A Complete Guide for Buying Large Chandeliers

Chandeliers are a great way to not only add light to a room or entryway but add visual interest and great a statement. While many people still imagine chandeliers being made up of hundreds of delicate crystals, there are many new designs that have been added to the mix. 

If you have a big room or high ceilings, a large chandelier can add drama to your space while tying together your design aesthetic. Choosing any size chandelier isn’t the way to go. You need to ensure that it’s the proper size so it will give off the right amount of light while looking in proportion to the rest of the room. 

For tips on how to select the best large chandelier for your home, check out our guide below. 

What Is a Chandelier?

A chandelier is one lighting unit that hangs from the ceiling by a link chain. From that central unit, there are several lighting branches that are connected to it. They often have multiple light sources on several different lighting tiers. 

Chandeliers traditionally have intricate designs, but with modern design elements, you can find something more rustic to fit your tastes. As opposed to a lighting pendant, chandeliers are meant to be decorative while providing light. Think of it as a beautiful piece of art in your room that also provides a function. 

Since chandeliers have multiple sources of light, it provides indirect lighting to your room, creating a uniform look. However, if you’re using a chandelier in a space that needs to be well lit, you may need to use additional lights. 

Chandeliers are often used in dining rooms, living rooms, and foyers. If you have a smaller room you’d like to add one to, just be sure to calculate the proper size of the chandelier you need so you don’t overpower the space.

How to Calculate the Size of Chandelier

There are a few guidelines you should adhere to when selecting the proper size of the chandelier. One way to figure it out is to measure the room, add the dimensions, and convert your answer from feet to inches. The answer you get in inches should be equal to the diameter of the chandelier. 

Some other ways to figure out the size needed are:

• The chandelier should be around 17″ – 20″ wide if the room is smaller than 10′ by 10′
• The chandelier should measure 22″ – 27″ wide for a room around 12′ by 12′
• The chandelier should be 24″ – 32″ wide for a room around 14′ by 14′

Since the chandelier would be the focal point of your dining room, it’s better to go bigger than smaller if you’re not able to get one the proper size. You can hang the chandelier higher so people don’t hit their heads. 

If you have a long table, look into hanging two smaller chandeliers down the middle. You want to make sure that 2/3 of the center of the table is illuminated and sometimes multiple smaller chandeliers work better for that than one large one. 

In your living room, you can pick out a size that matches your room’s scale. If you have tall ceilings, add two to three inches of chandelier height for every foot you have for ceiling height. In a foyer or living room, the chandelier should be hung at least seven feet from the floor. 

Styles of Large Chandeliers 

No matter your interior design style of choice, there is a chandelier that will fit in seamlessly with the rest of your decor. 

Crystal Chandeliers

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your entryway or maybe glam up your bathroom, a crystal chandelier is the perfect lighting fixture to do so. They are made up of tiny little crystals that will reflect the light cast from them. If you have more casual design elements, adding a crystal chandelier can add an interesting contrast. 

Staircase and raindrop chandeliers give the appearance of falling rain. They are perfect for areas with high ceilings as they have a lot of height. 

Modern Chandeliers 

Modern design embraces minimalist elements and combines different materials, such as glass, metal, and wood. The lines are simple and clean when it comes to modern design. A large modern chandelier will elevate the design of your room while creating a dramatic impact. 

A big modern chandelier would fit perfectly in an entryway or living room. They have a bold style, so they fit better in larger spaces with high ceilings.

A large contemporary chandelier has similar design elements to modern ones. They both embrace minimalist design and clean lines, but contemporary incorporated more curved lines and shapes and patterns. 

Beaded Chandelier

If you’re looking for a large entryway chandelier, a beaded fixture will give your foyer an exotic feel. Since they are completely made from beads, they definitely will make a statement and prompt conversations for when people walk into your home. The beads can be made from various materials, such as glass, wood, or shells.  

Candle Chandelier

Modern-day candle chandeliers replicate how they looked hundreds of years ago without the danger of lighting your house on fire due to having countless candles lit. If your design aesthetic is more rustic, then look into candle chandelier options. These fixtures have at least five arms that have a “candle” light at the end. 

They work well in dining rooms for an elegant and simple look. You can also have a fixture with lampshades over the candles, giving the chandelier a more modern look.  

Select a New Chandelier Today

Choosing large chandeliers to light up your space will serve two purposes: it will serve as a statement piece and it will provide you with much-needed light in your space. There are so many styles to choose from, whether you’re looking for a smaller-scale chandelier for a dining room or a large foyer chandelier. 

For more information on interior design ideas, check out some of our other articles.