Brighten Any Space: Where To Put a Chandelier in Your House

Chandeliers are a decorative type of lighting that can instantly transform your living space from drab to dazzling. However, they’re not just luxurious eye candy for your home. Chandeliers are functional, too, adding much-needed light to brighten areas in your home such as the dining room or a dimly-lit stairwell. If you’re thinking of going glam with your interior lighting, follow this guide for inspiration on where to put a chandelier in your house.

Dining Room

Whether you have a formal or informal dining room, a chandelier will act as a light source and a decorative centerpiece to enhance your room’s aesthetic. Generally, chandeliers look better when centered over your dining table rather than in the middle of the room.

Entryway

Put a statement chandelier in your entryway to wow your guests (and yourself) each time they enter your home. Choose a style—whether it’s a modern, minimalist design or an antique-inspired chandelier—to set the tone for your home’s overall decor.

Staircase

Light your way up and down the stairs with a beautiful chandelier hanging above your staircase. If your home has an open, winding staircase, a chandelier suspended from the ceiling over the stairwell will add a luxurious look while illuminating the stairway. For a closed staircase, put a chandelier at the top of the landing to brighten the steps below.

Living Room

Depending on the style you choose, a chandelier in the living room can exude elegance or add a touch of cozy, rustic charm. Hang the chandelier in the middle of the room to create a sense of light and space, and provide a decorative focal point.

Bedroom

A sparkly chandelier is a great way to add a sense of chic and brighten up your bedroom. Just like the dining room, a chandelier in the bedroom should be placed over the room’s strongest feature—in this case, the bed—to tie together the overall aesthetic.  

Kitchen

When it comes to choosing a style of hanging light fixture for your kitchen, it often boils down to pendant vs. chandelier lighting. Although pendant lights are a safe style choice to put over a kitchen island, a chandelier will up the fancy factor to your culinary decor while adding plenty of light for cooking and entertaining.

Bathroom

Want to create a sense of sparkling sophistication in your bathroom? A glitzy chandelier will do it. A beautiful chandelier placed over your bathtub is a wonderful way to add luxury while you’re soaking in the suds.

When hanging your light fixture, be sure there is no less than eight feet of clearance between the chandelier’s lowest point and the tub. If your ceiling height doesn’t allow for it, mount it at least three feet from the tub or shower entry. Also, look for damp-rated chandeliers for safety.

Laundry Room

Yes, even the laundry room can be a great place to put a chandelier. Add a little glamor to one of your least glamorous house chores with a glitzy chandelier. Since laundry rooms tend to be on the small side, opt for a smaller-sized chandelier to fit the space.  

Patio

Even the great outdoors could use a little extra sparkle. If you have a covered patio or a pergola, hang an outdoor chandelier to add style to your barbecue parties or when you want to simply unwind outside. Opt for an outdoor chandelier with a simple design that is weather-resistant and wet-rated to withstand year-round elements such as wind, rain, and snow.

Things To Consider Before You Hang a Chandelier

Before you decide to add a little razzle-dazzle to your home with a gorgeous chandelier, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re choosing the right one for your room.

Make Sure the Size Matches the Room

Be conscious of the size of the chandelier with the area in which you want to hang it. A chandelier that is too large can overwhelm a small space such as a tiny bathroom (and be a hazard for bumping your head). A chandelier that is too small can look lost in a grand, formal living room or sweeping entryway. 

A good rule of thumb when determining the size of a chandelier for your dining room or any living space is to use the one-foot to one-inch ratio. For instance, if your room is a 10-by-15-foot space, a chandelier measuring 25 inches in diameter is the ideal size.

Leave Enough Head Room

Like ceiling fans or any hanging light fixtures, there should be enough clearance for you to pass under it without banging your head. However, a chandelier should also be hung high enough and placed correctly so that it provides adequate light. In a dining room, your chandelier should hang no lower than 30 to 36 inches above your dining table. 

Showoff Your Personal Style

There are many types of chandeliers—from glittering globes to ornate candelabras. When it comes to choosing a chandelier style, opt for one that suits your personal preference and complements your home’s aesthetic.

Gain Peace of Mind With a Pro

While installing a chandelier is an easy task for confident DIYers, the size and complexity of the chandelier may play a factor in whether or not you decide to go with a pro. Consider hiring a light fixture installation professional near you if you plan to mount a large, heavy chandelier or if you’re not comfortable with dealing with electrics and need to wire a chandelier with multiple lights. 

The cost of a chandelier installation in a new location averages between $300 and $2,000 depending on the chandelier’s size, weight, and where you want it placed. Replacing an existing chandelier generally costs from $100 to $200.