What Size Chandelier Do I Need? An Easy Sizing Guide
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Quick answer: add the length and width of your room in feet. The total is a good chandelier width in inches. A 12 × 14 ft room suits a chandelier about 26 inches wide.
That one rule covers most rooms. Dining tables, foyers and high ceilings each have one more thing to check, below.
Chandelier width by room size
| Room size | Chandelier width |
|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | About 20 in |
| 10 × 12 ft | About 22 in |
| 12 × 14 ft | About 26 in |
| 14 × 16 ft | About 30 in |
| 16 × 20 ft | About 36 in |
Over a dining table
- Width: about half to two-thirds the width of the table. A 42-inch-wide table suits a chandelier 21 to 28 inches wide.
- Height: with an 8-foot ceiling, hang the bottom of the chandelier 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop. Add about 3 inches for every extra foot of ceiling, so a 10-foot ceiling puts it 36 to 42 inches above the table.
- Long tables: a linear chandelier spreads light along the whole table. Choose one about a foot shorter than the table so it doesn't overhang the ends.
Browse dining room lighting.
In a foyer or entryway
- Width: use the room formula. A 10 × 12 ft foyer suits a chandelier about 22 inches wide.
- Clearance: with an 8-foot ceiling, keep the bottom of the chandelier about 7 feet above the floor so everyone can walk under it.
- Two-storey foyers: allow 2.5 to 3 inches of chandelier height for every foot of ceiling height. An 18-foot ceiling suits a chandelier 45 to 54 inches tall.
Browse foyer and entryway lighting or staircase and grand foyer chandeliers.
In a bedroom or living room
- Use the room formula for width. A 14 × 16 ft bedroom suits a chandelier about 30 inches wide.
- Keep the bottom at least 7 feet above the floor anywhere people walk, including over a bed.
Browse bedroom lighting and living room lighting.
Before you buy
- Check the weight in the technical details on the product page. Heavier chandeliers may need a stronger ceiling box.
- Check the chain or rod length so the chandelier can hang at the height you want.
- Have a licensed electrical contractor install hardwired fixtures.
Still not sure?
Bring your measurements to our showroom at 10 Western Ave, Units 11–13, Orillia, Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM, or call us at 705-350-2125. We're happy to help. You can also shop all chandeliers online, with free delivery on most Ontario orders of $99 or more, or free pickup in Orillia.