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How to Size a Chandelier
How to Choose the Right Diameter for Your Chandelier
There is a very simple rule to follow when sizing your chandelier for the centre of your room. Simply add the length and width of the room toghether in feet. Convert this figure to inches and you will have the recommended diameter for your chandelier.
Example:
Length of room = 25ft
Width of room = 16ft
Diameter of chandelier = 25+16 = 41ft
= 41 inch diameter chandelier.
While you may not find your dream chandelier at exactly the suggested diameter, this formula is important to provide an indication of what is going to look too small or too large in your space. Many lighting manufacturers produce their chandeliers and pendants in various sizes to ensure you achieve the right look for your room.
How to Select the Right Height Chandelier
As a general rule, the higher your ceilings, the taller your chandelier can be. The most important measurement is the distance between the floor and the bottom of the chandelier itself. The last thing you want is to be bumping your head off a light fitting every time you walk through a room!
To work out a recommended height of your chandelier in centimentres, multiply the height of your ceiling by 6.5 to 7.5. The standard ceiling height in the UK is 2.4 metres, this would allow for a chandelier height of 50-60cm.
If you have high ceilings, you will want to avoid the possibility of your chandelier getting lost in the space. As a starting point, add 7.5cm of hanging height for every 30cm of height.
Like with every rule, there are exceptions. You may want to hang your chandelier at lower heights for dramatic effect, such as the Nurra chandelier below.
How Much Height Clearance do you Need When Hanging a Chandelier?
In an open space, i.e your living room or hallway, you will want to leave at least 2.1m of clearnace between the bottom of your chandelier and the floor. This will allow your tallest friends to pass through the space without any issues.
When haning chandeliers over your dining room table or kitchen island, 75 to 85cm is the recommended space to leave between your table and light fitting. It is important to note that if you are planning on hanigng a chandelier over your table, it should not exceed 2/3's or 3/4's of the width of the table. For an in depth look at sizing kitchen pendants and chandelieres, read our dedicated article here.
How to Pick the Right Pendant Lighting
Thinking of purchasing the perfect pendant lights instead of a chandelier? Check out our 4 Step Sizing Guide for Pendant Lighting!
If you would like any help with selecting the perfect lighting for your home or busienss, our team of lighting experts are here to help! Contact us or give us a call on 02890 666615.
- Author: Tom Cargan-James
- Posted: on 31 July 2021