How to Choose a Chandelier

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Whether you are looking for a lighting fixture to grace your foyer, set the tone in your dining room, or add character to another room in your house, chandeliers are the classic choice for making a big impression. Today's modern, contemporary, and transitional styles offer an ever expanding array of fixture designs. In addition to style and materials, there are a variety of other factors to consider when selecting your ideal chandelier, including size, light output, type of light source, dimming options, and more. In order to help you narrow down the choices, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relevant to buying a chandelier.

What should I look for when searching for my ideal chandelier?

Aside from style, the three main factors to selecting a chandelier are: size/scale, direction of light output (glare versus glitter), and control (dimming).

Having something too big or too small can result in a disproportioned look in your space. A 30" tall chandelier hanging in the middle of the room with 8' ceilings will feel extremely low in the space and look strange. If you buy something too small, the piece may seem dwarfed by the room. When in doubt, it is better to err on the larger size, since chandeliers are statement pieces.

Use the following "rule of thumb" method to size your chandelier to be the focal point of a room (wherever it is not installed above a table or counter).

1. Measure the length and width of the room in feet.
2. Add those two numbers together.
3. The sum of those two numbers should be the diameter of your chandelier in inches.

This is just a guide, but it does provide a place to start. Try our Chandelier Sizing Tool to easily find the right sized chandelier for your space.

You also want to make sure that the light coming out of the fixture isn't glary. There is nothing worse than sitting at a dining room table with the glare of a bright bulb coming at your face. What direction is the light going? Are the bulbs concealed or exposed? If the bulbs are exposed, you should consider adding a dimmer to your chandelier to control the light output.

If I am looking for a modern or contemporary look, what lighting trends should I be focusing on?

For a more modern look and design, focus on satin nickel or chrome finishes. Bronze finishes are more commonly found in transitional fixtures, which combine design elements from both traditional and contemporary styles. Modern designs trend towards chrome and satin nickel. Also look for clean lines, with a minimal amount of ornate decoration. Keep in mind that your chandelier's finish and materials should also complement other finishes in your space.

How big should my chandelier be in my dining room?

Chandeliers are sized by diameter and height. The number of bulbs may also impact size. I recommend a chandelier's diameter to be 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your dining table. Today's average dining room chandelier is a four to six light, 26-30" diameter fixture.

Take ceiling height and chandelier height into consideration before buying, too. The chandelier should hang about 30"- 36" from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture itself. A chandelier that is too tall might end up sitting almost on top of your table! However, if you have tall ceilings a two- or three-tiered design could work great. I love the Tilda by Arteriors Home.

Try our Chandelier Size Guide to configure your ideal chandelier size based on the size of your dining table and the height of the ceiling. There are options for both square and round tables to size a dining room chandelier.

Will my chandelier be bright enough to light the whole room? How much light do I really need from my chandelier?

Chandeliers are decorative fixtures, meant to impart style and ambiance, so do not expect your chandelier to be a room's primary light source. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with a chandelier. Placing a single fixture in the center of a room and expecting it to entirely light that room is a recipe for bad lighting. This is compounded if the chandelier's bulbs are exposed, something common to many chandeliers.

Chandeliers work best as a supplementary light source and even better when incorporated into a layered lighting scheme. For example, incorporating recessed cans, cove lighting, or wall sconces in a room are great ways to accent the space, highlight walls, paintings, plants, countertops, and cabinets.

Are there chandeliers that use modern technology like LED?

Absolutely. Contemporary lighting designers and manufacturers are coming out with incredible new LED chandeliers every day. LED technology has improved so much that often you cannot tell the difference between an LED fixture and traditional incandescent one.

Even better - some lighting designers now prefer designing with LEDs, simply because they allow for some really unique design opportunities! LEDs are so small that designers don't have to worry about concealing the light source. This means there is a lot more freedom to experiment with form, function, and material.

In addition to design flexibility, other advantages of LED lighting include increased efficiency and reliability, which translates into significant energy and cost savings. LEDs run five times cooler than halogen bulbs while expending 1/5 the energy. LEDs also outlast other light sources, with a projected lifespan of about 50,000 hours— that's 25 years of use at 5 ½ hours a day.

