A chandelier is a ceiling light with several lights, arms or layers on a single fitting, made to be the focal point of a room. Today the word covers much more than crystal drops and candle arms: sculpted acrylic flowers, long linear fittings over a dining table, draped fabric and clusters of glass globes are all chandeliers. This guide explains the main types of chandeliers and the room each one suits, gives the real sizes of the chandeliers in our range with the floor area each one is made for, and shows how to choose the right size and hanging height.
The main types of chandeliers
- Crystal chandeliers: arms dressed with hanging crystals that scatter sparkle around the room. A classic for formal dining rooms and high ceilings.
- Candle and arm chandeliers: candle-style bulbs on curved or straight arms, from traditional and farmhouse styles to the mid-century “sputnik” with arms radiating in every direction.
- Sculptural and flower chandeliers: layers of petals or shades that form one shape, lit from the centre. See the Acrylic Flower Chandelier, a peony of ruffled acrylic petals, and our flower chandelier guide.
- Linear chandeliers: long and narrow, to follow a dining table or a kitchen island. The Large Acrylic Chandelier exists in a 120 cm (47.2 in) linear version as well as three round sizes.
- Fabric chandeliers: the light glows through fabric for a soft, diffused effect with no glare, such as the French Draped Fabric Chandelier in white satin with black trim rings.
- Cluster chandeliers: several globes or shades grouped on one canopy. The French Wabi-Sabi Chandelier has five fabric discs over one or three opal globes.
- Chandelier-style pendants: a single wide shade that plays the same role in the room, such as the Pleated Fabric Dish Pendant up to 100 cm (39.4 in) wide, or the Tiered Fringe Fabric Pendant.
Real sizes of our chandeliers
All sizes and floor areas below are taken from our product pages. “Not stated” means the figure is not given on the product page.
| Chandelier | Type | Sizes | Height and suspension | Suited to (product page) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Flower Chandelier | Sculptural flower | Ø 40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 80 cm (15.7 / 19.7 / 23.6 / 27.6 / 31.5 in) | Height not stated; 120 cm (47.2 in) adjustable wire | 3–5 / 5–10 / 10–15 / 15–20 / 20–25 m² |
| Large Acrylic Chandelier | Layered, round or linear | D60 / D80 / D100 cm (23.6 / 31.5 / 39.4 in) round, or L120 cm (47.2 in) linear | Not stated; hardwired ceiling fitting | 15–30 m² |
| French Draped Fabric Chandelier | Draped fabric | Ø 50 or Ø 60 cm (19.7 or 23.6 in) | H 60 or 70 cm (23.6 or 27.6 in) | Not stated |
| French Wabi-Sabi Chandelier | Cluster, 1 or 3 lights | Ø 50 cm (19.7 in) | H 25.5 cm (10 in) | 3–5 m² |
| Pleated Fabric Dish Pendant | Chandelier-style wide shade | Ø 50 / 60 / 80 / 100 cm (19.7 / 23.6 / 31.5 / 39.4 in) | H 10 / 12 / 16 / 18 cm; 1.2 m (47 in) adjustable wire | 5–10 / 8–12 / 10–15 / 10–15 m² |
| Tiered Fringe Fabric Pendant | Chandelier-style fringe | Ø 36–37 cm (14.2–14.6 in) | H 21–22.5 cm (8.3–8.9 in); cord up to 2 m | Not stated |
How to choose the size of a chandelier
Two common rules of thumb help. In the middle of a room, add the length and the width of the room in feet and use the total as the diameter in inches; in metric, that is roughly the length plus the width in metres, multiplied by 8.3, in centimetres. Over a table, choose a chandelier about half to two thirds of the width of the table. Then check the floor area on the product page.
- Bedroom 3 × 3.5 m (10.5 m²): the rule gives about 54 cm (21 in). The Acrylic Flower Chandelier Ø 60 (10–15 m²) covers the room; the Ø 50 (5–10 m²) works with two bedside lamps.
- Living room 4 × 5 m (20 m²): about 75 cm (30 in). Choose the Acrylic Flower Chandelier Ø 80 (20–25 m²) or the Large Acrylic Chandelier D80 (15–30 m²).
- Dining table 90 × 180 cm: half to two thirds of 90 cm is 45 to 60 cm, so the French Wabi-Sabi Ø 50, the French Draped Ø 50 or 60, or the Acrylic Flower Ø 50 or 60. The linear Large Acrylic L120 leaves 30 cm at each end of the table.
- Entrance 2 × 2.5 m (5 m²): about 37 cm (15 in). The Acrylic Flower Ø 40 (3–5 m²) or the Tiered Fringe at Ø 36–37 cm fit the space.
How high to hang a chandelier
A common guide is 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 in) between a tabletop and the bottom of the chandelier, and at least 210 cm (about 7 ft) of clear height in a room you walk through. Tall chandeliers need checking: under a 270 cm ceiling, the body of the French Draped Ø 60 (70 cm high) already reaches down to 200 cm even before its canopy and suspension are counted, so it belongs over a table or a bed rather than in a walkway; the Ø 50 version (60 cm high) reaches 210 cm. A flat chandelier such as the French Wabi-Sabi (25.5 cm high) leaves far more room. For rooms under 250 cm, see our guide to lighting for low ceilings; the Walnut Acrylic Flower Pendant also exists as a ceiling version, Ø 45 cm for 10–15 m².
Which type of chandelier for which room
- Dining room: a linear or cluster chandelier over the table. See dining room chandelier size and height and dining table lights.
- Living room: a large sculptural or layered chandelier in the centre. See living room ceiling lights and acrylic lamps and chandeliers.
- Bedroom: a fabric or flower chandelier for a soft light. See bedroom ceiling lights.
- Entrance: a compact chandelier that keeps the walkway clear. See hallway and entryway lighting ideas.
For draped fabric, tassels and fringes, our guide to French chandeliers and fringe lamps goes into more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of chandeliers?
Crystal, candle and arm (including sputnik), sculptural and flower, linear, fabric and cluster chandeliers. Wide single-shade pendants can also play the role of a chandelier.
What size chandelier do I need?
A common rule is the length plus the width of the room in feet, used as the diameter in inches, or half to two thirds of the width of the table. Then check the floor area on the product page: for example, the Acrylic Flower Chandelier Ø 80 cm suits about 20–25 m².
How long does delivery take for a chandelier?
The Large Acrylic, French Draped and French Wabi-Sabi chandeliers, and the Acrylic Flower Chandelier from Ø 50 cm, are made to order and shipped by sea freight: delivery takes 4 to 6 weeks. The Acrylic Flower Ø 40 cm ships faster. Delivery is free, with a tracking number.
See all models in our chandeliers collection and our pendant lights collection.
