Chandeliers - is there a rule of thumb for size?

How do you know what size will look best? Is there some formula to use? Should it depend on the size of your table? Thanks!

Re: Chandeliers - is there a rule of thumb for size?

When choosing a new chandelier, numbers play an important role.

* If the room is smaller than 10' by 10', a 17" to 20" diameter chandelier would be the right size.
* If the room is about 12' x 12', a 26" or 27" chandelier would look right.
* If the room is about 14' x 14', choose a 24" to 36" chandelier.
* A chandelier should hang about 30" from the surface of the table to insure no bumped heads and good illumination.
* A chandelier should be about 12" narrower than the width of the table over which it hangs.
* Total wattage of all bulbs should be 200 to 400 to provide sufficient light.

Re: Chandeliers - is there a rule of thumb for size?

You are the best! Thanks

Re: Chandeliers - is there a rule of thumb for size?

here is some more info:

Chandelier Size Over the Dining Room Table

One universally correct formula for determining the correct size light fixture for the Dining Room is to go with a fixture that has a diameter that is half the diameter (or width) of the tabletop. For instance, if the Dining Room table is a rectangle of 48” wide x 72” long, a chandelier that is approximately 24” (half of the 48” width of the table) in diameter would look fabulous. If the table is a 60” round diameter, a 30” diameter chandelier would be appropriate.

The height of the actual chandelier should be determined on the ceiling height of the room. Many Designers follow the rule of allowing 2 ½” – 3” for each foot of a rooms height. Using this calculation, a room that has an 8’ ceiling can use a chandelier that is approximately 20” to 24” in height. If the ceiling is 10 feet high, than a light fixture that is 25” to 30” would look more appropriate.

The chandelier should be hung centered over the table (unless you are installing more than 1 fixture over the table) and the bottom of the light fixture should be about 30” above the table top.

Dining Room chandeliers should always have a dimmer switch so that you can use the Dining Room for a multiple of activities from romantic dinners to a study area for the kids.

Message edited 1/8/2007 11:02:47 PM.

Re: Chandeliers - is there a rule of thumb for size?

wow! I just picked what I liked...it worked out.