How to choose an appropriate chandelier size!
When choosing a chandelier that will be suitable for your area the most important thing you need to consider is your ceiling height. Your ceiling height will decide what size chandelier you can have in the area in most cases except for over tables, benches & beds in which case you can afford to drop the chandelier lower as no one will be walking underneath it. We have listed ceiling heights below as a guideline to assist you in choosing a suitable size chandelier for your height ceiling.
If you are placing your chandelier over a table, bench or bed then please continue reading after this section.
2.4m (Lowest Standard Ceiling) -
This allows you a maximum drop of 30cm from your ceiling which will give you a 210cm clearance from the ground up.
2.7m (Slightly Raised Ceiling) -
This allows you a maximum drop of 60cm from your ceiling which will give you a 210cm clearance from the ground up.
3.0m (Raised Ceilings) -
This allows you a maximum drop of 90cm from your ceiling which will give you a 210cm clearance from the ground up.
3.2m (Raised and Vintage Buildings)
This allows you a maximum drop of 110cm from your ceiling which will give you a 210cm clearance from the ground up.
Dining Table & Kitchen Bench
The idea of placing a feature chandelier over a Dining Table or Kitchen Island Bench is to create a great wow factor without loosing any functionality in that area. When you install a chandelier over a table or bench it should always have the perfect balance between the ceiling and the bench / table top. If you create this perfect balance it will look complete without needing any additional features such as vases or flowers in the center, yet still have a perfectly clear vision when sitting down to enjoy the company of your family and friends.
As an example, if you have 2.4m ceilings and your table height is 90cm off the ground, it will leave you with a space of 150cm from the top of the table to the ceiling, simply divide that in half (75cm) which gives you the appropriate size and total hanging height for the chandelier.
Room size
Width of your chandelier always comes down to personal taste, however we suggest not to be too conservative in the width and always remember crystal chandeliers were not made to be conservative or just to simply blend into an environment. The whole purpose of your crystal chandelier is to make a real WOW factor and stand out as a serious feature for the area.
As an example, if your area is approx 5m x 6m with 3m ceilings, a suitable size chandelier might have a width of 70cm to 100cm and a height of 60cm to 90cm. And if your area is approx 3m x 4m with 2.4m ceilings, a suitable chandelier width might be 40cm to 65cm and a flush mount chandelier is advisable unless it will be hanging over a table or bed.
Void / Staircase & Entrance Areas
If you are looking for a chandelier as a feature in an Open Void, Double Story Entrance or Staircase area you need to make sure you choose something of appropriate size as these areas are quick to swallow up light fittings, so in these scenarios, the bigger the better!
There are many different shapes and styles of void areas, however we will try and cover as many as possible below.
Open Void- Open Void Area's generally consist of a two story open area which in some cases have staircases on either side. This environment is great for crystal chandeliers as there are no obstacles to get in the way of you choosing something that will make a generous feature that your area deserves. The ideal position for the bottom crystal on your chandelier to hang is around 20cm above the second floor level so it creates impact from upstairs as well as downstairs.
Double height Entrance- two words, FIRST IMPRESSIONS! When you walk into the entrance of your home the first thing that you will see is the chandelier. Make sure you choose a chandelier with decent proportions to create the perfect statement as soon as you walk through the entrance.
Staircase Landing- Chandeliers that hang over your staircase are still the ideal place to hang a crystal chandelier as it can complement and enhance your staircase. If the chandelier is to hang over the staircase above the landing, measure the distance between the ceiling at the top of landing, then minus 220cm off your measurement and that will give you the perfect height for your chandelier to hang.
Of course everyone has their own taste and desired heights, however we hope our many years of experience in selecting appropriate chandelier sizes assists you in your selection process.
We are always available with professional advise to help our clients ensure they choose the perfect selection.
1300 890 220
Kind regards,
Daniel Feldman
Director