This post about Chandelier Size for Dining Rooms was updated in October of 2023.
A chandelier adds ambiance and provides general lighting for dining and entertaining. You’ll want to choose one that’s large enough to wash the entire table in light so you don’t leave your dining guests sitting in the shadows, but also small enough that it doesn’t overpower the room’s furniture and decor.
If you are seeking a new chandelier that is the right size for your dining room, keep reading to see our exclusive decorating and sizing tips.
Size it up
If you’re selecting lighting for a new home and you don’t have dining room furniture yet, there’s a very simple rule you can follow. Add the length and width measurements of the room together. Your answer equals the right size diameter a chandelier should be. For example, if your dining room is 10′ x 14′, a 24″ diameter chandelier would look great.
However, if you already have a table, it’s more important to size the chandelier to the table than the room. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your chandelier is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table.
For the right hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, adjusting to work with the size of the table and the overall scale of your space.
Style it up
Once you have your optimal chandelier sizing figured out the next step is to find the right chandelier style for your existing dining room setup. Everyone’s decorating style is different, but thankfully there are a wide variety of chandelier styles to choose from.
Below, we’ve outlined the four most popular chandelier styles on the market to help you begin your decorating journey and (hopefully) find the perfect chandelier for your own dining area.
Statement Chandeliers:
Statement Chandeliers, like our Lucille Crystal Chandelier featured above, are great options for dining areas with lots of space or high ceilings to work with. As the name implies, these beautiful chandelier designs are meant to send a bold statement to your guests and provide a central focal point to build an entire dining room around.
Lantern Chandeliers:
Lantern Chandeliers, like this beautiful Phoebe Acrylic Chandelier featured above, can bring a certain rustic or farmhouse charm to a dining area with their boxy design themes. Like the lanterns of the pre-electric world they are based on, lantern chandeliers can provide a lot of light to a space without making too much of a statement.
Candle-Style Chandeliers:
One of our personal favorite chandelier designs is aptly titled “candle-style,” perfectly captured in this antique brass Clara 8 Light Chandelier featured above. These chandelier designs have a timeless, traditional look that works well in most existing dining spaces.
Shaded Chandeliers:
Last but certainly not least, shaded chandeliers, such as our Leigh 6-Light Chandelier featured above, have the added benefit of providing easy-to-change texture for your lighting fixture. If you are the type of decorator who likes to refresh your home’s spaces regularly, we can’t recommend shaded chandeliers enough for their practical, long-lasting value.
This beautiful Koko Wood Bead Drum Chandelier is a great option for spaces with lots of existing natural light, providing just enough ambiance for your table without overpowering the room.
Light it up
Casting the right amount of light is so important in creating an ambient setting in your dining room. You want to avoid the harsh light that comes from functional, or more direct, lighting. Instead, cast a soft, warm glow over your picture-perfect feast. Consider adding a dimmer switch, so you can adjust lighting as needed. You can also use shades for softer lighting.
The metallic finish of our Frida 5-Light Chandelier provides the perfect opportunity to use metallic pendants rather than traditional materials.
Swap your shades
We happen to love chandelier shades for their flexible styling. Easily switch up your look throughout the year—use deeper, more dramatic colors in the fall, and lighten up in the spring with cream, butter yellow or another soft color. Or, switch to frosted glass for a totally different look altogether.
Did you enjoy this decorating blog on Choosing the Right Chandelier Size for Your Dining Room? Browse chandeliers on our site and find more lighting inspiration from these posts below:
- Living Room Lighting: How to Layer More Light into Your Space
- How Do I Choose the Right Lamp Shade?
- How to Select the Right Size Chandelier
- How to Light Your Room with LED Lighting
- Podcast, Ep. 127: Lighting 101
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