Previous Category | Next Category
Back up to Product Categories Index
top of page
Quick Tips
- Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a dining room
table in rooms with eight foot ceilings
- If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional
3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling
- Allow for at least 6 ½ feet of clearance from the floor in
a foyer or entry hall
- To find a chandelier for your room, browse by using the "size"
sort button on our Chandeliers
page
.
How to Hang a Chandelier
So you've decided on a chandelier and placed an order.what now?For starters, remember that lighting from a chandelier, no matter what the setting, should make a room, people, home furnishings and prized possessions look their very best.
So it's important to hang the chandelier in the right spot and at the proper height for
maximum impact.
*A chandelier in a dining room setting should be positioned in the center
of the dining table and room proportions.
*Avoid purchasing chandeliers that are larger than the width of your table,
as people may bump into it when getting up. A handy rule of thumb is that
a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least
48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges.
*Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an
8 foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the
chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.
*Keep in mind that lighting from a chandelier that beams directly onto
a person from above can cast unflattering facial shadows. The heat from
bulbs directly overhead can also be uncomfortable.
*Avoid high wattage bulbs. They will increase the heat and cause excessive
table glare.
*Try adding shades to chandelier candelabra bulbs or a wall dimmer to
help you control the light and set a more flattering mood.
*When a chandelier has no central downlight, you can enhance the dining
room table setting and centerpiece by using recessed adjustable fixtures
with narrow beam bulbs. Aim these bulbs at a dining table centerpiece
to create additional visual interest in conjunction with the chandelier.
*In an open lobby or larger foyer setting, a chandelier can provide an
important transition from outdoor to interior spaces and set the mood
for your entire home. Hang the chandelier high enough to illuminate stairways
or side passages; about knee-level of the upstairs landing is a good standard.
*Chandeliers in a lobby setting can be wider or taller than dining room
pieces so that they comfortably fill a space without appearing too small.
You should also allow for at least 6 ½ feet of clearance from the
floor.
*Pendant chandeliers for kitchen islands and dinette tables demand a little
different approach. Depending on their arrangement and number, position
the pendant 30" to 34" inches up from the table surface.
*Dress up the hanging wire or chain of a chandelier by covering it in
a narrow sleeve of fabric. Fabric should be three times longer than the
chain to achieve a gathered appearance. A great idea for holiday looks!
Many larger chandeliers are heavy and tricky to hang, so you may want
to hire a professional electrician.
top of page