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Some of the most common questions we get asked are about the dining room chandelier. Kitchens and dining areas have really become the heart of the home, and the lighting over the dining table is arguably some of the most viewed and discussed lighting in your home. To make the right impact, it has to be placed carefully otherwise it can become a dysfunctional distraction.
The rule of thumb for a dining room chandelier is 30-36in from the top of the table to the bottom of the chandelier. This keeps it low enough that the light is illuminating the table, but high enough that it’s not in everyone’s eyes and not blocking your view. If you have a tall accessory that always sits on your table, you might go a little higher, but 30-36in is a great place to start.
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Photo from Starr Homes
Another thing people struggle with when placing a chandelier is where to center it. Do you place it in the center of the room or the center of the dining table? With the way your home is wired, you probably don’t have too much say in how it is centered in the room, unless you’re in early building stages. If you already have a spot in the ceiling for your chandelier, make sure you move your dining table to be centered with the chandelier. Even if it’s not in the middle of the room, lining it up with the chandelier will make it look like it’s in the middle of the room. Having your chandelier and table out of alignment with each other is the visual equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. It’s going to make you cringe.
Photo from Starr Homes
Besides placement of a chandelier, it’s also important to get the scale of your chandelier right for the best impact. Imagine a long, large dining table made for 12 people with an itty bitty chandelier in the center. It’s underwhelming and doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity to create a beautiful statement. A chandelier should be about 1/3 the long end of the table. This is a starting rule, and could need a little adjustment based on your specific table, but it’s the best place to start.
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Photo from Cinnabar Designs, Coastal Florida Homes
What other issues do you face when choosing a dining room chandelier? Ask us questions on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, and Instagram!
