How to Determine the Appropriate Size Chandelier for your Project

Given the numerous choices of chandeliers it helps to narrow your search by first determining some parameters. You can develop a pretty good idea of the size of chandelier that would suit your space by beginning with the following rules of thumb. Remember that these are only guidelines, you must also consider the scale or density of any chandelier that you consider. The more mass a piece has the smaller it can be to achieve the same effect as a much larger piece that is more light and airy. Please remember that with all of these rules in mind buy what you love even if it is not exactly the right size according to these rules.

Chandelier Length

To determine the appropriate length of a chandelier you must consider that a chandelier hanging in the center of a room, in a hallway or a foyer must hang at least six and half feet from the floor (unless Kenny George is a frequent visitor). So in the case of 10 foot ceilings your fixture will occupy 2.5 feet of vertical space including chain and canopy (this takes about 4"). In a two story room or foyer you generally want the chandelier to hang at the height of the ceiling (or slightly higher) if it were there. If your chandelier will hang over a dining table, the bottom of the chandelier should be 28 to 34 inches from the top of the table. Most tables are 30 to 31 inches in tall. The calculation would then be: (ceiling height - table height) - (28 to 34 inches) = amount of room left for your chandelier including chain and canopy. So, in a room with 10 foot ceilings, a 30 inch tall table, with the bottom of the chandelier being 28 inches above the table the calculation would be (in inches): (120 - 30) - 28 = 62 inches of space for your chandelier, chain and canopy.

Chandelier Diameter or Width

The diameter or width of your chandelier can be determined by adding the width and length of your room plus or minus two or three inches. So, for example, a room measuring 12 feet by 10 feet would require a chandelier that is roughly 22 inches in diameter or width.

If the chandelier will hang over a dining table it should be roughly two-thirds the width of the table give or take 4 or 5 inches.

How to Hang a Chandelier

I’m good at a lot of things but I’m not an electrician and I believe it is wise to hire a professional when it has to do with things that can hurt. I would recommend asking neighbors and friends for a referral to a qualified licensed electrician and hire that person to do this job.

Using the guidelines above determine the height that your chandelier should hang. This will help you in determining exactly what supplies you or your electrician should have on hand for the installation.

When scheduling your appointment with the electrician discuss in detail exactly what you need and what you have in terms of hardware and wire. This will ensure that he or she arrives with everything needed to take care of the job. Be sure to have some new bulbs on hand so the you can have the immediate gratification of seeing your chandelier aglow.

How to Clean a Chandelier

Any chandelier that you purchase from Beauregard Blue will arrive sparkling clean but there is some maintenance involved in keeping it that way.

A gentle dusting with a feather duster every couple of months should suffice for maintenance cleaning. Take time to wipe down the bulbs with a dry micro-fiber cloth every month or so (be certain that the bulbs are cool before you do this.)

Every two or three years you should do a more thorough cleaning of your chandelier. Follow the steps below.

1. Make sure that the chandelier is turned off and that the bulbs are cool.


2. Place a thick towel or blanket beneath the chandelier to catch any crystals that might fall off. If your chandelier is hanging over a table move the table to allow clear access.


3. Wear white cotton gloves to avoid transferring oil to the fixture.


4. If your chandelier is just dusty with no real set on grime you can gently wipe it down with micro-fiber cloth that is SLIGHTLY dampened with water. Wipe down the arms and the crystals , gently rubbing the crystals to polish them clean. If you have built up dust and grime you will need to skip step 4 and move to step 5.


5. Draw a diagram of how the crystals are arranged on the chandelier and/or take some photos to use as a guide for replacing the crystals after you have washed them.


6. Remove every crystal starting at the top and moving downward from outside to inside. You may want to do one section at a time starting with the top and replacing the clean crystals as you go.


7. Place a folded towel in the bottom of your sink to catch any crystal that might slip away during cleaning, this will prevent breaks and chips.


8. Soak the crystals in a plastic bowl or container filled with very warm water and several drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent. You can use a micro fiber cloth to wash them if needed.


9. While the crystals are soaking use a slightly damp micro-fiber cloth to wipe down the arms of the chandelier. Use a dry cloth to wipe the bulbs.


10. Transfer the crystals by hand into a plastic sieve and rinse with hot water.


11. Lay the crystals on a dust free cloth to dry.


12. Once dry, replace the crystals, turn on the lights and enjoy.

Some Serious "Don’t"s To Keep in Mind When Cleaning

1. Always turn the chandelier off and be certain that the bulbs are cool before beginning the job. Hot bulbs can cause serious burns.


2. Never use ammonia, lemon juice, or vinegar to clean any part of your chandelier. These substances will corrode the wires on your crystals and may also damage other metal parts of your chandelier.


3. Don’t waste your time with the miracle spray on cleaners. They don’t really clean well and may also be corrosive.


4. Never twist or turn your chandelier, this may cause the ceiling support to loosen and cause your chandelier to fall. Walk or move your ladder around the chandelier instead of moving the chandelier itself.