ILLUMINATING - Chandeliers-An Art Form

David Iatesta

There is no doubt, the chandelier is king, (or queen), of the room. It takes over as the most dominant design feature in the space. Many home sales have been lost arguing over who gets to keep the chandelier. 

However, the wrong size and hanging height will accomplish the opposite; it will kill the intended aesthetic.

Chandeliers are typically considered ambient lighting. They serve as an "art form" in the room. So be careful not to 'over- decorate' with too many other loud features such as busy artwork and over accessorizing.  

In most instances, we expect a chandelier in a foyer or dining room. Chandeliers provide good general lighting and should be dimmable to create the appropriate mood for the setting. 

With that being said, here are a few guidelines for choosing the proper size and positioning a chandelier. 

SIZE

• In an average size dining room, (about 12 feet square), use a chandelier in the range of 20"-24" in diameter.
• In larger rooms, (14 feet square or more), 25"-30" in diameter is the recommended size. 
• If you add the width and length of the room, this will give you a good indication of the appropriate chandelier width. 
• For example: the room is 12' x 14'. 12+14 = 26. The Chandelier should be around 26" in diameter.
• The diameter of a chandelier is measured by the outermost edge of the bobeche or fixture itself. 
• Unless you have high ceilings and a chandelier that hangs above head height, a chandelier should be at least 12 inches smaller in diameter than the dining room table. Otherwise, people could bump their heads when getting up.

POSITION 

• One rule of thumb is to hang a chandelier 30" above the surface of the table.
• Although, this is basically correct, the critical measurement is how high above the table are the bobeches or drip cups at the base of the candle. 
• This is because the most noticeable aspect of the chandelier is the source of light.
• The bobeche should be about 35" - 38" above the table. This also depends on whether your preference is towards the low or high.
• Keep in mind, the bulbs should be placed at about eye level as you enter the room.  

Sonneman - Dichroix 6 Light Bar

Of course, you don't buy a chandelier everyday. When you are ready to purchase this often high ticket item, make sure you choose the right size, style, and color that will evoke the perfect emotion for the space.