The earliest chandeliers were used in the medieval period to hang candles up and out of the way, reducing the risk of fire. Today, chandeliers are a mainstay in luxury interior design. Here are some things I consider before I start shopping for my clients.
1. Sizing
I recommend following these equations to roughly estimate the size your chandelier should be.
Diameter:
The length of your room + the width of your room (in feet) = The suggested diameter of your chandelier (in inches).
Height:
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The height of your room (in feet) x 3 = The suggested height of your chandelier (in inches).
2. Picking light bulbs
A good rule of thumb is to find bulbs that are 300-400 lumens for every 100 square feet of room you have. If you can, get a dimmer-compatible chandelier. Being able to dim the lights is especially important for the dining room, where high-wattage bulbs could create unwanted table glare. For my clients, I recommend LED bulbs that are in a neutral white, between warm and cool.
3. Choosing a style that complements your home
It’s generally best to stick to modern chandeliers in modern rooms and traditional chandeliers in traditional rooms. Many modern chandeliers have chrome or satin nickel finishes; meanwhile, bronze finishes are associated with transitional design. Gold brass can go either way. Crystal chandeliers, with their romantic sparkle, are highly traditional.
4. Hanging at the correct height
In a dining room, the chandelier should be hung about 30 to 36 inches over the table to leave enough room for your centerpiece. Most chandeliers come with 3 to 6 feet of chain, so take measurements ahead of time to see how much length you need.
If the chandelier is hanging over the open floor, make sure to leave 7 feet of clearance between the bottom of the chandelier and the floor. Your chandelier should also have enough breathing room from the surrounding walls — ideally, at least 4 feet on each side.
If you’re looking for the perfect chandelier but haven’t found the right match, remember that interior designers have access to many more sources than the general public.
A poorly hung, poorly sized chandelier can throw a whole room off balance. But by taking careful measurements and researching all the options available, you can shop with a discerning eye and bring home a true treasure.
Margaret Chambers, a registered interior designer (RID) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) member, leads Chambers Interiors and Associates. Her colleague Caitlin Crowley helped edit this column. Visit chambersinteriors.com/blog for more design advice.
