Chandelier Size Guide | Highcrest Lighting

Choosing the right size makes all the difference: too small and a light gets lost, too large and it overwhelms the room. Here is how to find the perfect fit for every piece in our collection.

At a glance

Light	The rule to remember
Chandelier	Room length + width in feet = diameter in inches
Over a dining table	Diameter of 1/2 to 2/3 of the table width, 75-90 cm above the table
Pendants over an island	75-90 cm above the worktop, 60-75 cm apart
Ceiling light	Flush under 2.4 m, semi flush from 2.4 m
Wall light	Centre at 1.5-1.7 m from the floor
Table or bedside lamp	Bottom of the shade at eye level when seated
Floor lamp	150-180 cm tall, shade just above shoulder height when seated

1. Chandeliers: width (diameter) by room size

Add the length and width of your room in feet. The total, in inches, gives you a good starting diameter.

Room size	Recommended diameter
Up to 3 x 3 m (10 x 10 ft)	45-55 cm (18-22 in)
3.5 x 4 m (12 x 14 ft)	60-70 cm (24-28 in)
4.5 x 5 m (15 x 17 ft)	75-85 cm (30-34 in)
Larger than 5 x 5 m	90 cm + (36 in +)

2. Chandeliers: height by ceiling height

Allow about 7-8 cm of chandelier height for every 30 cm of ceiling height.

Ceiling height	Recommended chandelier height
2.4 m (8 ft)	50-65 cm
2.7 m (9 ft)	55-70 cm
3 m (10 ft)	60-80 cm
Double height / stairwell (5 m +)	100 cm + (long or multi-tier)

3. Over a dining table

Diameter: between 1/2 and 2/3 of the table width.
Hang the bottom of the chandelier 75-90 cm above the table.
For a long table, use two smaller chandeliers or a linear model.

4. Staircases and high ceilings

Choose a long drop or multi-tier chandelier.
Centre it in the stairwell so it can be enjoyed from both floors.
Keep at least 2.1 m of clearance above any step or walkway.

5. Pendant lights

Over a kitchen island or worktop, hang the bottom of each pendant 75-90 cm above the surface.
Space pendants 60-75 cm apart, and keep about 15 cm between the last pendant and each end of the island.
Two pendants suit an island up to about 2 m long; three suit a longer one.
In a hallway or above a walkway, keep at least 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the pendant.

6. Ceiling lights (flush and semi flush)

Ceilings under 2.4 m (8 ft): choose a flush ceiling light, which sits close to the ceiling.
Ceilings from 2.4 m: a semi flush light adds more presence while keeping enough headroom.
Use the same rule as for chandeliers to choose the diameter: room length + width in feet = diameter in inches.

7. Wall lights

Fix wall lights so that their centre is 1.5-1.7 m (5-5.5 ft) from the floor, slightly above eye level.
In a hallway or along a long wall, space them about 2-2.5 m apart.
Either side of a mirror, a fireplace or a bed, place them symmetrically, 15-30 cm from each side.
Bedside wall lights: about 50-60 cm above the top of the mattress.
Picture lights: choose a light about 1/2 to 2/3 of the width of the frame, fixed 10-15 cm above it.

8. Table and bedside lamps

The bottom of the shade should sit at about eye level when you are seated, so the bulb is not visible.
On a bedside table, a lamp of 50-70 cm suits most beds; the shade should not be wider than the table.
On a console or a sideboard, a taller lamp (65-80 cm) balances the furniture.
Rechargeable lamps follow the same rules, and can be moved wherever you need soft light.

9. Floor lamps

Most floor lamps measure 150-180 cm. Next to a sofa or an armchair, the bottom of the shade should sit just above shoulder height when you are seated.
Arc floor lamps: check the reach on the product page so the shade sits above a coffee table or a seat, and allow enough space for the base behind or beside the sofa.

10. Before you order

Check the dimensions on the product page (diameter, height, maximum drop or reach) and compare them with your space.
Check the weight of ceiling and wall lights and make sure your ceiling or wall can support it.
Installation of ceiling and wall lights by a qualified electrician is strongly recommended.