The most common mistake with chandeliers is choosing one that is too small. In the showroom or on a screen a 60 cm chandelier looks big; in a real living room it disappears. These simple rules help you pick the right size the first time.
1. Diameter: the room formula
Measure the length and width of the room. In metres: add them together and multiply by 10 — the result is a good diameter in centimetres. In feet: add length and width in feet — the result is the diameter in inches.
- 4 × 4 m bedroom → about 80 cm
- 5 × 4 m living room → about 90 cm
- 6 × 6 m living room → about 120 cm
- 7 × 7 m entrance hall → about 140 cm
This is a starting point. In a very tall room, or when the chandelier hangs in front of a big window, go one size up.
2. Height of the chandelier
Allow about 20–25% of the ceiling height, or 2.5–3 inches of chandelier for every foot of ceiling. Under a standard 2.7 m ceiling a fixture 50–65 cm tall is right; under a 6 m ceiling, 120–150 cm. Tall rooms need tall chandeliers — see our large chandeliers for high ceilings.
3. Hanging height
- Where people walk: keep at least 2.1 m (7 ft) between the floor and the bottom of the chandelier.
- Over a dining table: 75–90 cm (30–36 in) above the tabletop.
- Two-storey foyer: the bottom should not hang below the first-floor level; centre it in the window above the front door if there is one.
4. Over a dining table
Choose a chandelier about half to two-thirds of the table width (round tables) or length (long tables), and leave at least 30 cm free at each end. For long tables, a linear chandelier lights every seat — see our dining room chandeliers.
5. Low ceilings
With a ceiling under 2.6 m, choose a flat or semi-flush design, or hang the chandelier over a table or seating area where nobody walks underneath. See living room ceiling lights.
Quick checklist
- Room length + width (m) × 10 = diameter (cm)
- Chandelier height ≈ 20–25% of ceiling height
- 2.1 m clearance where people walk
- 75–90 cm above a dining table
Not sure? Send us your room dimensions and ceiling height and we will suggest the right size — many of our chandeliers can also be made to your measurements.