Dining Chandelier Buyer's Guide

A chandelier greatly affects the atmosphere in your dining room. Through a well-chosen chandelier, you can create the mood you want and bring your dining room design full circle. However, choosing the right chandelier for your dining room can be tricky because of all the factors to consider. You don't want the same type of chandelier for above the table that you would as an entryway chandelier. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate shopping for a dining room chandelier.

So, when shopping for a dining room chandelier, be sure remember the following:

Determine size of the room

Make sure to obtain the dimensions of your dining room. You need this information to know whether you need a small chandelier or a big one. A tiny chandelier won’t stand out in a big room while a large chandelier will overwhelm a small space. Add the length and width of your dining room. The sum of the figures, when converted to inches, will give you the diameter of the chandelier that best fits the room.

Measure the size of the dining table

When you are done with measuring the room, you also need to measure your table. Specifically, get the width of your dining table. Your chandelier should never be wider than your table. As a general rule, your chandelier should be roughly 12 inches narrower than your table. 

Get the distance between the ceiling to the table surface

If you have an eight-foot ceiling, you must let your chandelier hang around 30-34 inches above the tabletop. For ceilings that are higher, you can hang your chandelier an additional three inches for every additional foot. For ceilings that are nine feet or higher, you can buy a two-tier chandelier so that the space won’t look empty.

Assess the furnishings and finishes in your dining room

Since chandeliers are used for both illumination and decoration, you must also consider the finish and material of your prospective dining room chandelier. The key is to allow the chandelier to complement the other items that are already present in your dining room. If you aim to make the chandelier the main point of the room, you can opt for a traditionally styled chandelier with lots of detail. On the other hand, if you want a chandelier that will mesh with its surroundings, you can pick one that has a more subdued appearance.

Consider the amount of light

Yes, you need to do this in order to get a chandelier that can provide you with just the right amount of light that you need. Sure, your dining room needs ample lighting but you don’t want overpowering lighting. Look for a chandelier that offers just the right illumination for your needs.

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