Few elements evoke luxury, sophistication, and a touch of drama quite like a beautifully placed chandelier. More than any other lighting fixture, a chandelier has the power to transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary by creating a grand entrance into your foyer or contributing to the intimate setting of your bedroom. Mastering the art of chandelier placement can redefine your home’s ambiance.
When considering where to put a chandelier in your house, keeping these three things in mind will help you properly place it, no matter what room it is in.
Position: Center the chandelier whenever possible to create a balanced look and evenly distribute light throughout the room.
Height: Most important for dining rooms, the chandelier should be hung about 30 inches above the dining table so that your guests can see each other, and the glare doesn’t get in their eyes. For ceilings over 9 feet high, be sure to add 3 inches for every additional foot. In other rooms, consider clearance and line of sight when you position the chandelier.
Brightness: Chandeliers usually aren’t the only light source in a room but will most likely be the primary one. The ideal lumen count (quantity of visible light) in any room is determined by its square footage.
The Focal Point Chandelier: Making a Statement in Your Entryway
As guests step into your home, the entryway serves up their first impression—an area where design sets the stage for what lies beyond. A stunning chandelier turns any foyer into a grand entryway, casting a warm glow and instantly captivating attention. Whether it’s a cascading crystal masterpiece or a sleek modern fixture, the key is to ensure entryway chandeliers complement the space, aligning with the overall interior design theme while setting a tone of elegance and sophistication.
Tiffany 42 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home
Bold black and white create a striking first impression in this light-filled entryway. They were topped off by the slightly whimsical Tiffany 42 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Arteriors Home, giving the space a sense of fun. Frosted seedy glass discs bring a modern feel to this stunning wind chime design, while the blackened iron frame anchors the fixture with a hint of industrialism.
Perla 26 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Crystorama
@nimbus9_interiors, photography by @rvp_photo
Layers of sparkling crystal jewels create a stunning focal point in this foyer. The Perla 26 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Crystorama adds elegance and a touch of glam to this minimalist design. This vibrant, flowing chandelier balances traditional and contemporary with amazing results.
Dining in Style: Choosing the Perfect Chandelier for Your Dining Room
Chandeliers are always the main event in the dining room transforming the space and enhancing the dining experience. Selecting the right dining room chandeliers involves a delicate balance of size, style, and functionality. A larger room may accommodate a more substantial fixture, while smaller rooms benefit from sleek, minimalist designs. Consider the height of the dining table to ensure your chandelier will provide ample illumination without overpowering the room and create harmony between the table’s shape and the overall décor theme.
Kayla 28 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Capital Lighting Fixture Company
Chandeliers aren’t always dripping with crystals. Draped in layers of cascading wooden beads, the Kayla 28 Inch 6 Light Chandelier by Capital Lighting Fixture Company complements the casual coastal vibes in this dining room. A larger round bead at the center is enveloped by the soft folds of the beaded layers that define this Empire-style chandelier. It drifts down from the ceiling, evoking bohemian flair and a relaxed ambiance.
Roca 24 Inch 5 Light Chandelier by Hinkley Lighting
@lahinteriors, photography by @suzythompsonphotography
Natural and glam influences combine in the gleaming Roca 24 Inch 5 Light Chandelier by Hinkley Lighting. The dazzling design stands apart with its striking sculptural silhouette and radiates an edgy organic elegance with handmade, hand-painted square rods in Burnished Gold. The birds in flight in the wallpaper fit right into this chic, quirky design.
A Bedroom Retreat: Adding Elegance with a Chandelier
The bedroom serves as a sanctuary, a place to unwind and rejuvenate. Introducing chandeliers in this room elevates its ambiance, infusing it with charm and sophistication. Placing a chandelier above the bed can create a focal point, radiating a soft, ambient glow conducive to relaxation. Opt for designs that complement the room’s scale and style, whether a romantic crystal fixture or a modern, understated piece, enhancing the room’s elegance and allure.
Julie Neill Talia 33 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection
@firefinish_interiors, photography by @dancutronaphoto
Soft, plush colors and textures make this primary bedroom a serene haven to escape to at the end of the day. A confection of frothy bubbles, the Julie Neill Talia 33 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection emits a soothing glow throughout the room. The lights are entwined in clear, swirled glass, adding to the ethereal feel.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard Hopper 32 Inch 9 Light Chandelier by Corbett Lighting
Cool gray hues meet warm pops of brass from the striking Martyn Lawrence Bullard Hopper 32 Inch 9 Light Chandelier by Corbett Lighting. Drawing inspiration from the ’20s villa in the Hollywood Hills once lived in by actor Dennis Hopper in the ’60s, it features opal glass shades embraced by brass leaves that compose the silhouette with a combination of dark vintage brass and natural brass finishes. Centered over the bed, it creates an alluring focal point.
Bathroom Brilliance: Chandelier Placement for Luxurious Bathrooms
Chandeliers in bathrooms exude opulence, transforming these utilitarian areas into luxurious retreats reminiscent of high-end spas. Strategically placing bathroom chandeliers above a freestanding tub or in the center of the room adds a touch of glamour and indulgence. However, ensure the chandelier meets safety standards for wet environments and consider the size and height to avoid overwhelming the space while creating an inviting, spa-like atmosphere.
Rylee 24 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Crystorama
@heatherwolffinteriors, photography by @laurasumrak
Traditional shape meets modern elements in the Rylee 24 Inch 8 Light Chandelier by Crystorama. The circular-shaped, hand-painted frame gives a vintage, distressed look, while the beads lend to a bohemian-style flare. The perfect combination of texture and materials, the Rylee gives a rich visual impact to this beautiful bathroom.
Kitchen Glamour: Chandelier Ideas for Culinary Spaces
While kitchens primarily serve a functional purpose, integrating a chandelier can infuse glamour into the heart of the home. Kitchen chandeliers hung above islands or breakfast nooks offer aesthetic appeal and task lighting, combining functionality and sophistication. Opt for designs that complement your kitchen’s style—whether rustic farmhouse or sleek and contemporary—enhancing its visual allure while providing adequate illumination for culinary endeavors.
AERIN Cristol 28 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection
A balanced blend of old-world glamour and contemporary design, the AERIN Cristol 28 Inch 10 Light Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature Collection dramatically illuminates this kitchen. The hand-blown stri glass globes confer an other-worldly refinement, while the sculptural, modern shape in antique brass adds new-world charm.