I have been shopping fixtures, spec’ing placements and counting foot candles forever but with a recent build project, it has been constant for the better part of three months.
Style aside, there is a ‘science’ to how large a chandelier should be and how it should hang along with a slew of other rules around the how to of lighting.
I have collected all of my go-tos here so they are finally in one place!
Size Matters
Visualizing a completed space is tough for most of my clients so injecting a bit of math into the mix usually instills confidence into the decisions you need to make sight unseen. The general rule is take the length and the width of the room and convert it into inches. If you add them, it will give you a ballpark on your fixture diameter. Example: if your room is 15’ x 15’, your room can handle a 30” fixture.
Dining rooms flex these rules a bit – the diameter of your chandelier should be approximately two thirds the width of your table. Most rectangular tables at between 40”-42” wide so 30” would suit.
In the case of a dining room, you might be able to get away with larger and you will definitely be able to get away with two fixtures instead of one if your room is more than 20’ wide or long. Select something smaller but two will add drama and impact. Instantly.
Let it Hang
How low a chandelier should hang always stumps clients and to avoid your electrician standing on a ladder, adjusting the height as you say “a little higher, a little lower”, standard is anywhere between 30” and 36” from the table top and around 7’0 from the floor in a foyer.
Bathroom lighting can be a little trickier as it really depends on its size, orientation and application. But in general, the fixtures should be 66” from the floor (to be at the average eye level) and 36”-40” apart to limit shadows under chin and eyes for sconces that frame the mirror. For those hanging above, don’t do it. I always discourage clients from any sort of over face lighting. Not. Flattering. Ever.
Dimmers
Yes. In all common spaces and definitely every chandelier. Master bedroom too.