Choosing the Right Size Chandelier for Your Room

Figuring out what size chandelier will look best in your room requires a bit of simple math. Add the length and width of your room and use this number, in inches, as your starting point. You may choose to go up or down in size depending on your decor taste or room style. If you room is full of furniture, you might want to size down the chandelier, while if you room is rather empty, it can probably support a larger fixture. If you have a very high ceiling, again, you might want to consider a larger fixture. Whatever the case, there are a few standard room measurements and accompanying sizes listed below.

If your room is smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet, make sure your chandelier measures between 17 inches and 20 inches in diameter. If your room is larger - 12 feet by 12 feet - consider a 26 or 27 inch diameter fixture. Finally, if you are looking at an even larger room - 14 feet by 14 feet - consider one that is anywhere from 24 inches to 36 inches. Hang your chandelier about 30 inches above the surface so make sure the light spreads evenly. If your fixture will hang over a table, make sure the table is 12 inches wider than the chandelier you choose. Make sure the total wattage of your chandelier bulbs is 200 to 400 watts.

Chandelier length is another consideration. For a dining room, measure your ceiling height, subtract the height of your table and then subtract the distance between the table and the bottom of the chandelier from that number. That is the amount of space you have to work with, including the chandelier cord leading from the ceiling. If you plan to walk under a fixture, make sure to allow at least six and a half feet or more from the floor.

Each socket in a chandelier can carry around 60 watts maximum, but 40 watts each is usually more than enough light and looks better in the chandelier. Larger rooms might require more light so consider more wattage for those. Installing a dimmer in your chandelier is never a bad idea, and is in fact a highly recommended option.