Size matters...

I get asked at least twice a week for advise on what is the correct size light fixture for a space. While I have the utmost respect for groups like the American Lighting Association and constantly use their suggested guidelines, I have to stress to the world...they are just guidelines.


The universally accepted formula for a dining room chandelier is: room width+ room length=convert to inches and that is the suggested diameter. For example a 20 foot by 14 foot dining room should have a chandelier 34 inches wide. In my experience this ends up being the small side of proper scale- take into consideration the size of your table and the fixture itself. You can get away with a larger fixture if it is more wispy and airy or if you have a wide table.
 I like taking the width of the table and go in 12 inches on each side to get your diameter. Another consideration is the shape of your table- a long rectangular table can take a more linear fixture, or an oval fixture as opposed to a traditional round chandelier.Or if you are more daring and willing to put more than one hole in your ceiling use more than one fixture- hang several lanterns down the length of a farm table... But no matter what size you use, your fixture should be 30 inches off the surface of your table (for an 8 foot ceiling- for every foot higher than 8- you can raise the fixture 3 inches off the table)- proper height placement will help ensure your dinner guests don't get strange shadows on their face while dining!

That being said...playing with sizing can create drama! An over sized chandelier in a living room  adds elegance and a shock value not to mention a great focal piece- with so many unique chandeliers out there why not do double duty- you need a focal piece and you need light so combine them!







On the opposite side of the spectrum tiny chandeliers can cause the same effect- a mini placed unexpectedly in a powder room or dressing room adds elegance and importance to an otherwise blah space.

Unless you are living with a professional athlete the base of your chandeliers and light fixtures should be at least 7 feet off the floor- and yes, if you happen to be Mrs.Lamar Odom- raise it higher to accommodate his height  and keep him from feeling like he has to duck his head in his own house.

Don't be afraid to push the limit with sizing your fixture- in my personal opinion, when in doubt go bigger! Yes I am southern so I follow the belief that bigger is better but also it is blatantly obvious when a fixture is too little and one that is too little is dinky but one that is too big is dramatic!                  

And if you are really nervous...ask for help! I personally use a variety of methods from good old pen and paper to computer programs to help scale it out and show people how a fixture will fill their space...use resources like the American Lighting Association to find a trained professional to help you (and yes- I am ALA certified...shameless plug for myself!)