What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier? A chandelier in the living room is an elegant way to add style and light. But what height should it be hung?
There are many different opinions on this topic, but the general consensus is that a living room chandelier should hang at least 7 feet off the ground.
The best place for one in your home would be over a dining table or sofa where there’s plenty of natural light to illuminate it.
This blog post will explore why you might want to have a tall ceiling for your living room, how tall ceilings make rooms look bigger, and how they can affect design decisions like choosing which furniture pieces to use or where to put them in your space.
It also includes some tips for installing one yourself!
What is the standard height for a living room chandelier?
There isn’t a standard and it is best to measure the room space before your purchase. You can also use this guide for some basic guidelines: 42″ – 48″ above the eating area, 42″ – 48″ above the sofa, 36″ – 48″ over the dining table 54″- 60″ over any conversation or seating group.
How to choose a living room chandelier that matches your decor?
As a rule of thumb, there are no strict rules as to which type of chandelier should match the living room. It all depends on your personal taste and preferences.
A traditional-style chandelier will look good in a classic or even traditional décor, whereas contemporary styles work well in modern rooms.
In terms of material, glass is a popular choice for modern or contemporary spaces – it adds an ethereal touch to any home and gives the room an extra sparkle.
For more ideas about how you can customize your living room to meet your decorating needs and taste preferences, take a look at our range!
Home decor trends change on an almost daily basis.
Keeping up can be fun but also expensive. If you’re looking for a cheap way to update your look, consider changing your living room chandelier. Whether it’s just for one season or every day of the week, there are plenty of options that don’t require too much effort or money.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier?
Here are ten cheap ways to update your living room!
New Bulb:
Some people assume all their light bulbs need to be replaced when they burn out, but with many types of lighting fixtures, this is not true.
Spruce up your room with a new bulb or set of bulbs, since this is one of the easiest ways to update the look of any light fixture.
New Paint Job:
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for rooms that are too dark, too bright, outdated, or drab. If you’ve got an old chandelier with an outdated finish, painting it is definitely worth considering.
Whether you go bold for dramatic flair or upscale and neutral for sophistication matters less than the fact that painting will have an instant effect on the look of your living room.
Switch Up Your Fixtures:
How many times have you found yourself in love with a chandelier only to find out later that it doesn’t fit? If you find yourself in such a situation, consider switching things up instead of purchasing a whole new fixture or chandelier.
Installing lighting fixtures beside your chandelier rather than directly above can give off different effects and engage more parts of the room.
Move Furniture Around:
Sometimes making room for a piece of furniture that’s small and light can open up space to fit larger and heavier ones like media centers and coffee tables.
For example, if you’ve got an old dining room table taking up much-needed space, thin outside tables, bring in bigger lamps, and replace your chandelier with one that isn’t as delicate as before.
You might even surprise yourself with what you can accomplish under there!
Make Sure it Fits:
Determining whether a chandelier fits your room simply requires measuring.
There is nothing worse than finally finding the perfect piece only to realize that it does not fit once you get it into the room.
Most pieces of furniture come with their own measurements, so make sure you measure each foot of space well before making a purchase.
Hide Unsightly Wires:
Undoubtedly one of the biggest issues in many living rooms is wires and cords everywhere.
As much as we all love technology, let’s face it, tangled cords are not a lovely sight.
The quickest way to fix this problem is by getting rid of them altogether. If hiding cables doesn’t seem feasible for you, try bundling them together inside wall cavities or behind furniture.
Add an Accent Piece:
Sometimes going from a complete look to a more subtle one isn’t the most effective change – especially for those who have created a design scheme that does not match their personal tastes.
In such cases, try adding an accent piece to balance out the room, including new wall art, rugs, or even furniture.
This can also help tie in different aspects of your living space.
Switch Up Your Rugs:
Most people only think about changing out their rugs when they start looking frayed and faded.
However, there are tons of other reasons why you might want to consider updating your rug.
For example, if your current living room rug clashes with the rest of the décor and things like paint colors and furniture, changing it can breathe new life into the room.
Rearrange Your Furniture:
The easiest trick to freshening up any room is by rearranging your furniture.
Even if you’ve just swapped outside tables or lamps, repositioning other pieces of your living room furniture might be worth considering.
For example, moving a dining table over one foot in the wrong direction could make all the difference when it comes to adding balance and proportion to your overall design scheme.
Change Your Curtains:
If you’ve got ugly drapes that look like they belong in someone else’s home, consider investing in some new ones!
Short curtains are great when space is limited during certain times of year (i.e., when shortening your curtains during winter or summer can help you use less heat or AC), and also look great with other windows in the room.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier?
How high to hang a chandelier in 2 story living room?
Hang chandeliers at least 7 feet above the ground in living rooms and entryways with standard 8-foot ceilings. Hang them around 8 feet high if your ceiling is taller than 8 feet.
