Most people know where to use a chandelier. A dining room is probably the first space you think of when looking at chandeliers, but you can also use them in bedrooms, bathrooms, foyers, above kitchen islands and living rooms. Chandeliers can add high drama to a space and provide more lighting above and below than a smaller light.

The most common problem homeowners have when choosing and hanging chandeliers is getting the scale right and hanging at the right height. So, I’ll give you some tips on those things as well as what style is right for you.

Let’s start with the dining table, whether it’s in a kitchen eating area or a formal dining room, you will use a chandelier here. There’s no other type of light that goes above a table no matter the size.

Here’s the boring, but really important technical stuff first.

When choosing the appropriate size chandelier for your dining room or kitchen, you need to take into account the size of the room and also the size and shape of the table it will be hung above. Here’s an easy way to determine size based on room. Take your room dimensions, add them together and then convert that to inches and this is the size light you should use. For instance in a 10’x14’ room (10+14), you would use a 24” light.

Now you need to plan for what will go above the table. First of all, if you have a round table you want a round chandelier such as a drum shade, a wheel or a sphere. If you have a square table, you can also use a round chandelier or something more squared. However the only time you use a large rectangle chandelier is above a rectangle or large oval table. You can also do this over an island because it is also rectangle shaped.

You also need to take into account the size of your table. Generally you just want about 12” on each side of light. So if you have a 54” round table you can have a light as large as 30” wide. Just make sure that fits within the room size.

Okay now for the hanging. Do not assume that an electrician will know exactly where to hang. Most should know because it’s a pretty standard rule, but my advice is to double check them. If you have 8’ ceilings, hang 30” (bottom of light) above table. For every extra foot of height your ceiling has, add another 3”. So, if you have 10’ ceilings, hang your light 36” from your table.

Above: Coastal, Boho, Farmhouse styles

1. Choose the right style. Decide what type of light bulb look you like. Do you like the faux candle look? Do you like small shades? Do you like something where the bulbs are hidden? There’s no right or wrong answer here. It is purely personal preference.

2. A chandelier is the largest light fixture in your home which means it is likely the most expensive. Choose something you really love. Depending on what you choose, this could be a larger home investment. It may be a forever light, something really special. Or you may opt for more of a statement light that is more on the trendy side. Either way, you can find beautiful chandeliers at every price point.

3. Hang your light so that there is between 30” and 36” between the bottom of the light and the table. If you hang it too low, you won’t have space for centerpieces with tall florals and it will block the space between faces when you are seated. We’ve all been in a situation where there is something blocking your view of someone at the table with you and I think we can all agree it’s pretty annoying.

Above: Rectangle Chandelier, Modern Globe Light Chandelier, Modern Glam Sphere

Just a few more things to consider about chandeliers…

They can be placed over an island in a kitchen. Just use the sizing rule and you should be good. Chandeliers can be placed in a foyer, just use the ceiling height rule. Chandeliers can be place in living rooms and bedrooms as well as long as you get the scale right with the size of the room. This may sound like common sense, but when placing a chandelier anywhere other than over the table, make sure to hang high enough so there is plenty of clearance when your tallest friend or family member comes to your home. You probably want to hang as high as possible or just opt for a smaller light, the pendant.

Still not feeling 100% confident when it comes to choosing a chandelier? I can help. I do whole home lighting plans or I can just help you choose one or a few lights for your home. Lighting questions? Leave me a comment.