By James Batten, 299 Lighting · Published · Updated
In short
Add the room's length and width in metres and multiply by 10 to get a good chandelier diameter in centimetres; over a dining table, aim for half to two-thirds of the table width.
A chandelier that is too small looks lost, and one that is too big crowds the room. These simple rules, used by interior designers, will get the scale right first time.
The room formula
Add the room's length and width in metres and multiply by 10. That gives a good chandelier diameter in centimetres. A 4 m × 5 m room suits a chandelier around 90 cm wide (4 + 5 = 9, × 10 = 90 cm).
Over a dining table
Choose a chandelier one half to two-thirds the width of the table, and at least 30 cm narrower than the table on each side. Hang it 75–90 cm above the table top.
Height in hallways and double-height spaces
In a hallway, keep at least 2.1 m clear headroom below the chandelier. In double-height stairwells, hang it roughly level with the first-floor landing so it is seen from both floors. As a rough guide, allow 7–8 cm of chandelier height for every 30 cm of ceiling height.
| Ceiling height | Chandelier height |
|---|---|
| 2.4 m | 50–60 cm |
| 3.0 m | 70–80 cm |
| 4.5 m+ | 110 cm+, or a multi-tier piece |
Crystal or modern?
Ideal Lux crystal ranges such as Dubai suit formal dining rooms and hotel receptions. Modern multi-arm and ring designs suit lower ceilings. Browse Ideal Lux chandeliers for both.
Weight and fixing
Large crystal chandeliers can weigh 15 kg or more. Your electrician should check the ceiling fixing before installation. For heavy or bespoke suspended pieces, see suspended lighting by 299.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out what size chandelier I need?
Add the room's length and width in metres and multiply by 10. The answer is a good diameter in centimetres.
How high should a chandelier hang over a dining table?
Hang the bottom of the chandelier 75–90 cm above the table top.
How big should a chandelier be over a dining table?
Aim for half to two-thirds of the table width.