Locating where you want to place your chandelier requires some creativity on your part.
There are different places that you can put it but it has to have proper lighting, or else you will get eye strain from all the work being done inside of the house!
It also needs perfect balance so that won’t tip over when someone walks past it or move around too much.
A chandelier can be hung at any height but the question is, “How high should a chandelier be hung in an 8-foot ceiling?” At least 7 feet above the floor.
To make sure you are not overloading electrical circuits, find out how many watts your fixture takes and divide that into 1,440 to get the maximum number of fixtures that are allowed on each circuit.
Also, remember if there are other items taking power from the same outlet as your chandeliers then there might not be enough for all of them!
Hanging chandeliers anywhere near eye level may cause discomfort, so no need to worry about placing it up high instead of down low because hanging it too low can cause the same problem.
How High to Hang Pendant Lights and Chandeliers?
A good rule is to hang the light 3 feet from the table or 6 feet from the ground. But some people might not like their lights that low.
Hanging pendant lights might be the least complicated task in decorating your home, but it’s also one of the most important.
That’s because improperly hanging a light fixture can ruin an otherwise perfectly fine room.
Before you start rigging fixtures or asking for help, make sure you know how to hang your light fixture the right way every time.
Luckily, there are only two things you need to remember: (1) Hang descending ceiling lights so they don’t extend beyond the top of the table; and (2) Keep track of electrical safety at all times.
How high should I hang my pendants?
If you’re hanging multiple pendants over a dining room table, keep them shorter rather than longer (so they don’t extend past the table’s surface).
45-inches is a good rule of thumb, but you can go higher if they’re staggered (with some hanging lower than others).
Can I hang pendants over my bed?
Yes, provided that you confirm that all of your connections are up to the task of supporting the weight of your fixture.
Keep in mind that small bedrooms may also limit your choices for hanging distance.
When asked about how far to space light fixtures over a dining room table, interior designers often respond with 12 to 18 inches.
You’ll find this range accommodates most standard-sized fixtures and it doesn’t require much adjustment between different types of lights.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier?
Living Room & Foyer Chandeliers Guidance
When you’re selecting chandeliers for your living room, foyer, hallways, and entryway areas – there are several important things to consider.
They ought not to be too big or too little; they shouldn’t block the views of the other rooms; neither do they need to be at one height nor anyplace over the floor. Your lighting design should draw attention up towards itself, so it must never interfere with beautiful ceilings or different sights in your house.
Chandeliers do their best work when paired with adequate light sources of varying heights, positioning, and angles which will illuminate them beautifully. Perhaps most importantly of all – your new chandelier ought to look fantastic!
There are various sorts of foyer chandeliers out there on the market and we’ve got put together a list of the very best modern-day and traditional types to help you make the correct choice. Scroll down!
Foyer Chandelier – Contemporary Mounted Foyer Lighting Designs For Modern Homes
The contemporary foyer chandeliers are mostly made from metal alloys, glass, crystals, or ceramics. Their light appears softer when compared with other types.
They aren’t usually hung in pairs but rather in a row directly above the entryway table.
Because these things tend to be larger than different sorts of chandeliers they can make a strong statement in any space where they’re installed – be it at home or at an office setting. Here’s a list of our top picks:
Frosted Glass Globe 4-Light Crystal Chandelier Sold By Kmart
This wonderful crystal globe chandelier by Kmart is available for sale online only for $199.
Its beautiful design is characterized by a striking combination of long, full crystal balls and short, oval crystals which create an enchanting lighting effect while also adding visual sparkle to your foyer or living room.
The crystal chandelier has 4 light bulbs (60W each) and it’s 11″ in diameter otherwise 17″ in height.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier? (cre: overstock)
FAQs: How High Should a Living Room Chandelier Be?
1. Tips on how to hang a new light fixture in your house.
Hanging a light fixture is not necessarily difficult, but it can be dangerous. If you are uncomfortable working above your head on ladders or rooftops, hiring an electrician will certainly be the best option for you! However, if you are up to the challenge, read through this article for some helpful tips.
Oh yes…one final note before we get started: ALWAYS TURN OFF THE POWER WHEN WORKING WITH LIGHT BULBS/LIGHT FIXTURES!!!
You don’t want to come into contact with any power lines while trying to install one of these bad boys. Step One – Find Your Fixture
The first step in hanging a new light is finding which lights you wish to replace and whether or not they are compatible with any existing wiring in your house.
If you are lucky, the same fixture that is in the room will fit the new one that you select. Buying a light can be quite difficult if you do not know what type of installation it requires. Some lights require hard-wired connections to the electrical system, while others only need to plug into an outlet. Others still can run either way; they can plug in or hardwire (wire directly to the home’s circuits). This section should help you figure out which electrical systems work best with each light fixture.
