Chandelier - Do I Go Too Big or Too Small? (ceiling, light) - Home Interior Design and Decorating - City-Data Forum

Swawaf · 08-01-2010, 09:54 PM

I have found a chandelier that I love, but the two sizes I can find are either too large or too small according to everything I have read thus far. My dining room measures 12.5 x 14.5, dining table is 40" wide, ceiling is 8.5 tall. The chandelier is available in a 6-light version, which is 30" across & 30" tall; OR in a 5 light version that is 22" wide and 23" high. I've read some information that says a chandelier should be your dining table width minus 12 inches, others say 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your table, and still others that say just half the table width. In one of those scenarios, the 30" would work, albeit just barely. If I go by room size, the 30" is too big, and the 23" is too small - ugh! I have only seen the 30" light in person and it's gorgeous, but I wonder if it wouldn't be too large... If I err, do I err on the larger or smaller side? Any thoughts? Thank you so much!

K'ledgeBldr · 08-02-2010, 08:43 AM

I'd go with the larger version.
There's nothing worse than a "dingy little fixture".

There's nothing wrong with some mass. Just remember 30" from the fixture bottom to the table.

Cattknap · 08-02-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

I'd go with the larger version.
There's nothing worse than a "dingy little fixture".

There's nothing wrong with some mass. Just remember 30" from the fixture bottom to the table.

I completely agree - err on the side of a little bigger rather than smaller.

Swawaf · 08-02-2010, 09:42 AM

Thanks so much for your replies - I was hoping the consensus would be to go larger. My current fixture is 22" across, and it looks okay, not great. Since I was the one who picked it out (10 years ago, though), I just don't trust my judgement - what seems like a good idea at purchase time always seems to turn into a "what was I thinking???" item a little while down the road.

kshe95girl · 08-02-2010, 11:18 AM

Bigger is always better!

NoExcuses · 08-02-2010, 03:42 PM

I'd go with two of the smaller ones. Space them so they cover the table at both ends and middle with sufficient light.

Cattknap · 08-02-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoExcuses

I'd go with two of the smaller ones. Space them so they cover the table at both ends and middle with sufficient light.

The only problem with that is that she probably has a center light fixture - pain in the neck to change that to two fixtures.

gentlearts · 08-02-2010, 07:14 PM

I've always heard that you convert the dimensions of your room from feet to inches (yours is 27") and that's about the size your fixture should be. Using that formula, the 30" is just about perfect, and for sure the smaller one is too puny.

Swawaf · 08-03-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoExcuses

I'd go with two of the smaller ones. Space them so they cover the table at both ends and middle with sufficient light.

I LOVE the look of two smaller chandeliers over a rectangular table, but unfortunately, Cattknap is right - I have a center-mounted fixture and don't want to deal with rewiring, etc. I think I am going to go ahead and order the 30" chandelier

Thanks again for all your help! This site is great!

K'ledgeBldr · 08-03-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cattknap

The only problem with that is that she probably has a center light fixture - pain in the neck to change that to two fixtures.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swawaf

...a center-mounted fixture and don't want to deal with rewiring, etc.

Not trying to stir the pot- but it can be done without rewiring. You just swag two chains/wires from the e-box with one canopy. Use hefty toggle bolts (depending on weight of fixture) for the hooks, and your in business.

Call me old fashion- I prefer the look of one!