A chandelier is the boldest lighting decision you can make, and size is where most people go wrong. Too small and it looks lost; too big and it overwhelms the room. These easy formulas take the guesswork out, followed by our edit of modern chandeliers.
Chandelier size for a room
Add the length and width of the room in feet. The total, in inches, is a good chandelier diameter. For a 12 × 14 ft living room: 12 + 14 = 26, so look for a chandelier around 26 inches (66 cm) wide.
Chandelier size for a dining table
Choose a chandelier roughly half to two-thirds the width of your table, and keep at least 6 inches (15 cm) between the chandelier and each table edge. For long rectangular tables, a linear or oval chandelier often works better than a round one.
How high to hang a chandelier
- Over a dining table: 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) from the tabletop to the bottom of the chandelier.
- In open floor areas: leave at least 7 ft (2.1 m) of clearance underneath.
- High ceilings: add about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of drop for every foot above 8 ft.
Low ceilings? Go flush or semi-flush
You don’t need a double-height room to enjoy a chandelier. Flush and semi-flush designs sit close to the ceiling while still delivering sparkle:
- Mini Crystal Flush Mount Chandelier – big sparkle for closets, halls and bathrooms.
- Modern Sputnik Semi-Flush Chandelier – 6 or 8 Lights – mid-century style for standard ceilings.
Sputnik and crystal chandeliers
The Sputnik’s radiating arms are a mid-century icon that suits modern, glam and eclectic rooms alike.
- 12-Light Sputnik Chandelier with Frosted Globes – 33.4” wide, sloped-ceiling compatible.
- 9-Light Crystal Sputnik Chandelier – firework-style, gold or chrome.
- 8-Light Crystal Sputnik Chandelier – chrome or brass, 19.7” wide.
Modern LED and linear chandeliers
- Curved Linear LED Chandelier with Leather Accents – 7 sizes up to 78.7”.
- Brushed Gold Oval LED Chandelier – refined geometric focal point.
- Rose Gold Firefly LED Chandelier – branches tipped with glowing globes.
- Sculptural Branch LED Chandelier with Glass Globes – 31.5”, nature-inspired.
Classic and statement chandeliers
- Flemish-Style Curved Arm Chandelier – 6, 12 or 16 lights in black or gold.
- Cascading Glass Globe Chandelier with Leather Straps – ideal for stairwells and high ceilings.
- Clear Glass Kitchen Table Chandelier – bright, even light over tables.
Finishing touches
Fit a dimmer so your chandelier can go from bright to atmospheric, and choose warm white (2700–3000K) bulbs for dining rooms. Always use a qualified electrician for installation, and check your ceiling can support the fixture’s weight.
See every design in our chandeliers collection, or browse kitchen & dining lighting.