How do I choose the right size chandelier for my bedroom?

Author: Ralph Olson  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Measure your room's length and width in feet, and add those two numbers together. Then use that number as the width in inches for your chandelier. For example, if your room is 10' x 16', the sum of those equals 26'. The chandelier should be 26" wide.

What is the rule of thumb for chandelier size?

To choose the right height size of your chandelier, multiply the height of the room (in feet) by 2.5 or 3. The resulting number is the best size for your room height (in inches). Example: 8 feet (room height) x 2.5 (ratio) = 20 inches.

What size chandelier for 12x12 room?

If the room is around 12′ x 12′ the fixture should be 22″ to 27″ wide. If the room is around 14′ x 14′ the fixture should be 24″ to 32″ wide.

Is it better for a chandelier to be too big or too small?

The sparkle and dazzle of a well-placed chandelier defines and enhances the mood of any room. A chandelier that is too large can easily overpower a room and its inhabitants; one that is too small becomes insignificant and decreases the perceived value of the entire space.

What size light fixture for bedroom?

As a general rule, add the room's dimensions (in feet) to determine the ideal diameter (in inches) for your light fixture. For example, a 12x14 foot room would suit a fixture with a diameter of about 26 inches.

The Ultimate Chandelier Size Guide: Don't Make These Mistakes

How far down should a chandelier hang over a bed?

Leave at least 7 feet of clearance between the bedroom floor and the bottom of your fixture, so your tallest friends and family don't hit their heads and so the room doesn't look overwhelmed by the chandelier.

How to pick the right chandelier?

Aside from style, the three main factors to selecting a chandelier are: size/scale, direction of light output (glare versus glitter), and control (dimming). Having something too big or too small can result in a disproportioned look in your space.

Can you put a round chandelier over a rectangular table?

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.

How far should a chandelier hang from a 10-foot ceiling?

If your ceiling is higher, hang the chandelier three inches higher for every additional foot of height. For instance, if you have a 10-foot-high ceiling, your chandelier would be hung 36-42 inches above the table's surface.

How close should a chandelier be to a 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.

Can a chandelier be too high?

If the chandelier is installed too high, it can cause a feeling of disconnection, lacking its function.

How to choose the right size chandelier for foyer?

The chandelier or pendant should have 2-3 inches of height for each foot of ceiling height. This means that a 10-foot-high foyer ceiling should have a chandelier or pendant that is about 20-30 inches in height. A two-story foyer could easily accommodate a large chandelier or pendant of 32-48 inches in height.

Is it OK to put chandelier in bedroom?

Chandeliers are perfect solutions for adding ambient lighting, as opposed to task or direct lighting, to soften the look in your bedroom. No matter your sense of style, master bedroom chandeliers are sure to add a sophisticated, romantic element to your decor.

How far down should a chandelier hang in a two story foyer?

Two-story foyer with 18 to 20-foot or higher ceilings: Place the bottom of the chandelier level with the second story. The fixture may hang 8 to 10 feet or higher above the floor.

What size chandelier for feet?

For every one foot, you should keep at least 2 to 3 inches of chandelier height. For example, a dining room with 10-foot ceilings, 16 feet wide and 18 feet long, can accommodate a chandelier 34 inches in diameter and 20 to 30 inches in length.

How to determine the size of a chandelier for a room?

How to calculate chandelier size ? Add the length and width of the room in feet to get the ideal diameter in inches. For example, if the room is 15 feet long and 7 feet wide, the ideal diameter is 22 inches.

Does chandelier need to be centered over bed?

As with any ceiling light, your aim is not to hang the light in the dead center of the room, but rather to center the fixture over the center of the room's strongest feature or furnishing, such as a bed. When installing a chandelier, make sure to choose the right kind of light bulbs.

When to use a linear chandelier?

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.

Is it better for chandelier to be too big or too small?

Often, the trick to good interior design is about sizing up your choices and less about the decoration of the piece. This is especially important when selecting a chandelier size for your space. Even the most fabulous chandelier, if too large, will simply overwhelm the room.

What is the best color for a chandelier?

Neutral colors such as black, white, or metallic finishes like silver, gold or bronze can blend in with most color schemes and provide a timeless and elegant look. Bold colors such as red or blue may add a pop of color to a contemporary room or serve as a statement piece.

What is the rule of thumb for hanging chandeliers?

But we promise to make the math manageable with our simple ratio: 2.5 inches in fixture height per 1 foot of room height. This means that for a standard eight-foot-high ceiling, you'll want an option with a fixture height of about 20 inches. Note: For some visually-light chandeliers, you can up the ratio to 3:1.

How far down to hang a chandelier?

If you're hanging from the highest apex of the ceiling, use the rule of thumb above, 7 feet for 9 feet of ceiling height, plus 3 extra inches for each foot of ceiling height. EX: For a 17 foot vaulted ceiling, you would want a minimum of 114" between the floor and lowest point of the chandelier.

What size chandelier for 9 ft ceiling?

As a general guideline, for standard 8 to 9-foot ceilings, it's recommended to choose a chandelier with a height of approximately 2.5 to 3 feet. However, if your ceiling is higher, you may need to scale up the chandelier accordingly.

What is the correct height for a chandelier?

Our go-to recommendation is to place your chandelier in the center of the room with the bottom no lower than 7 feet 6 inches from the floor. This ensures that the chandelier becomes a focal point without obstructing the flow of the room.

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