How do you choose the right crystal chandelier for the height of your ceiling?

The height of the ceiling is key when picking a chandelier

Choosing a crystal chandelier is not a simple process. We need to take into consideration not only the purpose and role of the chandelier itself, but also the colors of the wall or the location. One of the most important criteria for choosing a chandelier is the height of the ceiling. Why is this?

In spaces with high ceilings, a crystal chandelier can be placed too high and is thus wasted. The light fixture is optically smaller. On the other hand, with low ceilings, you may find that you cannot walk underneath the chandelier after hanging it. In addition to that, a chandelier that is hung too low takes up too much space and creates a cramped feeling. In both cases, the desired impression of the crystal chandelier will be spoiled. Regardless of how beautiful a piece you chose for your interior.

How high should a chandelier be hung? There are several rules

There are several rules to ensure that the crystal chandelier fulfills its purpose the best. One of the basic rules says that the chandelier should be at least 190–220 centimeters off the ground. This rule should ensure that the chandelier is not in the way of tall people. Another rule that should help you pick the attachment height says that the chandelier should hang at least 40–55 centimeters from the ceiling. In rooms with very high ceilings – roughly above 260 cm – add 5 cm for every 10 cm of additional height.

In some rooms the chandelier will not hang in the middle, but above a table or another dominant piece of furniture. This is the case of dining rooms, where you will be dealing with the height of suspension over a dining table. The light fixture should hang roughly 80 centimeters over the table, preferably in the middle, so it does not block movement around the table.

Another one of the rules says that the chandelier should be hung at such a height that a standing person will see it at a 45-degree angle. At this angle, the crystal chandelier and its light effect have the best impact.

The rules may not always suit your situation

Each one of these rules may give you a different perspective on the matter. Influence your decision of what height you choose for installation. Measure it first and determine what height suits you and the rest of the members of your household. If you think that the chandelier should be attached a little higher or lower than the general rules say, feel free to do it. It is your house and you must feel comfortable in it above all. Other factors may play a role and influence your final, individual decision.

With regard to the attachment height, choose the number of arms and the length of the chain

The shape and number of arms of the crystal chandelier goes hand in hand with the attachment height. If the room is smaller and the chandelier is going to take up more space, choose a model with fewer arms. A crystal chandelier with 6–8 arms would be enough in such a case. On the other hand, in larger rooms, you can choose a chandelier with more arms. The shape of the chandelier is more or less the ratio of the height and width. Take this into consideration particularly in rooms that are smaller and have lower ceilings where the chandelier could create a cramped feeling.

The attachment height of the chandelier affects the length of the suspension chain which you use during installation. For high ceilings you will need a longer chain. Make sure that the retailer has them available for the given model. In very low spaces you can also install flush-mounted chandeliers. They are mounted on a metal base flush to the ceiling.

Your choices will be limited particularly in low rooms

If you are choosing a crystal chandelier for a large hall or a living room with high ceilings, your choices will not be as restricted, and you can focus then on the correct hanging of the light fixture. Generally speaking, you must adjust your choice of chandelier according to the height of the ceilings, especially in rooms with a low ceiling.

To sum up: do not forget that with low ceilings, a chandelier could needlessly take up space and disrupt the atmosphere of the room. In lower spaces choose chandeliers with fewer arms and smaller dimensions.

The choice of chandelier with regard to the height of your ceiling do not hesitate to consult directly with our retailer of crystal chandeliers. Trained personnel will gladly help you and offer you the best solution possible.