Chandelier & Pendant Size Guide

A chandelier or pendant that's too small looks lost; one that's too big takes over the room. The good news: there are a few simple rules that interior designers use to get the size right every time. Here they are, in centimetres.

1. How wide should my chandelier be?

Add the length and width of the room in metres, then multiply by 8. The answer is a good guide diameter in centimetres.

2. How big over a dining table?

Choose a light that is roughly half to two-thirds the width of your table, and keep at least 15 cm clear of the table edge on each side. For a long table, two or three pendants in a row, or a linear island light, often looks better than one large fitting.

3. How low should it hang?

• Over a dining table or kitchen island: the bottom of the light about 75–90 cm above the tabletop.
• In a room people walk through: leave at least 2.1 m between the floor and the bottom of the light, so nobody hits their head.
• In a hallway or stairwell: the same 2.1 m rule applies; in a tall stairwell the light can sit higher so it's seen from the landing.

4. How tall should the fitting be?

A simple rule: allow about 20–25 cm of fitting height for every metre of ceiling height. A typical UK ceiling of 2.4 m suits a fitting around 50–60 cm tall including the drop. For low ceilings, look at flush or semi-flush ceiling lights instead.

5. Check the weight

Heavier fittings such as marble, alabaster or large crystal chandeliers need a ceiling fixing strong enough to carry them. Check the weight in the product specifications and share it with your electrician before fitting.

Quick tips

• Cut a circle of paper or cardboard to your chosen size and tape it to the ceiling to see how it looks.
• Many pendants have an adjustable cord, so the drop can be set on the day of fitting – check the product page for the cord length.
• Hardwired lights should be installed by a qualified electrician (Part P in England).