Round or Oval Chandeliers: While not the traditional choice for a rectangular table, round or oval chandeliers can create a captivating contrast. Placed strategically above the table's center, they add a dynamic focal point and introduce a softer element to the space.
The best way to achieve this is to select a fixture that's diameter is somewhere between half and three quarters the diameter (or width) of the tabletop. For example, if the dining room table was 48" wide x 60" long, the chandelier that is 24" to 36" in diameter would be an appropriate size to compliment the table.
A linear light fixture might not look the best over a round table. But you could install two round lights over a rectangular table. Or center a round fixture over a rectangular table with a recessed downlight on each side. A streamlined monorail system with small pendants would also look great over a rectangular table.
As a general rule of thumb, the chandelier should be positioned about 30 to 36 inches above the table surface. You want enough clearance to get in and out of your seat without bonking your head, but you also want the chandelier to be a star in the show.
The shape of your chandelier should complement the shape of the dining room table. A round table looks best with a chandelier that is either round or square.
For a round or rectangular table, a chandelier should be about ½ to ⅔ the length of the table. A round table should have a round or square shaped chandelier as a rectangular or narrow chandelier would be harder to balance.
Round Tables in Large Dining Rooms
For larger dining areas, the shape becomes more about personal style preference and number of people to seat. A spacious 14'x18' area fits a large round table beautifully, even though the dining space is rectangular.
Standard Height Recommendation
The generally accepted rule for hanging dining room chandeliers is that the bottom of the fixture should hang between 30 and 36 inches above the top of the dining table. This range assumes you have an 8-foot ceiling.
Contemporary crystal lighting is not your grandmother's chandelier. Gone are the days of stuffy, outdated fixtures. Our crystal lighting embraces sleek, modern designs that blend seamlessly with any decor style.
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.
A chandelier or other low-hanging fixtures should be centered over the dining table, not centered in the middle of the room. For example, if you have other furniture in the room, your table may not be exactly in the center of the space – and that's okay.
Rectangular table. For a rectangular table, rectangular or oval placemats are the best choice. These shapes create beautiful symmetry and match perfectly with the straight lines of the table. Round placemats can also work well, but sometimes create too much contrast with the straight lines of the table.
The central element of dining room lighting is therefore a low-hanging pendulum or suspension light. Some tips for installation: The light must complement the size of the table so that the whole table is evenly lit. Hang the light at the correct height so as to only illuminate the table.
A handy rule of thumb is that a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges. Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height.
Linear Chandeliers are ideal for long narrow spaces and most commonly complement a rectangular table, such as over a dining room table or kitchen island.
A common rule of thumb is that the light fixture should be about one-half to two-thirds the width of your dining table. This ensures the fixture is large enough to make a visual impact without overpowering the table or the room.
If your home has a traditional or classic design, a crystal chandelier may be a better fit. Its timeless elegance can complement the grandeur of traditional architecture. On the other hand, if your home has a modern or contemporary design, a glass chandelier may be more suitable.
Let's be serious – there's no such thing as too many chandeliers. I am an absolute sucker when it comes to the romance and glamour of a chandelier casting crystalline light over a beautifully styled reception.
Chandeliers for rectangular tables are categorized under linear chandeliers. Ideal linear chandelier length is ⅓ minimum to ⅔ maximum the length of your table.
Deciding whether to have matching light fixtures in every room boils down to your personal aesthetic, the functionality of each space, and the mood you want to set. While matching fixtures can create a unified look, diversifying allows for greater expression and functionality.
When you hang a chandelier above the dining room table, the lowest part of the light fixture should be 30-36 inches above the table's surface. This is based on the assumption that your ceiling is 8 feet high. If your ceiling is higher, hang the chandelier three inches higher for every additional foot of height.
Conversely, if you want to use contrasting shapes in your fixture, suspending two or three small round chandeliers over your rectangle dining table instead of a single linear chandelier is a chic and inspired way to create texture in a room and flex your design skills.
Some couples envision their wedding reception table layout to incorporate all rectangle banquet tables or all-round tables, but we have found a mixture of rectangle banquet tables and round tables together create the most dynamic layout.
The most common table shape, rectangular dining tables are great because they can seat many guests for large-scale entertaining. Their linear shape also allows for ample room to walk around the table.