Chandeliers
Shop chandeliers for dining rooms, entryways, living rooms and more. Explore modern, crystal, LED and traditional designs in a range of sizes and finishes to find the right scale and style for your space.
How to Choose a Chandelier
Choosing the right chandelier comes down to scale, hanging height, ceiling height and the type of light the space needs. Start with the room and the surface below the fixture, then compare the dimensions and specifications of individual chandeliers before ordering.
Choose the Right Chandelier Size
Chandelier size should feel proportional to both the room and the furniture below it. A larger fixture can create a strong focal point in an open dining room, entryway or living space, while smaller chandeliers often work better where ceiling height or room dimensions are more limited. Always compare the fixture width and overall height with the available space.
How High Should a Chandelier Hang?
Over a dining table, a common starting point is approximately 30 to 36 inches from the tabletop to the bottom of the chandelier. Ceiling height, fixture size and sightlines can all affect the final placement, so check the chandelier's minimum and maximum hanging height before ordering.
Consider Ceiling Height and Scale
Taller ceilings can accommodate chandeliers with greater overall height and visual weight. For lower ceilings, a more compact chandelier can provide the same decorative impact without overwhelming the room. Pay particular attention to overall fixture height in entryways, open staircases and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Choose the Right Style and Light Output
Chandeliers range from traditional candle-style fixtures to modern, crystal and integrated LED designs. Beyond appearance, consider how the fixture distributes light and whether the listed output suits the room. Dimming can also provide more flexibility when the chandelier is used for both everyday lighting and entertaining.
Chandelier FAQs
A useful starting point is to add the room’s length and width in feet and use that total as an approximate chandelier diameter in inches. When hanging a chandelier over a dining table, also consider the table size. A fixture around one-half to two-thirds of the table width often creates a balanced look. These are guidelines rather than strict rules, so ceiling height, furniture scale and the chandelier’s overall design should also be considered.
A common starting point is about 30 to 36 inches from the tabletop to the bottom of the chandelier. Higher ceilings and larger fixtures may call for more clearance. Check sightlines and the fixture’s adjustable hanging range before ordering.
Some chandeliers can be installed on sloped or vaulted ceilings, but compatibility depends on the canopy, mounting hardware and suspension method. Check the individual product specifications for sloped-ceiling compatibility and available hanging length before purchasing.
Many chandeliers can be dimmed, but it depends on the fixture, bulbs or integrated LED driver, and the dimmer being used. Check the product specifications and recommended dimmer compatibility before purchasing if adjustable light levels are important.
Chandeliers generally use multiple light sources or a larger decorative structure to create a focal point, while pendant lights are typically smaller suspended fixtures and are often used individually or in groups. The distinction can overlap with modern designs, so size, construction and intended use are often more helpful than the label alone.