Step Two – Prep Work Okay, now go ahead and turn off the power at your circuit breaker box (and remember to switch it back on after installation!). Also, make sure no one walks onto the wet paint!
Step Three – Test Your Fixture This step should be done before installation.
You will need a live electrical outlet, so make sure you have not activated your GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets either. Most GFCIs are required to be reset by pushing the button on the face of the outlet after activation.
The light fixture will need to sit in its mounting bracket, or it can just hang from an electrical wire for this test. Turn on all of the switches that control power to the room where you wish to install your new light. Plugin your lights and turn them ON.
If they come on, congratulations! If they don’t work, well…you probably take off with your old, broken-down fixture…unless you have a few really strong friends who enjoy being electrocuted…
Step Four – Installation Take your new light and test fit it into the mount or ceiling where you intend to install it.
Removal of the old light is often easier than the installation of the new one because manufacturers don’t want you to sell used fixtures, so they usually use construction adhesive in addition to screws and nails.
The adhesive makes removal much more difficult if necessary in a future repair or upgrade.
The easiest way to remove a light fixture is with a “key-hole” saw which has an arched blade that can make curved cuts. Chances are good that using this saw will take longer.
But, safety first! If you do not have a keyhole saw, use a flat head screwdriver to pry the fixture away from the wall. Remove any electrical box plates that are covering the wires by using a flat head screwdriver to remove each one.
Disconnect all of the wirings held together with wire nuts or cable clamps (if they look like metal rings). Unscrew the mounting bolts and carefully pull your light off of your ceiling. Then, secure your new light by following these steps in reverse order.
Step Five – Hanging Your New Light If you followed step four above, this step should be pretty simple!
Just make sure you connect everything really well (get some help if necessary!), tighten all of the mounts/bolts securely, and attach anything else needed such as an electrical box cover.
Step Six – The Final Test Now you are ready to turn the power back on at your breaker box, which should ensure that everything is working properly! Hooray for light!
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier?
2. The benefits of installing a new light fixture in your home.
When you are planning to buy a new light fixture for your home, consider the option of installing it yourself rather than hiring an electrician. It’s no longer difficult to perform this task since most fixtures require only basic installation training and tools that can be found at any hardware store; some even come with their own instructions on how to do it.
The best thing about installing your own light fixture is that not only will it save you money but also allow you to personalize the style of your property by choosing the color or finish that matches perfectly with its design or theme.
You may opt to purchase more than one light fixture if need be because these products are generally inexpensive. By using different shapes and colors, you can make dramatic changes to any room in your home or building.
There are many benefits to replacing an existing light fixture with a new one, the most important of which is increased energy savings.
Most fixtures today are equipped with light-emitting diodes that have very low wattage but still emit strong and powerful illumination.
If you recently installed a CFL or LED bulb that doesn’t fit into your current lighting system, it’s time for you to update the entire fixture instead of just replacing the bulb. This way you will be able to save more money on electricity as well as reduce heat production from your old incandescent bulbs because they constantly generate heat from their filaments.
Another benefit is lower maintenance costs since modern fixtures don’t require bulb replacements as often as earlier models due to their longer shelf life, and can be cleaned with a dry cloth.
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s smart to replace an existing light fixture, consider the advantages of having a new one installed instead. It will give your home a fresh look while allowing you to save money on electricity consumption in the long run.
3. Resourceful tips from interior designers about where to find inspiration when selecting lighting options for your home.
Keep in mind the architectural design of your home and pick lighting options that suit them well.
“Lighting is an important element in architecture because it defines space, adds character, and sets the mood,” explained designer Barry Dixon. “When you walk into a room, light makes it feel inviting or relaxing.” Keeping this in mind when selecting lighting for your home will ensure you achieve the desired effect.
Use different types of lighting in different ways to create layers and depth within a space.
The combination of recessed lights and a chandelier can create a layered effect that creates dimension, depth and visual interest in a space.
“Think of lighting as another layer in your design,” said designer Julie Eizenberg. “Adding light layers not only will help to define the architecture but also will add drama, character, and texture.”
When designing small spaces, think about having task lighting within the work zone so you don’t have to turn on an overhead light if it’s just for a minute or while you’re passing through.
One way to save space is to install sconces instead of chandeliers or pendants.
According to designer Dean Taucher, “Sconces are a great way to add light without taking up much wall space because they are mounted on the side.”
If you have a small living area and want it brighter, combine recessed lights with table and floor lamps for a more dynamic lighting effect. According to designer Dean Taucher, “A mix of light sources is a great way to add interest and create layers.”
If you want areas in your home where people can work and also be able to relax and watch TV or entertain guests at the same time, try placing recessed lights near seating areas so people sitting there will get enough lighting.
