Chandeliers

Chandeliers: how to choose the right chandelier for your dining room, living room and entryway

A chandelier is the one light fixture people look up at on purpose. It hangs at the center of a room, carries several lights at once, and tells everyone who walks in what kind of house this is.

At Westbrook Lighting, our Chandeliers collection brings together modern, Scandinavian and natural designs for dining rooms, living rooms and entries. They are chosen to work in real homes with ordinary ceilings, not only in grand halls.

Choosing a chandelier is mostly a question of scale. The size of the fixture, the height it hangs at and the room around it have to agree. When they do, the style almost takes care of itself.

Whether you are looking for dining room chandeliers, a modern chandelier for the living room, a rattan chandelier or a dining room light fixture that feels lighter than a traditional one, the points below will help you choose.

What is a chandelier?

A chandelier is a hanging light fixture with several light sources on one frame.

The lights may sit on arms, branches, rings or tiers, or hang as a cluster.

It is suspended from the ceiling by a chain, rod or cord and wired into the home's electrical system.

Its role is twofold: to give general light to the room and to act as its centerpiece.

Chandelier vs pendant light

The difference is mainly the number of lights.

A pendant usually has a single light source inside one shade. A chandelier has several, spread across a wider frame.

A chandelier therefore tends to give more light, cover a larger area and have more visual weight.

Pendants are easier to hang in rows over an island or counter. Compare them in our Pendant Lights collection.

Chandelier vs ceiling light

A flush or semi-flush ceiling light stays close to the ceiling and keeps the room clear.

A chandelier hangs into the room and needs height and space beneath it.

Choose a ceiling light where the ceiling is low or where people walk directly under the fixture.

Choose a chandelier where there is a table, an open area or enough height for it to hang freely. See our Ceiling Lights for the alternative.

Why choose a chandelier?

A chandelier gives a room a focal point from above.

It spreads light from several sources, which is softer and more even than one strong bulb.

It anchors a dining table or seating group and makes the furniture beneath it feel deliberate.

And it is one of the few fixtures that can change the character of a room on its own.

Dining room chandeliers

The dining room is the natural home of the chandelier.

Centered above the table, it lights the meal, flatters the people around it and defines the dining area, especially in an open plan.

Its light should reach the whole tabletop without glare at eye level, so shades, diffusers or a dimmer are useful.

Match the shape to the table. A round fixture suits a round or square table. A longer, linear fixture suits a rectangular one.

Browse our Dining Room Lighting for chandeliers and pendants chosen for this room.

What size chandelier for a dining table?

A common guideline is a chandelier between one half and two thirds the width of the table.

For a table 40 inches (102 cm) wide, that suggests a fixture roughly 20 to 27 inches (51 to 69 cm) across.

This keeps the chandelier in proportion and leaves clear space at the edges, so nobody bumps it when standing.

For a long rectangular table, a linear chandelier, or two smaller fixtures spaced along the table, often works better than a single round one.

How high should a chandelier hang over a dining table?

A widely used guideline places the bottom of the chandelier about 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) above the tabletop.

At that height it lights the table well and stays out of the line of sight between people seated opposite each other.

With a taller ceiling, the fixture can hang a little higher so it relates to the room as well as the table.

Before the length is fixed, sit at the table and check that you can see the person across from you.

Chandeliers for the living room

In a living room, a chandelier replaces the standard ceiling fixture with something that has presence.

Centered over the seating area or the coffee table, it pulls the furniture together.

Clearance matters here, since people walk beneath it. A common guideline is to keep about 7 feet (84 inches, or 213 cm) of clear height under the fixture.

Pair it with lamps from our Living Room Lighting so the room is not lit from the ceiling alone.

Chandeliers for the entryway and foyer

An entry with a higher ceiling is a classic place for a chandelier.

It greets guests and fills vertical space that would otherwise sit empty.

In a two-story foyer, the fixture is often hung so that it is centered in the window above the door when seen from outside.

In a standard entry, choose a compact chandelier or a semi-flush fixture so the door and the people passing have room. See our Hallway & Entryway Lighting.

Chandeliers for the bedroom

A chandelier in the bedroom brings a sense of occasion to a private room.

Hung in the center of the room or above the foot of the bed, it becomes the main decorative element overhead.

Choose a design with shades or diffusers, since you will often see it from below while lying down.

A dimmer is close to essential here. Explore our Bedroom Lighting for the lamps that go with it.

Chandeliers for the kitchen

A small chandelier can hang over a kitchen table or a breakfast nook in the same way it would in a dining room.

Over an island, a linear chandelier offers one fixture in place of a row of pendants.

Kitchens produce steam and grease, so favor designs that are easy to wipe.

Find more ideas in our Kitchen Lighting collection.

Modern and contemporary chandeliers

A modern chandelier keeps the idea of many lights on one frame and removes the ornament.

Slim arms, rings, simple globes and clean lines replace crystal drops and scrolls.

The result is lighter to the eye and works in homes where a traditional chandelier would look out of place.

Finishes such as black, brass, gold and white make it easy to tie the fixture to the hardware and furniture in the room.

Scandinavian chandeliers

Scandinavian design values simplicity, warmth and good light.

A Scandinavian chandelier typically combines a simple frame with soft, rounded shades, often in pale tones, brass or wood.

It suits bright, uncluttered rooms and pairs easily with natural materials.

The same spirit runs through many of our Table Lamps and Wall Lights & Sconces.

Rattan and bamboo chandeliers

A woven chandelier brings texture and warmth overhead.

