Oversized (Greater Than 35" Wide): Oversized chandeliers are ideal for rooms that are 16' x 16' and above. This includes dens, extremely large spaces, and even big rooms with vaulted ceilings.
You'll want to start by measuring the height of your room. As you may imagine, the higher the ceiling, the taller the chandelier. Then, you'll have to do some math. But we promise to make the math manageable with our simple ratio: 2.5 inches in fixture height per 1 foot of room height.
Chandelier width for square rooms is determined by the following formula: Add Room Length + Room Width then convert to inches. If you are looking for the chandelier size of a living room that is 20' x 20' then a 40” wide fixture would be a great balance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chandelier Height
The higher the ceiling, the larger the chandelier's width can be so it proportionately fits in the space. The rule of thumb is that a hanging lighting fixture should have 2 to 3 inches of width for each foot of ceiling height.
As a general rule of thumb, the chandelier should be positioned about 30 to 36 inches above the table surface.
One guideline (though I think it should be used loosely) is to add the width and length of your room together and look for a fixture with a width/diameter that's the same number but in inches. So for example, if your space is 16'x20' you'd look for a fixture somewhere in the neighborhood of 36 inches wide.
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.
This means implementing a 7-foot rule: the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet (84 inches) above the floor. When installing the light, step back and look at how it takes up space in the room; some people prefer to leave 8 feet of clearance above the floor, to give the room a more open and spacious feel.
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.
For an average 12′ x 12′ bedroom, you would need around 4,000 lumens of light.
The chandelier should be centered in the room or aligned architecturally, and you should not worry about the furnishings below it. In other words, if there are significant architectural features in the room – a fireplace, and arched opening, a pair of windows – use those as a guide for the placement of the chandelier.
How high off the table should the chandelier be with an 18 foot ceiling? The general rule is 30 to 36 inches.
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.
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.
Higher ceilings require a taller. The rule of thumb is to accommodate 2.5-3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height. A standard 8-foot ceiling requires a chandelier that is 20-24 inches in height. If your ceilings are taller than that, add 2 inches for every foot over 8 feet to that number.
Larger chandeliers may need extra support. A ceiling can't handle chandeliers heavier than 50 pounds so it's best to install an expandable chandelier or fan brace between the ceiling joists.
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.
Foyer Light Sizing Guidelines
The fixture should occupy the top third – including any chain or rods. For example, in the case of a 12 foot ceiling (144 inches), your foyer light should take up about 48 inches. To figure out the fixture height, allow 2.5 – 3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height.
Designers typically recommend allowing 2 ½ inches to 3 inches of chandelier for each foot of ceiling height. For 10 foot ceilings, choose a chandelier that is between 25 inches and 30 inches tall, including the canopy, light and chain.
For hallways, it is ideal to opt for smaller flush or semi-flush ceiling lights between 12 and 18 inches in diameter. These fixtures provide a streamlined look while delivering adequate illumination without overwhelming the space.