Quick answer: for a double-height stairwell of 5 m (16.4 ft), choose a cascade or multi-pendant chandelier with a total fixture height of 1.5–2.7 m (5–9 ft), keep the lowest crystal at least 2.1 m (7 ft) above any stair tread people walk on, and size the diameter to roughly half the width of the stairwell opening. Below is the full formula, with prices and clearances.
What size chandelier does a staircase need?
Two numbers decide everything: total fixture height and diameter.
- Fixture height: allow 6–8 cm of fixture for every 30 cm of ceiling height (2.5–3 inches per foot). A 5 m stairwell supports a fixture of at least 100–125 cm — but stairwells are seen from two floors, so cascade designs of 150–270 cm usually look better because they connect the levels.
- Diameter: aim for about 1/2 to 2/3 of the narrower dimension of the stairwell opening, and keep at least 30 cm (12″) of clear air between the fixture and railings or walls.
| Stairwell height | Recommended fixture height | Typical format |
|---|---|---|
| 3 m / 10 ft | 70–100 cm | Compact cascade or 3–5 pendants |
| 4 m / 13 ft | 100–160 cm | Cascade, tiered crystal |
| 5 m / 16.4 ft | 150–270 cm | Long cascade or multi-drop cluster |
| 6 m+ / 20 ft+ | 250 cm+ (usually custom) | Custom cascade, spiral or raindrop |
How low can it hang? Drop lengths and clearances
- Above any stair tread or landing people walk on: keep the lowest point of the fixture at 2.1 m (7 ft) minimum.
- Over an open stairwell void (no foot traffic underneath): the cascade can drop much lower — this is why staircase chandeliers are ordered with custom drop lengths.
- In a two-story space, avoid ending the fixture exactly at the second-floor line; let it finish clearly above or below it so it reads as intentional from both floors.
- Measure the total drop from the mounting point (structural ceiling) to the desired lowest point — this number, plus a photo, is what a manufacturer needs to build the right cable lengths.
Which style fits which staircase?
- Spiral staircase: a vertical spiral or raindrop cascade that echoes the geometry of the stairs.
- Straight double-height stair: a cluster of pendants at staggered drop heights, or a long linear cascade.
- U-shaped stair with an open void: a tiered crystal chandelier centered in the void — the classic “wow” solution.
Browse real examples in our staircase chandelier collection.
Light output, color temperature, dimming
- 3000 K warm white is the safe choice for homes; it flatters crystal and warm metal finishes. Cool 6000 K suits some modern interiors.
- Order dimmable whenever possible — a staircase fixture doubles as ambient evening lighting.
- For a 5 m stairwell, plan on the chandelier providing accent light and add wall or stair lighting for task visibility.
What does a staircase chandelier cost?
As a realistic guide from our catalog: compact multi-pendant sets start around $650–$900; mid-size crystal cascades run $1,200–$2,500; large gold crystal cascades of 2.7 m reach $4,000+. Fully custom sizes and finishes are quoted individually — usually the deciding factors are total height, diameter, and material.
When should you go custom?
- Your drop is longer than ~3 m, or the void is an unusual shape.
- You need an exact diameter to keep railing clearances.
- You are matching a finish (brass, black, chrome) or a designer’s concept.
How to order the right fixture in 24 hours
Send us your stairwell measurements (floor-to-ceiling height, void width and length, desired lowest point) plus 2–3 photos of the space — we’ll come back within 24 hours with fixture options, exact sizes and a quote. Every made-to-order piece gets photo and video approval before shipping, and we deliver worldwide.
→ Get a custom quote (24h) | Designers and architects: trade pricing up to 30%
FAQ
How do I measure my stairwell for a chandelier?
Measure floor-to-ceiling height at the mounting point, the width and length of the open void, and the height of the lowest surface people walk under. Photos from the ground floor and upper floor help confirm proportions.
Can a chandelier hang below the second floor level?
Yes — over an open void it can drop as low as you like, as long as the lowest point stays at least 2.1 m above any walked surface.
How are long cascade chandeliers installed?
They mount to the structural ceiling (large cascades weigh 20–60 kg) and arrive with pre-set cable lengths per your measurements. We recommend a licensed electrician; installation guidance is included.
Can I get a custom size or finish?
Yes — custom heights, diameters, finishes and light temperatures are our specialty. Send your parameters through the custom quote form.