Chandeliers: Choosing the Right Scale and Size

Chandeliers are almost always intended to serve as one of a room's focal points. However, the chandelier should never be so large that it's the only thing a person notices when they enter the room. In order to get the most benefit from a chandelier's beauty, it's important to choose one that is the correct size, shape and scale for the room and it should coordinate with other style elements of the room, such as French fleur de lis grilles, elaborate wall mount candle holders or other unique wall art. Although you might automatically think of foyers and dining rooms as the perfect location for a chandelier, they can actually add a decorative touch to many other rooms of the home. For example, today you are likely to find chandeliers in bedrooms, media rooms, master bathrooms, living rooms or even kitchens.

Determining Scale According to Room Measurements

When calculating the optimal size for a chandelier, it's necessary to first determine the room's length and width. To perform this calculation, you'll first want to measure the room's length and width in feet. Then, simply add these two numbers together. Take the resulting sum and multiply by two. The resulting measurement should equal the optimal chandelier diameter size, measured in inches.

For example, if your foyer measures ten feet long and eight feet wide, these two numbers added together equal eighteen. You would then multiply eighteen by two, which means that your foyer chandelier should be approximately thirty-six inches in diameter. By using this measuring and calculation process, you'll be assured of choosing a correctly sized chandelier that won't overpower the space.

Length Requirements for Proper Scale

Obviously, a chandelier should be hung so that it doesn't touch the floor. However, it's equally important not to hang it too close to the ceiling. When properly hung, a chandelier should suspend beautifully from the ceiling, giving the illusion of simply floating in the correct spot of the room. When hung at the proper height, a chandelier will provide the foyer, bedroom, bathroom or dining room with a decorative accent. The chandelier should be hung low enough so as to properly light the area, but still high enough to keep people from hitting their head on it.

To help calculate the proper height for a chandelier, remember that it should never be hung so that it is more than approximately seven feet from the floor. This means that in a room with a high ceiling, the chandelier will need a longer suspending support. In the case of a chandelier that is quite large, it can sometimes be more aesthetically pleasing to hang it just a little bit higher than normal. However, even in the case of a large chandelier, it should still be hung low enough to provide useful light.

Too Large or Too Small

Even if you have a spectacularly beautiful chandelier, it won't look good if it is the improper size and scale for the room. In fact, in the case of a chandelier that is either too large or too small, it will actually detract from the overall beauty of the room. So, instead of creating a beautiful focal point, the chandelier will simply be an eyesore.