Choosing the right size is crucial. A chandelier that is too large can overwhelm a space, while one that is too small might not make the desired impact. A good rule of thumb is to add the dimensions of the room in feet, and the sum will give you the ideal diameter of the chandelier in inches.
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.
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.
If you're wondering how much your chandelier is worth, you should compare it to similar examples that have sold recently. Make sure the chandelier you're using for comparison is similar in age, size, materials, and condition. A very large early 20th century crystal chandelier sold for almost $10,000 in 2022.
There's a sweet spot when it comes to chandelier size in relation to the room dimensions. Too small, and it gets lost; too large, and it overwhelms the space. A good rule of thumb: add the length and width of the room in feet, and that number in inches is a good diameter for your chandelier.
The chandelier's bottom should be at least 7 feet above the floor. For every foot of ceiling height, raise the chandelier by an additional 2–3 inches. For instance, if you have a 10-foot-high ceiling, choose a chandelier that measures approximately 20–30 inches in height.
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.
While they once dominated grand ballrooms and lavish dining rooms of the past, you might wonder: is a crystal chandelier still in fashion today? The answer to that is a resounding yes! Crystal chandeliers are absolutely still in fashion thanks to their timeless design.
Crystal will have a definite, clear ring when tapped or struck, much like a bell. The longer and clearer the ring has the higher quality the crystal. Crystal is a type of glass that contains strengthening minerals like lead-oxide, potassium carbonate, and silica to make the material durable.
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.
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.
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.
Crystal contains lead oxide, which gives it more weight and more refraction than normal glass. This means crystal is more brilliant, sparkles more and is prismatic. Lead oxide content is important in crystals for chandeliers, but it is also safe for the health of consumers.
Incandescent bulbs
These bulbs have a screw-in base and are easy to install. For incandescent bulbs the wire filament is heated, then the light is emitted. We always recommend a good quality clear bulb as opposed to frosted as it allows the crystal to pop.
The larger the piece, the more detail it includes, and the more expensive it is. Today, Waterford crystal is still hand cut and produced with an incredibly exacting attention to craftsmanship, and the stemware remains a highly coveted and collectible brand.
Gem-Grade or Jewel-Quality Crystals
These rarities exhibit extraordinary clarity, breathtaking color saturation, and impeccable transparency. They are often faceted or shaped by lapidary artists to enhance their brilliance, making them ideal for high-end jewelry and collector's pieces.
When to Clean a Chandelier. A typical chandelier needs to be cleaned at least once a year or so. Crystal chandeliers need cleaning when the crystal appears dull.
Choosing the height of a chandelier
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).
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.
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.