| Calculate the right size. To keep tall guests from bumping their heads on your chandelier as they get up from their seats consider the size of your light. Using a measuring tape, calculate the width of the table and subtract one foot. For example, if your dining table is 38” wide, you will be looking for a chandelier that is 26” wide. The reason for this is so you don’t end up with a light that looks too small or too large over your table, and tall guests won't bump their heads on your chandelier as they get up from their seats. Private Comment
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| Figure out the right height. You never want to hear a guest across your table say “I can hear you but can only see crystal droplets in front of me.” This means the light was hung too low. Private Comment
If you have an 8-foot ceiling, there should be 30" to 36” from the tabletop to bottom of your light fixture. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches to the height of your light. For example, a light in a 9-foot ceiling should hang down 33" to 39”. |
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| More light for the holidays. If you enjoy hosting large holiday gatherings, opening your table as long as it will go, or adding on a few card tables, consider breaking the fixture-size rule by a few inches to get in more lights — so everyone can find his fork! If you are the rebellious type, hang the bigger light higher so it does not feel weighty. Check out how close to the ceiling this large chandelier is. Private Comment
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| Seeing double. If your tabletop is extra long all the time, you could create better direct light at both ends of the table with two equally spaced chandeliers. And this is not only functional, but adds more drama to your space. Private Comment
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| Candle chandeliers. If you like long lingering meals by candlelight, try a fixture with faux-candle shades. These lights offer a warm, romantic glow. And during the holidays you can add fun accents like branches and ornaments without worrying they will catch on fire. If you are concerned about this kind of light not being strong enough, just remember that you can and should layer different types of lighting in a room, so include other table lamps, floor lamps or sconces. Private Comment
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| P.S. Add a large mirror to double the light. Have a great holiday season! Private Comment
More: How to Get the Pendant Light Right Browse chandeliers in the Houzz Products section |
