Adding a chandelier to the room can provide lighting, as well as an elegant decor piece. With the variety of sizes available, choosing the right one for the room is important to keep the chandelier from overtaking the space, but also make it large enough to be noticed by guests. Whether you plan to add the chandelier to an entryway or place it over a formal dining room, keep placement and size in mind while shopping for the ideal piece.
10 by 10 Rooms or Smaller
In the past, chandeliers have predominantly been used as lighting over dining tables, but now they are featured anywhere in the home where there are elevated ceilings, or even high traffic spaces like the kitchen or living room. Depending on the size of the room, a chandelier must also be purchased based on the ceiling height and diameter of the piece.
For a room that is 10 by 10 or smaller, choose a chandelier with a diameter of 17 to 20 inches, which is an ideal size to be a statement piece without overtaking the room. Smaller rooms with these dimensions often include a formal dining area or master bedroom.
12 by 12 Rooms
Rooms that are larger, such as a kitchen or family room include dimensions of 12 by 12 or slightly larger. Because chandeliers are no longer limited to just dining rooms, adding a classic or modern style chandelier to a remodeled kitchen l or a formal living room is a way to create a nice ambiance.
For these size rooms, any chandelier with a diameter of 26 or 27 inches is sufficient for being noticeable in the space without being overpowering. If you are hanging the chandelier over a dining table, make sure it is hung at least 30 inches from the tabletop to provide ample lighting without being so low that guests won't have head room. Chandeliers over the table should also be at least 12 inches narrower than the width of the table to keep from dwarfing the room and furniture.
14 by 14 Rooms
Larger rooms call for larger chandelier sizes to keep the fixture from looking overpowered by the room. Rooms of this size are often entryways or family or living rooms with large, elevated ceilings. Adding a large chandelier to a formal living room is a good way to capture the eye of visitors.
Since the room is much larger, the chandelier should be large as well. Look for sizes that are 24 to 36 inches to maximize the space given.
Wattage for all chandeliers should be 200 to 400 to offer light to the room and be efficient in its usage.
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