These chandelier buying tips will help you choose the best light for your room. Get the right size, hang at the right height and pick the right light.
When I renovated my house, my absolute favorite thing to choose was the lighting.
When friends visit, the lighting is usually the first thing that gets noticed.
I love unique, oversized lights with personality! So when I wanted to replace the heavy, dark chandelier over my kitchen table, I knew just where to go – The Light Factory. I fell in love with the bubble chandelier and it really opens up the space.
Ashlie of The Light Factory (a small business of three in Baltimore, MD) knows a thing or two about lighting and she’s sharing her tips on how to pick the right light.
How to Pick a Chandelier
Chandelier Size
Over Dining Table – chandelier should be 1/2 to 2/3 the width of the table
In a Room (living rooms, foyers, etc) – measure the length and width of the room then add those two numbers together. This number is the approximate diameter of your chandelier in inches.
When in doubt, go larger! There is nothing worse than an undersized chandelier.
Chandelier Height
Over Dining Table – light should be 30″-36″ above the table if you have 8 foot ceilings. The larger the light, the closer to 36″. For every extra foot of ceiling height, raise the light an extra 3″ above the table. You want the light to be balanced visually with the table and ceiling height. Too high and it looks awkward. Too low and it will be in your line of sight.
In a Room – hang no lower than 7 feet above the floor. If you have high ceilings (10 feet or more), hang 8 feet above the floor.
Chandelier Light Requirements
Multiply the length of your room by the width to find the square footage. Take that number and multiply it by 1.5 to find the correct wattage to light the room.
For example, a 12’x12′ foot = 144 square feet. 144 x 1.5 = 216 watts.
All the lights in the room combined (chandeliers, lamps, sconces, etc) should be at least 216 watts.
Dimmer – I’ll add my number one lighting tip – a dimmer! It makes all the difference in the world in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Now let’s talk about my amazing Bubble Chandelier from The Light Factory that is a true work of art. I asked for Ashlie’s input and sent her pics of my space and she was so helpful in helping me choose the right light, shape and cord (I love the jute).
Ashlie says, “Each bubble is individually hand blown then added to the fixture so we can achieve the best symmetry and size. After the bubbles are placed and we’re happy with the way it looks (believe me, it takes a LOT to make this team of perfectionists happy!) we add the cord. We offer white cotton, tan jute rope and a variety leather cord colors to wrap the chandelier in. It’s fun and almost meditative building the Bubble Chandelier and no two are ever identical!”
No wonder their tagline is Art by Day, Light by Night. It truly is a work of art.
what a fun light Kelly! it looks amazing in your space.
Thanks Laura – reminds me of champagne – cheers!
that fixture is SO fun!!! i love the bubbly look!
Tiny bubbles in my kitchen!
This is excellent and much needed information. Love, love, love your choice, too!
Thank you Cheryl – it’s such a fun light!
OMG I love that chandy and juxtaposed in your farmhouse is wonderful! My two nephews just had babies, I’m going to try to talk them into putting this in their nurseries (nothing like a naggy aunt lol)
Congrats Mary Beth – two little bundles of joy! Yes, they definitely need these lights to stare up at!
I’m with everyone, love the bubbles and works well with your home.
Cindy
Thank you Cindy!
Absolutely gorgeous. I have a question for you. I’m in the process of re-doing my bedroom. Vintage style. I would love to change the original ceiling light fixture. I am really leaning towards a chandler. Is that to much for a bedroom? I could use some ideas with pictures if possible. I came across a vintage chandler the other day it is actually old not modern chandler that’s where I need some advise. Thanks Lori
Go for it! I love an oversized chandelier over a bed! I have a capiz light in my bedroom – you can see it here: http://www.kellyelko.com/2016/02/stylish-metal-beds/
Beautiful chandelier in your bedroom. Thanks Kelly for sharing. The oversized looks amazing. It gives me some ideas now!
I’m so glad Lori – have fun with it!
Where did you find the wine jugs lights that are hanging in the back ground ?
Sherie – I don’t think my wine jug lights are for sale anymore. They were to the trade from Bobo Intriguing Objects. These are similar – affiliate http://bit.ly/2eyEge4
Thanks for the tips Kelly dear, your chandy is bubble-riffic!
The bubble-rifficist!
Love it, Kelly — so very unique!
xo Heidi
I love this. With bubble lighting it makes it a fun space not formal. It’s very relaxing . I would love to have this. It would be the talk of town. Lol
It’s definitely a conversation piece!
That might be the neatest chandelier I’ve ever seen! It’s beautiful and fun all at the same time. 🙂
Agree Stacey – it’s so unique!
I love the look of this!
Thanks Kirby – it’s so much fun!
Very cool light. Thanks so much for sharing these lighting tips!
Thank you Hope!
I love how fun and unique your light is – totally may need to think about doing something similar in my own home! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Alyssa – it definitely adds some whimsy to my kitchen!