When hanging sconces on very tall walls, stagger them for visual.
“Hanging a series of sconces, lights, or fixtures on a very tall wall is a great way to make it look dramatic and interesting,” said designer Dean Taucher. “You can arrange the lights in a staggered pattern for more visual interest.”
To create a luxurious feel with lighting, try indirect accent lighting that hits an architectural feature such as a fireplace or column instead of directly lighting areas like walls and floors.
“Uplighting columns will give them visual interest and sparkle which you don’t get if you just light up the floor around it,” explained designer Barry Dixon. “Aiming your downlights at the ceiling will create a sophisticated feel.”
If you want to highlight architectural features of your home, try adding under-cabinet or cove lighting where you may not have overhead recessed lights already installed.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier?
3. How To Hang A Chandelier In Your Dining Room Or Kitchen: The Dilemma Of How High To Hang A Chandelier
A good ceiling height for hanging a chandelier depends on several factors: How high or low do you want it? What type of lighting fixture is it? And what size is it?
With these questions answered, use this simple formula: Determine your ideal fixture height by dividing the total linear length of your dining table — including any extensions — by 2. Add 14 inches.
This gives you a comfortable clearance of 8 to 10 inches from the tabletop. The greater the distance, the more formal and imposing your fixture will look. Now check out our images below for a visual how-to guide on hanging a dining room chandelier at the perfect height!
Hanging a chandelier in a new house can be difficult because there is no table to measure from and you don’t know what it will look like until it’s up.
Paint colors affect lighting levels, so that’s another variable that makes planning a little tricky. If you’re too low with traditional lighting, it throws people off-center and the chandelier gets lost. If you’re too high with a modern and contemporary look, it dominates the room and people don’t feel like they’re part of the group.
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier? (cre: bellacor)
Hanging A Chandelier In Your Dining Room: The Tips Of How To Hang A Chandelier
To get that perfect height for your dining room chandelier, take a tape measure to your empty dining room and find out where your table will be located.
This is not as critical as it sounds, because you can change the height by moving your chairs up or down on the table. But being close makes everyone look their best! The average standard height for a dining table is 30 inches high—plus or minus 2 inches. Now let’s say the length of your dining table is 84 inches. You’ll need to divide that number by two to get the best height for the chandelier.
91 inches is about as high as you can go without hitting a beam, so we’ll just say that’s where the top of the fixture would hit if you held it up there now.
Step 1: Measure Distance Between Fixture Center And Wall/Window To Know Where To Hang Drop Rod
(Table length x 2) – (Chandelier width x 2) = Distance between center of drop and wall or window
84 x 2 = 168 + 38 = 206 inches (distance between center and wall/window)
Step 2: Measure Drop Rod Length And Drill Hole Near Center Of Pot Lights (pot lights need to be level and close together for this)
98 – 60″ (distance between pot lights and window/wall) = 38″, so add 23 more inches to get 41′ 3″
91 + 13 = 104 inches (give or take an inch for the washer and nut at top of drop rod)
Step 3: Mark Where Bolt/Washer Will Be On Ceiling (measure down from the center of pot light—stud near there is ideal!
—to find where to drill a hole for the bolt and washer, mark it with a pencil, and use a stud finder if necessary. Add two nuts onto your bolt at this height above where the drill bit is. This height will be the height of your washer and bolt when you go to hang your chandelier.)
Step 4: Drill Hole For Bolt/Washer And Hang Drop Rod (hang drop rod)
13 inches up from the floor, mark on the wall with a pencil, use 1/16th drill bit, hold bolt head against ceiling next to a hole drilled in ceiling, then use a power drill to screw into drywall. If you have a stud near the center of the pot lights, mark that spot on the ceiling for another drilling location before hanging the drop rod—you may not need two bolts!
Hang fixture at the desired level once both sections are installed. Enjoy your new chandelier!
What Is The Standard Height For a Living Room Chandelier? (cre: kylieminteriors)
4. Chandelier placement height from a 14 feet ceiling
Given that we have a 14 feet high ceiling for our dining room, we will need to install our chandelier around 7-8 feet above ground level.
As you can see, even if we have higher ceilings than usual, it is always good practice to measure and use as a reference point half of your room’s height and place the fixture hanging at around half its total height.
It is also good practice not to go lower than 4 feet above the dining table for better comfort of your guests.
Conclusion
Chandeliers are a great way to light up your room and be stylish, but they can also make or break the design of your space.
The standard height should typically range from 8-14 feet off the ground depending on how you want it to look in relation to other parts of your living room. If you’re not sure what size is right for you, just call us!
Our team will happily help find the perfect chandelier for any need. Whether that’s finding one with an extension rod so it can reach higher ceilings or choosing one that won’t interfere with furniture placement because it hangs low enough, our experts know all too well what matters when shopping for this type of fixture.
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