Chandelier Guidelines

Available in every decorative style, chandeliers add both presence and weight to a room. They bring the glow of candlelight to any setting.

To determine the proper size of a chandelier for a dining room based on the room size, add the length and width of the room in feet and substitute inches for feet, giving you the width of an appropriately-sized chandelier for the room. (A 10'x13' dining room, for example, would take approximately a 23" wide fixture.)

For determining the size of a chandelier based on your table size, the chandelier should be at least 12" smaller in width than the width of the dining table. The perfect chandelier will be a happy medium between these two measurements. Hanging fixtures can be smaller in scale when used in hallways and other rooms for general lighting. In dining rooms with 8' ceilings, hang chandeliers about 30" above the table. (Add 3" for each foot of ceiling height over 8'.)

Remember to order extra chain for higher ceilings. Most people don't realize that the wattage maximum of a chandelier is determined by the lampshades used on it! Smaller shades limit wattage. Chandelier shades reduce glare and help to direct light down where it’s needed. The mood and intensity of a chandelier is best controlled by a dimmer.

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and silk curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free curtain catalog.