How High to Hang a Chandelier (and What Size to Choose)

Choosing a chandelier comes down to two measurements: how wide it should be and how high it should hang. Get both right and the fixture looks as if it was always meant to be there. Get them wrong and it either swallows the room or looks lost. This guide works as a chandelier size calculator you can do with a tape measure and a pencil, with simple formulas, worked examples and rules for the dining room, foyer, bedroom and living room.

Chandelier size calculator: the diameter formula

The most reliable starting point for any room is this formula:

Room length (ft) + room width (ft) = chandelier diameter (in).

For example, a 14 ft by 12 ft living room adds up to 26, so look for a chandelier about 26 inches wide. The result is a guide, not a law. A very airy, open design (thin rings or a sparse frame) can go a little larger than the formula suggests, while a dense, heavy fixture is better a little smaller.

What size chandelier for a dining room?

Over a table, the table matters more than the room. Two rules work well together:

• Choose a chandelier roughly one half to two thirds the width of the table. For a 40-inch-wide table, that is about 20 to 27 inches.
• Alternatively, make it at least 12 inches narrower than the table, so nobody bumps their head when standing up from a chair and the light does not look like it overhangs the edge.

For long rectangular tables, a single round chandelier can look small. A linear or rectangular fixture, or two matching chandeliers spaced evenly along the table, balances the proportion better. Browse our dining room chandeliers to compare shapes and diameters in inches.

How high to hang a chandelier over a dining table

For a standard 8-foot ceiling, hang the bottom of the chandelier about 30 to 34 inches above the tabletop. This keeps the light bright and still lets guests see each other across the table. If the ceiling is higher, add roughly 3 inches for every extra foot. In a room with a 10-foot ceiling, 36 to 40 inches above the table is a good target.

These measurements are approximate. Sit at the table and check sight lines, since a very tall or very wide chandelier may need to sit higher. A chandelier over a dining table can also hang lower if the design is open and airy, so you can see through it. If you use a dimmer, you can balance brightness against height.

How to choose a chandelier for a foyer or entryway

An entryway is where a chandelier can make a statement, and ceiling height drives the decision.

• Diameter: use the room formula above. A 10 ft by 10 ft entry calls for about a 20-inch fixture.
• Height of the fixture: a common rule is to allow 2.5 to 3 inches of fixture height for every foot of ceiling height. In a 10-foot space, that gives a chandelier about 25 to 30 inches tall.
• Clearance: the bottom should be at least 7 feet from the floor wherever people walk under it. Many people prefer 7.5 to 8 feet in a busy foyer.
• Two-story foyers: hang the chandelier so its center sits about at the level of the second-floor landing, or low enough to be seen from the upper floor. Never hang it so low that you must duck.

Our entryway chandeliers and large chandeliers include designs for different ceiling heights.

Bedroom and living room chandeliers

In a bedroom, a chandelier is usually centered in the room or over the foot of the bed, and the formula still works. Make sure it clears your head when standing on the bed and that the fixture is not directly in your sight line while lying down. In a living room, center it in the seating area rather than the room if the furniture is arranged off-center. Keep the bottom at least 7 feet above the floor, or 12 to 18 inches clear of the tallest person's head if you have a high ceiling.

If you are still choosing a style, our chandeliers (including bedroom chandeliers and living room chandeliers) are organized so that you can narrow down by room, size and finish.

How to measure for a chandelier

1. Measure the room length and width in feet and add them together to get the diameter in inches.
2. Measure the ceiling height. Subtract the height of the fixture and the chain or rod to find where the bottom will fall.
3. For a dining room, measure the table width and mark where the center of the table is on the ceiling with painter's tape.
4. Cut a cardboard disc or draw the diameter on paper and tape it to the ceiling to preview scale.
5. Check where the ceiling box is. If it is off-center, you may need to use a swag hook or ask an electrician to relocate the box.

How to hang a chandelier

Hanging a chandelier means connecting a hardwired fixture to your home's electrical system and supporting a significant weight. This is a job for a licensed electrician. Here is what the work involves so you know what to expect:

• The power is switched off at the breaker and verified with a tester before work starts.
• The ceiling box must be rated to support the fixture's weight. A heavy chandelier may need additional support or a different box. Do not rely on a box made only for a lightweight fixture.
• The chain or rod length is adjusted to the right drop, and the wires are fed through and connected following the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical code.

For a general overview of the process, see our guide to replacing a light fixture safely. Chandeliers also differ in bulb type, so read E26 vs E12 bulbs before you shop for replacement bulbs.

Common chandelier mistakes to avoid

• Going too small. A tiny chandelier in a big room looks lost. If in doubt, size up.
• Hanging it too high over a table. Light that is too far from the table feels distant and creates glare on the ceiling.
• Forgetting the visual weight. A solid fixture of the same diameter feels heavier than an open one.
• Ignoring the style of the room. A modern ring and a traditional crystal design set different moods, so choose with the rest of the furniture in mind.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the size of a chandelier?

Add the room's length and width in feet. The total is the chandelier's diameter in inches. For a dining table, choose a diameter about half to two thirds of the table's width.

How high should a chandelier hang over a dining table?

About 30 to 34 inches above the tabletop with an 8-foot ceiling, with an extra 3 inches for each additional foot of ceiling height.

How low can a chandelier hang in a foyer?

At least 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fixture wherever people walk beneath it.

Can I install a chandelier myself?

Chandeliers are heavy and hardwired, so we recommend a licensed electrician. Always turn off the breaker and follow local code.