A chandelier that is too small looks lost. One that is too big feels heavy and crowds the room. The good news is that sizing a dining room chandelier is simple once you know two measurements: your table and your room.
Method 1: Size by your dining table
For most homes, this is the best method. A dining room chandelier should be about one half to two thirds the width of the table. A quick shortcut is to take the table width in inches and subtract 12.
- 36-inch wide table: choose a chandelier around 18 to 24 inches wide
- 42-inch wide table: choose around 21 to 28 inches wide
- 48-inch wide table: choose around 24 to 32 inches wide
Leave enough space between the edge of the light and the edge of the table. This keeps the fixture from feeling bigger than the table and makes it easy for guests to see each other across the table.
Method 2: Size by your room
Measure your room length and width in feet and add the two numbers. The total is a good chandelier diameter in inches. For example, a 12 by 14 foot dining room gives 26, so a chandelier about 26 inches wide is a good starting point.
If your dining area is part of an open plan space, ignore the room walls and use the table as your guide.
Match the shape to your table
- Round or square tables: a round chandelier, drum or sphere shape works well
- Rectangular or oval tables: a linear or rectangular chandelier follows the length of the table
- Long tables: two smaller pendants or a long linear chandelier give even light along the whole table
Check your ceiling height
Size is not only about width. Tall fixtures need more ceiling height. In a room with an 8 foot ceiling, a compact or flush style looks better. With a 10 foot ceiling or higher, you can choose a longer, more dramatic design with adjustable height.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Centering the light in the room instead of centering it over the table
- Choosing by looks only and not measuring first
- Forgetting about the weight of the fixture and the ceiling box that holds it
- Skipping a dimmer, which makes it easier to go from bright dinners to soft evening light
A simple checklist
- Measure your table width and your room length and width.
- Use the table rule to find a size range.
- Pick a shape that follows your table.
- Check ceiling height and hanging space.
- Choose a warm white bulb, around 2700K to 3000K, for a welcoming dining mood.
Ready to see options? Browse the modern chandelier collection at ZRB LUMA and compare sizes, finishes and styles for your dining room.