If I buy an LED chandelier will I be able to dim it down to create a romantic atmosphere?

Many LED chandeliers are fully dimmable when paired with a compatible low voltage dimmer, but not every LED chandelier is dimmable, so this is something you want to ask before buying. Check the specifications of each individual fixture, and then refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible dimmers. Not all dimmers work with all fixtures.

Can I upgrade my existing chandelier to LED or CFL (compact fluorescent) without replacing the fixture?

Upgrading your chandelier to use LED or CFL is called retrofitting, and it is often, but not always, possible. It depends on the fixture. There are many LED and CFL retrofit bulbs available in a variety of shapes and bases that you can buy to retrofit, but you need to keep dimming in mind. If your chandelier is wired to a dimmer, you will probably need to buy a new dimmer that is compatible with your CFL or LED bulbs. Remember that a dimmer dims the bulbs, not the fixture.

Keep in mind that if your chandelier bulbs are exposed, there are LEDs and CFL bulbs that may work but also may look horrible. If you want to retrofit with a CFL or LED, buy just one bulb to see if you like it. Then replace the rest if you do.

Can I use a chandelier in any other room other than the dining room?

Of course! Chandeliers are commonly found in foyers and formal entryways, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms or powder rooms. Again, choosing where to install a chandelier depends on the size of the room, ceiling height, size of the fixture, and the surrounding décor. They can go anywhere!

Can I hang a chandelier over a dining table even if the electrical box is not centered over the table?

Yes. One of two solutions usually works. If you have drywall ceilings, an electrician can move the junction box to center over the table. This is not a simple process, as it also requires plastering over the old hole in your ceiling.

If you have concrete ceilings, the chandelier can swag over the center of the table. This means centering a hook over the table to suspend cords from the junction box to the swag hook. You could also use a hide-a-cord on the ceiling to conceal the appearance of the cord.

At what height should I hang my chandelier?

In a dining room, the goal is to suspend it low enough so that you don't catch glare from the light source but high enough so that it does not obstruct your vision. A good rule of thumb is to hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 30 - 36 inches from the top of the table. Adjust this height to suit your personal preferences or the demands of your room.

Are there any other factors I should consider when choosing a chandelier?

Sometimes it's good to have something unexpected rather than going for a "safe" look. Make sure it's something that you like!

The chandelier is a true interior design statement-maker. When we walk into a room and gaze at that sparkling halo of unparalleled perfection, our eyeballs boing out of their sockets, our blood boils, and the tears in our eyes match the crystal drops of the chandelier’s festoon.

At the very least, they can be overwhelming and make a powerful statement in the home. Learn everything you need to know by reading the Kathy Kuo Home guide on these chic light fixtures–and get the answer to the question of how big should a chandelier be over a round table? (Inquiring minds want to know!) 

And if you have additional questions about whether a chandelier is right for your home, our Design Team is always a great place to start.

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A Brief History of Chandeliers

In the opinion of the Kuotes, you can’t be a great designer without a little knowledge on the origins of a piece. The earliest chandeliers, composed of candles, were built in medieval times for the wealthy; they had ring or crown designs, and they became popular in palaces and homes of the nobility. Jump to the 18th century and they were built by Bohemian and Venetian glassmakers who incorporated lead crystal into their designs. People were blown away (as we still are today) by the beauty of the light refracted from the facets and bevels of crystal prisms.

Since then, a wide variety of lighting options have cropped up… in fact, keep on reading and we’ll outline the styles you’ll find today.

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How to Choose a Chandelier for the Entryway or Foyer 

Height:

First, let’s determine the height you’ll need. You’ll want to start by measuring the height of your room. As you may imagine, the higher the ceiling, the taller the chandelier. Then, you’ll have to do some math.

But we promise to make the math manageable with our simple ratio: 2.5 inches in fixture height per 1 foot of room height. This means that for a standard eight-foot-high ceiling, you’ll want an option with a fixture height of about 20 inches. Note: For some visually-light chandeliers, you can up the ratio to 3:1.

Diameter:

The classic rule of thumb is that your diameter should be half of the room’s parameter treated as inches. Sound complicated? It’s not as confusing as it may sound. Just add together the length of the room with the width of the room. Use that sum, but treat the sum in inches.

