? I’ve got a simple formula for a dining room chandelier size or any other room that needs a chandelier.

The super simple rule for picking the right size light fixture

What size chandelier do I need for a dining room? Whether you are searching for the perfect light figure above a table or choosing a show stopping entryway chandelier, you can rely on this simple formula to get the perfect scale light fixture every time.

I’ve also listed a few of other scenarios that require a bit of variation on length and spacing. This includes instructions on what height you should hang them.

But, before you add that perfect looking chandelier to your cart, make sure you review these rules. I want your light fixture to look as beautiful in your house as it does online (or in store). Ensuring that it is the proper size has a lot to do with that.

TYPES OF LIGHTING

The first consideration you need to make before “adding to cart” will be the purpose of the light and how it relates to the types of lighting. As you know, in each room, you need multiple light sources to appropriately light the space. There are 4 main types of lighting: ambient, accent, task, and daylight.

Let’s talk about each of them before you order the perfect fixture.

Ambient (or general)

Ambient lighting is the general lighting in the room. It provides the overhead lighting, usually by a chandelier, recess lighting or ceiling (can) lights. The ambient lighting can be the “mood lighting” if you put the fixture on a dimmer. It provides the general light for a room or entryway.

Accent

Next we have accent lighting. Accent lighting is the decorative lighting in a room (or outside on the house). Examples of accent lights would be outdoor landscape feature lights, sconces on a dining room wall, lighting over a piece of artwork (i.e. art lamp). Table lamps are another source of accent lighting.

How do you know if it is accent lighting?  An accent light will typically provide a decorative touch to the space, can be useful, but isn’t the primary light source in a room.

You should use accent lighting sparingly so that it has a larger impact.

TASK LIGHTING

Task lighting has a specific purpose to help better light the space in which you are performing tasks. You will commonly hear designers refer to task lighting in a a kitchen, whether it be over the island or under cabinet lighting in the food prep area. Another common use for task lighting is in an office or studio, by a desk lamp or track lighting aimed towards an easel.

Task lighting should be an additional feature to help the room’s function, but not the only light source.

Daylight

While you can’t add a “daylight” to a room, it is a really important factor to consider when choosing the number of light fixtures and their placement. Natural light can produce feelings of warms and openness in a room when it is diffused.

However, it can also be harsh, glaring and produce heat if the room is facing into the sunlight and there are no window treatments to diffuse the light. A room that gets terrific daylight may not need as many task lights during the day. Alternatively, a room that doesn’t have any natural light can require additional lighting.

How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com

How to Choose the Right Chandelier Width

Picking out a new light fixture is a great way to update a room or add personality to it. You want to make sure you choose the correct scale light so that it looks like a good fit for the room and your money isn’t wasted. Luckily, there is a simple formula for buying the correct lighting size.

The formula goes like this:  Length of room (in feet) + width of room (in feet) = ideal diameter of light fixture (in inches).

1. Measure the length

Measure the length of the room and round to the nearest foot. If the room has odd angles and no long solid wall, choose the longest sight line. That means measure from one wall to the opposite wall.

Example 12’4″ length = 12.

2. Measure the width

Next, you should measure the width of the room. Example: the room is 11′ 8″ across round up is 12.

3. Add measurements together as inches by swapping feet (24′) for inches (24″).

12′ + 12′ (11.8 rounded up) = 24″ width for chandelier 

Specific Light Fixture Sizes

Chandelier Size For Dining Table

What’s the right size chandelier for a dining room? The rule of thumb is that it should be 1/2- 2/3 the width of the table (the short measurement, not the length of the table). Hang it so that the lowest point is 36″ above the tabletop.

Entryway Chandelier Size

Formula for Chandelier Width: Length of room (in feet) + Width (in feet) = Diameter of fixture in inches.

CHANDELIER SIZE CALCULATOR

FAQ’S About What Size Chandelier For A Room

  • What size chandelier do I need for a dining room? The best size light fixture for a dining room is half to two-thirds the width of the table.
  • What size chandelier for a foyer? Add the foyer length plus foyer width in feet and it is equivalent to the proper chandelier size diameter in inches. For length the top of the chandelier should be at eye-level from the second story banister. 
  • What size chandelier for a bedroom? Bedroom chandeliers should be 15″ to 24″ depending on the size of the room. Rooms larger than 18′ x 18′ should opt for 30″+ wide chandeliers.
  • What size chandelier for a 48″ round table? The chandelier should be 15″ to 30″ in diameter. 
  • What size chandelier for a 54″ round table? Best chandelier size range is 15″ to 30″ diameter. 
  • What size chandelier for a 60″ round table? The best chandelier size for a 54″ table is 30″ to 34″ in diameter. 
  • What size chandelier do I need for a stairwell? Use the same formula as you would for an entryway or foyer. 
four gold decorative chandelier lighting

Choosing the Proper Chandelier Length

Now that we have gone over how to measure for the perfect chandelier size in width, we can move on to finding the right length for your specific space.

