How to Choose and hang a Chandelier
A compilation of Information from:
Selecting a chandelier size:
Thoroughly evaluate the space in which you plan to hang it. If you’re selecting lighting for a new home and you don’t have dining room furniture yet, there’s a simple formula you can follow. Add the length and width measurements of the room together. Your answer equals the right size diameter a chandelier should be. For example, if your dining room is 10′ x 14′, a 24″ diameter chandelier would look great.
However, if you already have a table, it’s more important to size the chandelier to the table than the room. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your chandelier is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table.
* If the room is smaller than 10' by 10', a 17" to 20" diameter chandelier would be the right size.
* If the room is about 12' x 12', a 26" or 27" chandelier would look right.
* If the room is about 14' x 14', choose a 24" to 36" chandelier.
* A chandelier should hang approximately 30" from the surface of the table
* A chandelier should be about 12" narrower than the width of the table over which it hangs.
Take note of the ambient light in the room, and consider how many bulbs at what wattage you will need to light the room comfortably. Will a three-light or six-light chandelier work? Or would a nine-light chandelier or even a twelve-light chandelier be more appropriate?
Casting the right amount of light is so important in creating an ambient setting. You want to avoid the harsh light that comes from functional, or more direct, lighting. Instead, cast a soft, warm glow over your picture-perfect feast. Consider adding a dimmer switch, so you can adjust lighting as needed. You can also use shades for softer lighting. Total wattage of all bulbs should be 200 watts to 400 watts to provide sufficient light.
How to hang a chandelier. How high to hang a chandelier.
For the right hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, allowing plenty of space for table centerpieces and food. Adjust to work with the size of the table, your preference, and the overall scale of the space. Ideally, a chandelier should hang at least 6-1/2 – 7 feet above the floor in an entryway, living room or hall to allow people to walk comfortably beneath it. If your room has particularly high ceilings, you may wish to hang your chandelier even higher to maintain harmony with the dimensions of the room.
Before buying a chandelier, examine your existing lighting situation to determine how much construction and electrical work may need to be done to safely hang your new chandelier. If you are replacing an existing ceiling light fixture, chances are that the wiring and infrastructure are already in place to securely hang and wire your new light fixture.If you plan to install a chandelier in a room with no existing ceiling light, you may need to consult a licensed electrician about running a safe electrical line to your new light source or consider hiring an electrical contractor for the job.
In either case, depending on the weight of your new chandelier, you may need to install additional hardware to make sure your new light fixture stays in place safely. Make sure to review our electrical safety tips before you start your project.