Correctly selected size of the chandelier is the key to high-quality and unobtrusive lighting. Let's figure out how to choose the right chandelier size. We need to understand what length, diameter and overall dimensions of the lamp will fit a certain room and give a sufficient amount of brightness.
1. Determine the diameter of a chandelier
Measure the length and width of the space, sum them up, divide by 0.14 and get the approximate diameter for the chandelier in centimeters.
For example: 16 feet (room length) + 10 feet (room width) = 26 feet; the chandelier should be about 23.6 inches in diameter.
2. Determine the height of a chandelier
Measure the distance from floor to ceiling and multiple by 2.5. The result will be the optimal height of the chandelier.
For example: the height of the room is 12 feet. 12 x 2.5 = 30. The height of the chandelier should be about 30 inches.
3. Determine how high a chandelier should hang
If you are placing the chandelier above an open floor, the bottom of the chandelier must be at least 7 feet from the floor. If you want a chandelier that don't need a lot of space in your room, pay attention to flush-mount ceiling chandeliers.
Another approach should be to dining room chandeliers and kitchen island lighting. If you are hanging the chandelier above the dining table, the bottom of the chandelier should be 30-35 inches from the tabletop.
Rules for other types of rooms
Dining room / Kitchen island
If you are placing a chandelier for kitchen island, you can also choose the size of the chandelier based on the size of your dining table. We recommend that the width or diameter of the chandelier be between 1/2 and 2/3 the width of the dining table.
Let's say your dining table is 32 inches wide and 67 inches long.
If you choose a round chandelier, its diameter should be between 16 (32 x 0.5) and 24 (32 x 0.75) inches.
If you choose a rectangular chandelier, it should be 16 to 24 inches wide and 33 to 44 inches long (same approach - 1/2 to 2/3 the length of the dining table).
Hallway / Corridor
The size of the chandelier for corridors or hallways should be determined by the width of the room. The width of the corridor divided by 5 will be equal to the diameter of the chandelier in inches.
For example, the width of the hallway is 6.5 feet. The diameter of the chandelier should be about 16 (6.5 x 2.5) inches.
If there is a need to illuminate the corridor with several pendant lights, we recommend placing them:
- in the center of the ceiling;
- at a distance of at least a meter from each other;
- at a height of at least 7 feet from the floor.
Two-Story Foyer with Staircase
For two stores, what you also need to consider is how will it look from the second floor. In general, staircase chandeliers will be a good choice for such a space. In term of placing, below are two commonly seen guidance:
1. The general guideline is to use the second floor as a reference point. Hanging the chandelier slightly lower than or at the top of the staircase. This way, when you are at the top of the staircase, the top of the chandelier will be at your eye-level.
2. On the other hand, many designers advocate for making the chandelier the focal point or placing the chandelier about another architectural features. If there is a large transparent window above the door, it should be centered in the window for best visual result from outside.