by C L Smith

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: January 18, 2012

The look and function of any room is dependent on lighting. Lighting supports the particular activities that will be performed in a room as well as complements the style and architecture of the room. In today's homes, ceiling fixtures are a primary element of the general lighting design of a room. In turn, the chandelier is often the ceiling fixture of choice due to its ability to add a dramatic touch to the room's dcor.

Some basic considerations can be used to determine the appropriate size of a chandelier to be installed. For example, both the function of the room as well as the function of the lighting fixture should be considered. In addition, the architectural style of both the room and its furnishings should also be considered. Finally, the home owner's approach to energy efficiency should be incorporated in the decision making process. The following considerations are presented to help the home owner identify the appropriate chandelier for their lighting project.

DIMENSIONS OF THE CHANDELIER

Height. The height of the chandelier refers to the distance from the top of the fixture to the bottom. This measurement excludes any chain or other hanging mechanism.

Overall Height. The overall height of the fixture is the sum of the height plus the length of any chain or other hanging mechanism.

Diameter. The diameter of the chandelier refers the distance from one side of the fixture to the other side.

CHANDELIER SIZE IN RELATION TO THE ROOM

Height of the Ceiling. The height of the ceiling refers to the distance from the floor to the ceiling. A taller ceiling requires the larger the chandelier.

Room Size. The size of the chandelier should be in scale with the size of the room. If the chandelier is inappropriately large or small, the room will appear to the homeowner to be out of balance. In addition, a fixture of insufficient size will not provide sufficient illumination to support the function of the room. The sum of width and length of the room as measured in feet is the figure that determines the diameter of the chandelier as measured in inches. For example, the appropriate diameter of a chandelier for a 15 foot by 15 foot room is 30 inches.

Rules of Thumb. A chandelier with a 17 to 20 inch diameter is appropriate for a room smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet. A chandelier of 26 inches to 27 inches will accommodate a 12 foot by 12 foot room. A 24 inch or 36 inch chandelier will be appropriate for a 14 foot by 14 foot room.

Hall. A chandelier should be hung at

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