How do I choose the right size chandelier?
You want the size of your chandelier to complement the room that it is in. Finding the right size chandelier for your room does not have to be a difficult task. There are simple formulas that can help you. Ultimately, use your own discretion and taste when it comes to the final decision about the chandelier’s size. Your opinion is the most important one.
- Measure the width and length of the room in feet. Add those numbers together; the sum equals the desired diameter of the chandelier in inches.
- For example: 14′ x 16′ room (14 + 16 = 30), the chandelier diameter should be 30 inches.
Tip: Keep in mind that a chandelier will look smaller as you hang it higher, you might want to add a few inches to the diameter for high ceilings or second story foyers. The reverse is true for low ceilings. Generally, you will want the bottom of chandelier to hang about 7 feet above the floor.
Can you tell me more about hanging in two story foyers?
Take into account windows or architectural accents, you may want your chandelier to center in the windows so it can be viewed from outside. If the second story looks down upon the room, the fixture should not hang below the second floor. Do your best to visualize the room and the chandelier together.
For installation in a walkway:
- Measure your ceiling height, in this example 16 feet
- Convert to inches 16 x 12 = 192 inches
- Distance from floor is 7 foot, 7 x 12 = 84 inches
- Overall height of the chandelier (including cord/chain) 192 – 84 = 108 inches
- Height of the chandelier (excluding cord/chain) , in this example 32 inches
- Suspension length required is calculated 108 – 32 = 76 inches of cord/chain required
For centering in a window:
- Measure your ceiling height, in this example 16 feet
- Convert to inches 16 x 12 = 192 inches
- Measure the distance from ceiling to top of window = 36 inches
- Measure the distance from bottom to top of window = 60 inches
- Calculate center of window 60 / 2 = 30 inches
- Subtract the top of window distance from the ceiling height 192 – 36 = 156 inches
- Subtract the center of window measurement 156 – 30 = 126 inches
- In this example the chandelier height is 32 inches (excluding cord/chain)
- Calculate ½ of the height of the chandelier 32 / 2 = 16 inches
- Subtract the ½ height number from step 7 above 126 – 16 = 110 inches
- Calculate the length of cord/chain by subtracting chandelier height 110 – 32 = 78 inches
Based on the preceding measurements, the lowest point of the chandelier should rest is 110 inches. This is the overall height required to center in this window. Overall height (OAH) includes chandelier and suspension.
What if I am hanging the chandelier over a table?
First keep in mind your friends and family, if you have tall people, you may want to hang the chandelier a bit higher than the example given here. Temporarily hold the chandelier in place and have the tallest sit at the table and see what is comfortable for them.
Most often the chandelier size is chosen based on the size of the table. There are two methods used for choosing the diameter (width or length) of the chandelier. The first is the diameter of the chandelier should be half the width of the table. The second is the diameter should be 2-feet narrower than the table. Generally the chandelier should hang 32 to 36 inches above the table.
- The table width is 37.5 inches for this example
- To calculate the chandelier size multiply the table width by 2/3: 37.5 x .667 (2/3) = 25 inches
Tip: Remember, when in doubt, it is always better to go a bit larger than smaller. A larger chandelier will look like you are making a statement with it. A chandelier that is too small will get lost in the space.
What should I do over a counter or sink?
When hanging over a counter, the fixture should not be lower than 69 inches. Again, keep in mind the tallest person in your family; you will want it to hang above eye level. Check local codes before installing over a sink or in a bath/powder room. Generally code prohibits fixtures being hung low enough for people to touch them when they have their hands in water. You may need to hang them a bit higher in those situations.
Do you have any suggestions for cleaning my chandelier?
That is a good question and depends on how many crystals, bobbles or beads (chandelier dressing) are on your chandelier. Here are some recommendations that apply to both casual and well dressed chandeliers.
- First and always – turn off the power and let the fixture cool.
- Always, always – make a diagram or photograph it before disassembling. You may think you know where everything goes, but odds are you may find yourself scratching your head while staring at a mound of crystals.
- Place a thick blanket under your fixture, hopefully this will cushion anything you might drop and keep it from breaking or scratching your table.
- Do not turn your chandelier as you clean it. Keep the fixture stationary while you walk around it.
- Gently remove the trimmings and place them in a plastic colander.
- Use a small amount of mild dish soap and rinse well with hot water. Tips: The hotter the water, the fewer the spots. Harsh chemicals may darken metal pieces, use mild dish soap only.
- The body of the fixture can be dusted with a soft dry cloth or wiped with glass cleaner. Tips: Dust before you polish. Never spray cleaner directly on the fixture, always spray the cloth and then wipe and polish. The more lint-free cloth you use, the better the results.
- Don’t forget to wipe the dust off your light bulbs and replace any burnt out ones.
- When redressing the chandelier: Work from the inside out. A quick polish on each piece will take care of any lingering water spots.
Tip: If your chandelier has crystals that are flat on one side, place the flat side out. While the tendency is to place the flat side in, the facet side needs to face the center so the light will refract through the crystal.