Choosing a chandelier shouldn’t be a snap decision. Its size needs to match the dimensions of the room where your lighting fixture will be installed. To help you, Lumeers offers a practical guide with clever tips to ensure you pick the perfect chandelier for your space.
Pick a chandelier to suit your room size
When deciding on the size of your chandelier, consider both the shape and size of your room. An incorrectly sized chandelier can overwhelm the space. Before buying in-store or ordering your lighting online, measure the room where it will go. A simple tip is to measure the width and length of the space (bedroom, living room, lounge, dining room, etc.) to determine its surface area.
Dining room➞
Here are a few guidelines to help you achieve balance between the chandelier and the room:
- choose a chandelier between 30 and 40 centimetres for a room less than 10 m²,
- opt for a pendant light from 40 to 45 centimetres for a space between 10 and 15 m²,
- go for a chandelier between 45 and 50 centimetres for an area of 12 to 20 m²,
- choose a lighting fixture of at least 60 centimetres for rooms over 20 m².
These measurements are just minimum values. Depending on the style and the amount of light you want, you can certainly go for much larger designer chandeliers.
Which pendant light is best for your ceiling height?
No matter the type or style of chandelier, it should never impede movement around the room. To avoid taller guests bumping their heads on the lampshade, choose a pendant that is suited to your ceiling height.
In general, for ceilings between 2.50 and 2.80 metres high, your chosen pendant should not hang lower than 2.15 metres from the floor. This is particularly important in areas like the entryway, living room, bedroom or kitchen.
Living room➞
If your ceiling is low, opt for a cylindrical or drum chandelier. Adjust the length of the fixture using the cord so the chandelier sits closer to the ceiling. This trick visually lifts low ceilings. At Lumeers, you’ll find a wide range of chandeliers in different sizes and styles. Browse our online shop and you’re sure to find the perfect pendant light for your needs.
Choose your chandelier size based on the room type
The right chandelier size will also depend on which room you’re lighting.
What’s the perfect chandelier size for the kitchen?
Your kitchen chandelier should provide plenty of light and allow you to move around easily. When making your choice, factor in the size of your worktop and central island. Since kitchens get dirty fast, choose a chandelier with minimal detailing for easier cleaning.
What’s the ideal size for the dining and living rooms?
When picking a chandelier for the dining room, pay close attention to the size of your table. The chandelier’s diameter should be between half and two-thirds of the table’s width. For perfect harmony, try to choose a chandelier shaped like your dining table. If you want your chandelier to illuminate the dining table, the fixture can hang as low as 1.60 metres from the floor.
Oversized is on trend in recent years. Extra-large pendants boost the room’s volume and create a wow factor. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose designs up to 1.20 metres in diameter. If you go for this option, make sure to shorten the cable by 20 centimetres so the chandelier sits closer to the ceiling. This helps avoid a cluttered look.
How to arrange chandeliers in the hallway?
Pendant lights are often lined up along a hallway. Their size depends mainly on the width of the space but also on how you arrange the chandeliers. For the right spacing, add up the diameters of all the chandeliers and subtract this from the hallway’s length. Then divide the result by the number of chandeliers to hang. The answer gives you the distance to leave between each chandelier.
