Where To Hang A Chandelier

As with all elements of design, where you put a chandelier is greatly influenced by the existing look of the space. If it’s a small space, a large, multi-tiered chandelier will look out of place. For a large room, you can get away with a small, ornate chandelier, as long as the details give the light a visual weight that works with the design of the rest of the room.

So when you fall in love with the look of a chandelier, it’s important to consider what else will add to, or detract from, the overall picture. If you have the height clearance, chandeliers are versatile and can be used in virtually every room in a home, from the living room, to the hallway, or even the bathroom.

The Chandelier Location Matters

While the design of your home is ultimately up to you, there are different considerations when you choose where to hang a chandelier in each room. The different spaces have different guidelines.

Open Floor Plan Placement

When you have an open floor plan, such as in a living room, bedroom, or a covered outdoor patio, it’s best to find a chandelier that will look balanced over the most central living space, putting the light where it will be used. This highlights that specific area by putting the light over something such as a coffee table or centered between sofas. Keep a 7-foot walking clearance under the fixture to allow for different furniture placement.

Placing a Chandelier in a Hallway

For hallways, you’ll want to center the chandelier within the hall, highlighting the halfway point in both length and width. If it’s a long hallway, consider multiple fixtures placed every 8 to 10 feet.

A good measurement for the size chandelier you can choose in hallways is that for every foot of space in the hall, you can add 2 to 2.5 inches to the diameter of your chandelier. So for instance, a 5-foot wide hallway could accommodate a 10- to 12-inch chandelier. It’s also a good idea to keep as much walking clearance as possible in a hallway, so aim for 7 to 8 foot height.

Foyer or Entryway Chandeliers

Similarly, for an entryway or foyer, keep plenty of walking clearance under the chandelier. If it is a multi-story foyer, consider a tiered chandelier to complement the levels of the home.

When hanging a chandelier in a room with an exposed stairway, line up the top edge of the chandelier to hang at eye level from the uppermost floor. For smaller entryways, be sure that the chandelier will fit in the space without being in the way of any doors that may swing open under it.

Placing Bathroom Chandeliers

Chandeliers can also be incorporated into bathrooms. They’re a little trickier, because of the obvious concerns of their bulky size in proximity to water. If centering them over the tub, make sure there is no less than 8 feet of clearance between the lowest point of the chandelier and the tub. The other option is to center the chandelier in the room, making sure it is mounted at least 3 feet from the tub or shower entry. Be sure to get lighting that is rated for damp or wet locations when choosing a fixture for a bathroom or when choosing an outdoor chandelier for patio, gazebo, or porch.

Make A Statement

Wherever your home features a chandelier, it should be placed to draw attention and add to the overall look of the room. A chandelier breaks up the visual monotony of an empty ceiling, and yet it can be used to accent the decor lower to the ground. They are intended to blend with the decor and emphasize the space.

The guidelines were developed to help determine the look of your room before you commit to it. A chandelier will become a focal point and should be used wisely. With a little extra planning, a chandelier can help your space reflect current trends and still be uniquely yours.