One of the easiest ways to make a statement and add an elegant touch to any space is to swap simple lighting for a statement-making chandelier. Not only do chandeliers add ambiance and give shared spaces a source of inviting light, but they are also a great way to showcase your personal style. From architectural silhouettes to textured glass fixtures—choose from one of our timeless designs and create a custom piece that will brighten your home for years to come.
Our Burrage pendant is an updated take on traditional caged chandeliers.
1. Start With Function
The room where your chandelier will go and the amount of space you have to work with will determine the size and type of chandelier you should choose. You'll also need to figure out how your light will function in that space.
Entryway
Your entryway sets the tone for your home and makes a first impression. What better way to update this often overlooked space than with one of our heirloom-quality chandeliers? Keep in mind the height of your ceiling and the overall size of the room. If your entryway is smaller or has low ceilings, your chandelier size should reflect that. Our Greenwich chandelier comes in three sizes with a pendant drop that can be configured to fit the exact needs of your space, making it perfect for larger rooms or vaulted ceilings.
Make a statement with a multi-tiered fixture—our Greenwich chandelier adds a touch of elegance with delicately hand-carved Italian alabaster shades.
Dining Room
Dining rooms have traditionally been where most people hang a chandelier. When choosing a fixture for your dining space, look at the scale of your furniture in relationship to your lighting. Consider the height of your ceiling and the style of lighting that you’re looking for. A modern chandelier, like our Reedway Linear Pendant, comes in two sizes and can instantly elevate a more traditional dining space. Statement pieces like our Willamette or Radcliffe chandeliers are also sure to shine.
Our Reedway linear chandelier will quickly become the focal point and give your room character.
Consider how much light your room will need and how your chandelier will coordinate with any other lighting in the space. A chandelier is ideal for bringing bright ambient light to illuminate the whole space—consider installing a dimmer for added versatility. Pair it with sconces, flush-mounts, or table lamps for an inviting, layered room.
We love pairing chandeliers with sconces from the same collection for a cohesive look throughout any room—our Winfield Collection elevates this elegantly classic dining space.
Kitchen
Your kitchen is the heart of the home—add a distinctive touch to yours with a personality-filled chandelier instead of more traditional pendant lighting. A single fixture over your kitchen island will illuminate your countertop and brighten your entire room. We recommend leaving 30 to 36 inches of room from the top of your countertop to the bottom of your light.
Inspired by Mid-Century styles, our Altona bare-bulb chandelier strikes the perfect balance between period-inspired lighting and a modern look.
Bedroom
While most people tend to choose flush mounts in the bedroom, a chandelier placed above the bed is an easy way to elevate your entire space. For lower ceilings, opt for a semi-flush fixture to balance out your space. Accent your chandelier with bedside lighting to round out the room. See our guide on How to Choose Bedroom Lighting to explore all your lighting options.
Our Palo Alto 3-arm Semi-Flush Chandelier is the perfect size for an above-bed
2. Customize Your Aesthetic
Once you know where your chandelier will go and what size you need, it's time to fine-tune and customize your look.
- Finish: Depending on the light fixture, the finish you choose will have a big impact on the style of the finished piece. Brass tones will add warmth to your space, while oil-rubbed bronze brings contrast and precision. Polished chrome and polished nickel are classic choices for a streamlined, contemporary look.
- Shades: The right shade will complete your light. Many of our customizable lights come with a large variety of shade options, from vintage-inspired Schoolhouse styles to sleek metal designs. Fabric linen shades, like on our Berkshire chandelier, are best for an eat-in dining space, but not too close to the kitchen cooking areas due to the moisture in the air.
With curved brass arms and slender linen shades, our Berkshire linear pendant adds an understated beauty to your space.
3. Determine Your Measurements
- Height: The ideal length for your chandelier depends on the height of your ceiling and the type of room you're installing it in. Many of our chandeliers feature customizable lengths so you can create one that suits your space. For a dining room with standard eight-foot ceilings, a chandelier should hang about 30 to 34 inches above the table. For a living space or any room where people may walk directly underneath the light, ensure there’s at least 7 feet of clearance between the bottom of the fixture and floor.
- Diameter: To choose the overall size and width of your chandelier, find the height and width of your space in feet. Add those measurements together for the ideal diameter of your chandelier in inches. For example, if your space is 26 by 14 feet (26 + 14 = 40), you’ll want a chandelier that is around 40 inches wide.
All of our chandeliers have customizable hanging lengths so you can create a light that best suits your space.
Lastly, keep your chandelier’s weight in mind—50 pounds is the maximum weight for a standard ceiling outlet box. Check the product information on your light of choice to see if an additional junction box is required. If you need help deciding on the right chandelier or arranging for professional installation, contact our Design Crew team of experts.
Our chandeliers are made at our Portland, Oregon factory with the highest quality domestic and imported components so that your family can enjoy them for years to come. Explore our wide array of chandelier styles to suit your home.
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Behind the Design: Meet Greenwich