Key Takeaway
In most homes, going about 10% larger looks better than going too small. Size by four factors: room size, table/island size, ceiling height, and visual weight.
1) Three Fast Formulas
Dining Table
- Fixture width/diameter ≈ 1/2–3/4 of table width
- Linear length ≈ 0.6–0.75 × table length
- Leave 6–12" from each table end
- Hanging height: 30–36" from tabletop (8–9' ceilings), +3" per extra foot of ceiling height
Foyer / Entry
- Diameter (inches) ≈ room length + width (feet) Example: 12' × 14' → ~26" diameter
- Bottom clearance: ≥ 7'
Walk Zones (No Table Underneath)
- Minimum bottom clearance: ≥ 7'
2) Room-by-Room Guidelines
Dining Room (Round/Rectangular Tables)
- Width/diameter: 50–75% of table width
- Hanging height: 30–36" above tabletop
- Linear fixtures: length = 0.6–0.75 × table length; 6–12" end clearance
- Multi-pendant clusters: keep the pendant visual center 30–36" above tabletop; space evenly
Living Room
- Diameter/width: 1/2–2/3 of the room’s short side (use L+W check as needed)
- Clearance: ≥ 7' to bottom; over seating can be slightly lower if no head traffic
Foyer / Entry
- Diameter: L + W (ft) = diameter (in)
- Height: bottom ≥ 7' above floor
- Double-height: align visual center near second-floor eye line
- Door swing: keep 4–6" between door top and chandelier bottom
Stairwell / Double-Height Spaces
- Form: cascading, tiered, or multi-drop to emphasize height
- Clearance: ≥ 7' above treads and landings
- Controls: multi-location dimming (top, bottom, mid-landing)
Kitchen Island
- Single pendant diameters: Ø12–18" common
- Center-to-center spacing: 24–30"
- Hanging height: 28–34" from countertop; coordinate with faucet/hood lines
Bedroom
- Diameter: 1/2–2/3 of bed width or the room’s short side
- Clearance: ≥ 7' in walk areas; above bed may be lower (avoid head contact)
3) Height & Visual-Weight Adjustments
Ceiling-Height Adjustment
- 8–9': standard table clearances (30–36")
- 10–12': consider larger fixtures; add ~3" hanging height per extra foot
- 13'+: multi-tier and extended stems/chains keep proportions right
Visual-Weight Adjustment
- Dark metal / dense crystal read smaller → size up 5–10%
- Clear glass / airy frames read larger → avoid undersizing; consider +10%
4) Light Quality & Dimming (Quick)
- 2700–3000K, CRI 90+
- Match driver ↔ dimmer type (Triac/ELV/0–10V; Lutron/Caséta etc.)
- Large multi-tier fixtures: independent drivers/circuits improve control
5) Stems, Chains & Ceiling Conditions
- Order stem/chain for your typical hang +10–20% headroom
- Sloped ceilings: swivel canopy / sloped adapter
- Heavy/wide fixtures (≈ 55–90 lb+): reinforced blocking; professional installation
6) Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Sizing only by diameter and ignoring visual weight
- Long drops that block sightlines or doors
- Island pendants packed too tightly / too close to ends
- Overlooking door/ceiling-fan conflicts
- Ignoring dimmer/driver compatibility and circuit planning
7) One-Minute Pre-Order Checklist
- Room length × width, ceiling height, door swings, walk-zone clearance
- Table/island dimensions and placement; end clearances
- Visual weight: dense crystal vs. airy glass; dark vs. light finishes
- Total stem/chain length; sloped-ceiling needs
- Dimmer/driver type; desired control zones
- Delivery/installation path (elevator, stairs, lift, anchor points)
8) Quick Reference Examples
- 40"-wide table → round chandelier Ø20–30"
- 84" table (linear) → fixture length ~50–63"; leave ~10" at each end
- 10' × 12' foyer → diameter ~22"
- 96" island → three pendants Ø14–16", spaced 28–30" C-to-C
9) Auralume Sizing Support
Send us room photos, dimensions, and ceiling height. We’ll recommend diameter/length, tiering, hanging height, stem/chain package, and compatible dimming—tailored to the fixture’s visual weight and your interior style.