Rattan and bamboo filter the light through their weave and cast a soft pattern on the ceiling and walls.

They are light in weight for their size, so they can be generous in scale without feeling heavy.

The Geometric Rattan Bamboo Chandelier takes this approach, and our Rattan Lighting collection gathers the related pieces, including the Sena Rattan Pendant Light.

LED chandeliers

Some chandeliers have LEDs built into the frame instead of sockets for bulbs.

This allows fine, sculptural shapes that would not be possible with standard bulbs.

Others take replaceable bulbs, which lets you choose the color and brightness yourself and change them later.

Check the product page to see which type a chandelier uses and what is included.

How many lights should a chandelier have?

The number of lights affects both the look and the output.

More lights spread the output across more points, which is softer on the eyes than fewer, stronger ones.

A larger room or a longer table generally calls for more lights or a wider frame.

Rather than counting bulbs, look at the overall size of the fixture and whether it can be dimmed.

What size chandelier for a room?

When the chandelier is centered in a room rather than over a table, a common rule of thumb adds the length and width of the room in feet and reads the total as the diameter in inches.

A room 12 feet by 14 feet, for example, suggests a chandelier around 26 inches (66 cm) wide.

Use this as a starting point. An open, airy design can be larger. A dense, heavy-looking one can be smaller.

Ceiling height matters too. Taller rooms can carry taller fixtures.

Chandeliers and ceiling height

A chandelier needs room to hang.

With a standard ceiling of about 8 feet, choose a fixture with a short overall height, or place it over a table where nobody walks underneath.

With higher ceilings, a taller chandelier or a longer chain keeps the fixture connected to the room instead of floating near the ceiling.

Check the total height of the fixture and the length of chain or rod supplied on the product page.

Chandeliers and dimmers

A chandelier is usually the brightest fixture in the room, and it is seen directly.

A dimmer lets it give full light for a family meal or cleaning, and a low glow for a dinner or a quiet evening.

Not every fixture or bulb can be dimmed, so confirm compatibility on the product page.

Of all the lights in a house, the dining room chandelier is the one that benefits most from dimming.

Bulbs and color temperature

For chandeliers with replaceable bulbs, the bulbs are part of the design.

Light around 2700K to 3000K, sold as warm white or soft white, is the usual choice for dining and living rooms.

Where bulbs are exposed, choose a shape that suits the fixture and a moderate output, since many bulbs together add up quickly.

Check the socket type and maximum wattage per socket before buying bulbs.

Layering light around a chandelier

A chandelier should not have to light a room alone.

Wall sconces on either side of a sideboard, a lamp on a console and candles on the table fill in the lower levels.

With these in place, the chandelier can be dimmed and enjoyed as a feature.

The Selene Alabaster Wall Sconce is one example of a fixture that supports a chandelier well in a dining room.

Installing a chandelier

A chandelier is hardwired to an electrical box in the ceiling.

Because of its weight, the box and the ceiling structure must be able to support it. Heavier fixtures need a box rated for the load.

Installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician, following the instructions supplied with the fixture and local electrical code.

If the box is not centered over the table, an electrician can advise on moving it.

How to clean a chandelier

Switch off the light and let it cool.

Dust the frame and shades with a soft dry cloth or a duster.

Glass shades can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth if the care instructions allow. Rattan and woven materials are best cleaned with a soft brush.

Regular light dusting is easier than an occasional deep clean.

What to look for when buying a chandelier

Start with where it will hang: over a table, or in the open center of a room.

Measure the table or the room and work out the right diameter.

Check the ceiling height and the total height of the fixture.

Confirm the weight and what the ceiling box can support.

Look at the bulb type, the number of lights and whether dimming is supported.

Then choose the style, material and finish that suit the room.

Frequently asked questions about chandeliers

What size chandelier do I need for my dining table?

A common guideline is one half to two thirds the width of the table.

How high should a chandelier hang above a dining table?

About 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) between the tabletop and the bottom of the fixture is a widely used guideline.

Can I put a chandelier in a room with an 8-foot ceiling?

Yes. Choose a fixture with a short overall height, or hang it over a table where nobody walks beneath it.

What is the difference between a chandelier and a pendant?

A chandelier has several lights on one frame. A pendant usually has one.

How much clearance does a chandelier need in a living room?

A common guideline is about 7 feet (84 inches, or 213 cm) of clear height where people walk underneath.

Should a chandelier be on a dimmer?

It is strongly recommended, as long as the fixture and bulbs support dimming.

Can a chandelier go in a bedroom?

Yes. Choose one with diffused light and use a dimmer.

Are rattan chandeliers bright enough?

A woven shade filters the light, so the result is soft. Add lamps or sconces where you need more.

Does a chandelier have to be centered over the table?

It looks best centered. If the electrical box is off-center, an electrician can advise on the options.

Do I need an electrician to install a chandelier?

Yes. Chandeliers are hardwired and often heavy, so they should be installed by a qualified electrician.

Explore chandeliers at Westbrook Lighting

A chandelier gives a room a center. Above a dining table it gathers people. In a living room or an entry it sets the tone before anything else does.

The right one depends on the size of the table or room, the height of the ceiling and the material you want overhead.

Explore our Chandeliers to compare sizes, styles and materials.

For single hanging lights, browse Pendant Lights. For fixtures that stay close to the ceiling, see Ceiling Lights. To add light at eye level, explore Wall Lights & Sconces, Table Lamps and Floor Lamps.

You can also shop by room with our Dining Room Lighting and Living Room Lighting collections.