Does size matter?

How big does my Dining Room chandelier need to be?

This is a question we hear almost every day. When choosing a new dining room chandelier size does matter. You want to choose a fixture that will fit the room as well as your dining room table. There are a few general rules you can follow to help determine the size of your new chandelier.

One formula used to determine the size of your Dining Room chandelier is to select a fixture that is half the width of your table. So if you have a table that is 48” wide x 72” long you want to be looking for a chandelier around 24” in diameter. If you have a round table that is 60” in diameter you should be looking for a fixture that is around 30” in diameter. Your chandelier should always be hung centered over your table, even if the table is not in the center of the room. The width of your chandelier should always be at least a foot less than the width of your table. Your chandelier should be installed 30” above your table top.

If you have an exceptionally long table you might want to consider hanging two chandeliers. If doing this you would look for chandeliers that are 1/3 the width of your table. So if you have a table that is 54” wide x 120” long you should be looking for chandeliers in the range of 18’ in diameter. In this case the two chandeliers should each be centered over their half of the table.

The ceiling height of the room is the determining factor in selecting the proper height of your chandelier. Many Designers and lighting follow the rule of allowing 2 ½”–3” for each foot of a rooms height. Using this calculation, a room with an 8’ ceiling can use a chandelier that is approximately 20” to 24” in height. If the ceiling is 10 feet high, then a chandelier that is 25” to 30” would look more appropriate.

To determine the wattage needed to properly light your room, a basic rule to remember is find the square footage of the room and then multiplying it by 1.5 watts. If the ceiling is over nine feet tall you might want to adjust that multiplier up to 2.0 watts. So if your Dining Room is 10’ x 12’ with 8’ ceilings you should be looking for a fixture that will provide around 180 watts. If that same 10’ x 12’ room has a 10’ ceiling you might want to consider going up to 240 watts. It is always better to over watt than it is to under watt. If you think the fixture is too bright or glary after installation you can always decrease the wattage or add a dimmer. If the fixture is not bright enough you may have no choice but to select a different fixture or add additional light sources such as sconces or recessed cans.

Dining room chandeliers should always be put on a dimmer. This allows you to use the area for multiple activities from doing homework to having a nice romantic dinner.