For people who work better with an example, imagine that your room is 10 ft by 14 ft. Add 10 plus 14 to get 24 total feet. So then, for this size room, you’ll need an option with a diameter of 24 inches. Note: For some visually-heavy chandeliers, you can instead use the diagonal of the room (treated as inches) as the diameter. Just measure out the diagonal with a tape measure (or use the Pythagorean theorem, for any math wizzes out there).

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How to Choose a Chandelier for the Dining Room Table or Kitchen Island 

Height:

Hang your fixture so that its lowest point is 30-34 inches from the tabletop (we always suggest leaning toward the higher end of this margin).

Diameter:

The diameter for a chandelier hung over a table should be one foot less than the width of the tabletop to avoid hitting heads. If you want to place two smaller chandeliers over a long table, choose a diameter that’s about one-third of the width of the table.

How to Choose a Style

Okay, you officially know how to choose the right size chandelier. But as you scroll through our wide collection of chandeliers, panic strikes again! With so many different types of chandeliers, how do you pick a chandelier that suits your design style? What shape of light fixture goes over a round table? We are here to help!

The Candle Chandelier

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The candle chandelier is the oldest and most classic chandelier style, stemming from the early medieval period. Candle chandeliers are often ornate, and they typically have scrolling arms and filigree. Although candle chandeliers now run on electricity, most candle chandeliers still feature bobeches (the drip pans beneath candles used to catch wax—and your vocab word for the day). 

The Crystal Chandelier:

The crystal chandelier emerged during the 18th century with the introduction of Murano and soda glass, which were light-weight and could be shaped into intricate designs and patterns. Crystal options can come at a high price point, but they offer a glamorous look that is sure to catch the eye. Choose a crystal chandelier to create romantic and dreamlike lighting in any room.

The Drum Chandelier:

The drum chandelier was introduced into the lighting world during the 20th century. The drum style resembles a pendant light with a material, usually a lampshade, encircling the entire light for warmer and more muted lighting.

The Island Chandelier

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The Miniature Chandelier:

The miniature chandelier (or mini chandelier) is a petite version of the grand chandelier that makes a similar statement in a room without taking up the large amount of space associated with chandeliers. 

The Modern Chandelier

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The modern style emerged during the Post-World War II era when furniture design was heavily influenced by the modernist movement. Modern chandeliers feature clean, straight lines that are unseen in any other chandelier style. These chandeliers rebel against the lavish designs of traditional chandeliers and offer very little detailing. Choose a modern option to add a contemporary, unapologetic edge to your space.

The Ring Chandelier

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The ring style uses a ring (or hoop), usually made of metal, as support for the candles or arms. The ring style is frequently associated with the Rustic Lodge style. You can just imagine it lighting up a large farm or barn house. Common motifs of ring chandeliers include branches, animal horns, plants, and distressed materials.

The Shaded Chandelier

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The shaded style adds a sense of jazz and nuance to your space. The shades will add an element of appeal to any room in your home or office. These chandeliers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they range in style from classic to modern. Choose a shaded option for your bedroom to create soft, romantic lighting.

The Tiered Chandelier:

The tiered option can come in multiple styles, from modern to rustic to Mid-Century–it can go with any type of home decor. For each tier a the fixture has, the fixture becomes larger and has more and more presence in a space. Choose a tiered option for its wow factor when it comes to light sources, whether from a high ceiling home entryway or a grand hotel lobby.  

Additional Tips for Placing Your Chandelier:

• For an entryway or foyer, place your chandelier in the exact center of the ceiling.
• If your foyer has a window above the door, your lighting should be centered in the window so that it can be seen from the outside of your home.
• If your entryway is two stories, the lighting shouldn’t hang below the second floor. If your entryway is one story, the bottom of the chandelier should be about 7 feet from the floor.
• A dining room chandelier, over a dining table, should use a dimmer switch to offer your space versatility: dim for romantic dinners or bright for helping the kids do their homework
• Visual density is important when selecting your chandelier. For smaller ones, lean more visually heavy. For a large chandelier that requires more light bulbs, choose something light and airy.
• Try placing your selection in an unexpected location, like a bathroom, entry foyer, or closet.

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