A chandelier that is too small looks lost. One that is too big overwhelms the room. Here is how to get dining room chandelier size right, with simple formulas you can use today.
The diameter formula
Add the length and width of your dining room in feet. The total, in inches, is a good starting diameter for your chandelier. Example: a 12 by 14 foot dining room gives 26, so look for a chandelier around 26 inches (66 cm) in diameter. For rooms with high ceilings or a very large table, you can go 5 to 10 cm larger. For small or low ceilinged rooms, stay at or slightly under the formula.
Size relative to the table
The chandelier should be about one half to two thirds the width of the dining table. A 180 cm (6 foot) table pairs well with a chandelier 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 inches) wide. Center it exactly over the table, not necessarily the center of the room, because tables often sit off center.
How high to hang it
Hang the chandelier 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) above the tabletop, measured from the table surface to the bottom of the fixture. This keeps sight lines open across the table while giving strong light where you eat. For ceilings over 3 meters (10 feet), add about 8 cm (3 inches) of hanging height for every extra 30 cm (1 foot) of ceiling.
Quick reference
Table up to 120 cm (4 ft): chandelier 50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in). Table 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 ft): chandelier 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in). Table 180 to 240 cm (6 to 8 ft): chandelier 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in). Table over 240 cm (8 ft): chandelier 110 to 140 cm (44 to 56 in), or two smaller chandeliers.
Two chandeliers instead of one
For very long tables, two smaller chandeliers often look better than one giant one. Space them evenly over the table, each centered over its half. Keep both at the same height.
Moroccan chandeliers in the dining room
A pierced brass Moroccan chandelier is ideal over a dining table. The patterned light creates atmosphere, the brass suits wood tables beautifully, and the fixture doubles as sculpture when the light is off. Because the light is warm and diffused, it flatters both the food and the faces around the table.
Frequently asked questions
Should the chandelier match the table exactly in style? No. Contrast works well. A Moroccan brass chandelier over a modern wood table is a classic designer pairing.
What if my ceiling is low? Choose a flush or semi flush chandelier style, and keep the bottom of the fixture at least 200 cm (about 6.5 feet) from the floor so nobody bumps it.
Can I use a dimmer? Yes, and you should. Dining rooms need bright light for family meals and low warm light for dinner parties. Make sure your bulbs are dimmable.
Explore custom chandeliers and ceiling lights to find the right size for your room.
[…] Use the room formula: add the room’s length and width in feet, and use that number in inches as the starting diameter. A 14 by 16 foot living room suggests a chandelier around 30 inches (76 cm) wide. Over a dining table, choose a chandelier one half to two thirds the width of the table, hung 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) above the tabletop. Our full sizing walkthrough is in the dining room chandelier size guide. […]