The perfect chandelier size for a two story foyer
image via pinterest: decorpad.com

Two Story Foyer Light

If your entry foyer is two stories and in front of your staircase, the fixture should be part of both the second floor and ground floor.

You don’t want to be looking down at the entire fixture while at the top of the stairs. You also don’t want the fixture to be all the way to the ceiling in the entryway.

So, if the light fixture transcends both spaces, a good rule of thumb is to image you are reaching out from the top floor railing towards the fixture. This touch point should be the middle line of the chandelier (please don’t try this– imagine, just imagine).

The photo above is a perfect example of how if you were standing at the railing (and could touch) you would reach the middle of the fixture. In the photo, the brass is below your sightline and the shades are above your sightline.

How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
Horchow.com

Island Pendant Size

Second, is your kitchen island lighting. As we discusses earlier, island lighting is task lighting. Because it is in the center of the room, it should also be a showstopper. You want to get the size and placement correct. This guide will help you out.

Measure the length of the Island.

  • 60″ L

Determine the number of pendants and add up their width.

  • 2 pendants at 6″ diameter each = 12″

Subtract the pendant diameter from the island length.

  • 60″- 12″ = 48

Add 1 to the number of pendants (to account for space on each end).

  • 2 pendants + (1) = 3 pendants

Divide the number of pendants +1 (3 in this example) into the Length calculated (48″).

Example: 60″ L // 2 pendants at 6″ diameter each = 12″ // 60″-12″ = 48″ // 48″ divided by 3 = 16″ between pendants over the island. 

You will want to aim for 16″ between each the two pendants over the island.

A good rule of thumb is to hang small to medium-sized pendants 66″-72″ off the floor to the bottom of each fixture.

Dining Room Chandelier/Kitchen Table Light Size

Next, we are talking about the lighting in your dining area or eat in kitchen table. You should hang the chandelier 36″ high from table top. The chandelier size should be half the width of the table (short side). Conveniently, most chandeliers have an adjustable chain that will help you get it perfect every time.

four flush mount lighting examples

Under 8′ Ceilings

In bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms with ceilings 8′ feet and under, opt for a flush mount or semi flush mount fixture. Leave a  7′ clearance from the bottom of the fixture to the floor.

For bathrooms, above a tub you’ll need 8′ clearance to be in compliance with building codes. This is often difficult with an 8′ ceiling, so opt to hang a fixture 3′ to the side of the the tub (centered on the room if space allows). You are then allowed to size the height to a 7′ clearance, giving yourself an extra 12″ for the size of the fixture.

Taller than 9′ Ceilings

Don’t you love a grand room with tall ceilings? I certainly do! It feels so luxurious. In a grand room, you’ll opt for a 2 or 3 tiered chandelier so that the fixture is large enough relative to the ceiling height and all of that open space above.

The rule of thumb for the chandelier size (length in inches) is: 2.5 inches in fixture height per 1 foot of room height. Example: A room with 20 foot high ceilings X 2.5 = 50 inches. Your chandelier should be 50″ long.

Also consider how low you will hang the fixture so that it isn’t floating too high and not anchored to the room.

Conclusion

To recap the rules for measuring and choosing the best chandelier size:

CHEAT SHEET

  • Length of room (in feet) + width of room (in feet) = ideal diameter of light fixture (in inches)
  • Over dining table: 1/2- 2/3 the width of the table; hang 36” from tabletop
  • Entryway: Length of room (in feet) + Width (in feet) = Diameter of fixture in inches
  • Two Story Entry: hang at the middle of sight line of 1st and 2nd floor
  • 8’ ceilings and under: 12” chandelier or less; leave 7’ clearance
  • 9’ + ceilings: 2.5 inches in fixture height per 1 foot of room height

Lastly, I’ve made this awesome Chandelier Measurement Worksheet for you to print and download.  Click on the photo or text and download or print the file.

As you measure the room, jot down the dimensions and calculate the perfect chandelier size for each room of your house. I’ve included a cheat sheet at the bottom of the worksheet for quick reference.

CHANDELIER SIZE WORKSHEET

FAVORITE LIGHT FIXTURE ROUND UP

Congrats! You’ve made it to the end of the post. I hope you feel confident ordering a chandelier now with the simple formula for getting the right size light fixture.

Here are my favorite chandeliers, entryway lights and flush mount fixtures.

This post may contain affiliate links- meaning when you purchase through the link and I receive a small commission. It feeds my Starbucks addiction & for that I thank you! You can see my full disclosure policy here.

GREAT ENTRYWAY OR DINING CHANDELIERS

Check out my favorite large chandeliers by searching “entry chandelier”.

BEST OF FLUSH MOUNT AND SEMI FLUSH MOUNT LIGHT FIXTURES

Happy Chandelier shopping!!

How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com

How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com
How to Pick the Perfect Size Chandelier-- your guide to choosing the perfect chandelier size from StampinFool.com

How to Choose the Perfect Size Chandelier Worksheet - StampinFool.com Do you want to know what size chandelier to buy and how to measure for it? This worksheet with a built in cheat sheet will help you jot down and calculate your perfect chandelier size.

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