How to Choose a Crystal Chandelier

Check out our How-to illustrations

How wide of a chandelier do you need?

Widths are measured as the diameter of the widest part of the chandelier.
Simply add the width and length of your room and use this sum as a starting point. For example, if your room is 12´x14´, we would suggest looking for a 26" wide chandelier. Consider choosing slightly smaller if you think your room is overly full or close. Or consider going a bit larger for an open room or a room with a high ceiling.
If you are placing your chandelier in a two story foyer, remember that the higher you hang a chandelier, the smaller it looks, so you can go bigger than the formula suggests.
For living rooms, bedrooms, or baths where it is necessary to walk under the chandelier, you might need to choose smaller than the formula suggests.

How many lights should your chandelier have?

Each of our sockets can carry 60 watts, but 40 watts is usually sufficient and more flattering to the chandeliers.
Smaller rooms do fine with 6 to 8 lights, but larger rooms may require 8 or more lights if the chandelier is your only light source.
Using a dimmer with allow you to adjust brightness as needed and add to the lifetime of your bulbs.
To accentuate a tall ceiling, choose a crystal chandelier with an upper tier of lights. Or, choose a sconce with a center, taller arm.

What length should your chandelier be?

Whatever fits!
For a dining room, from your ceiling height subtract your table height, the distance you desire from the table to the bottom of the chandelier, and 4" for the ceiling hardware. This figure represents the maximum length that your chandelier can be. If your choice of fixture is shorter than this figure, you will need to use chain.
For living rooms or other rooms that must have a walking clearance, 6´6" or more is an appropriate clearance. Subtract your desired clearance form your total ceiling height, less 4" more for hardware. This will give you your maximum chandelier length.
Minimum height of a chandelier is the listed length plus 4" (the total measurement of the mounting hardware plus one link of chain).

How far should a chandelier be from the table?

We advise anywhere from 29" to 34". This is high enough to be out of the way, but low enough to complement your table.
If you have high ceilings, or like tall center pieces, you may want to consider 36" or more off the top of the table.
If you don't like the look of chain, covering it with fabric sleeves is an option. However, bare chain is perfectly acceptable on a crystal chandelier. It will be less noticeable than you expect.

Nickel vs. Brass

With our crystal armed chandeliers, you have the finish choice of brass or nickel. The brass is a slightly shiny brass (not orange) and the nickel is a polished nickel. Why shiny metals? It matches the shine of the crystal.

What parts are metal?
Small supportive pieces under the crystal frame pieces.
In many cases, the pinning in the crystal; however, on the Swarovski, we almost always use nickel pinning so that it blends into the crystal.
The chain and ceiling hardware.
The wire that runs through the arms and to the ceiling is gold to match the brass choice or clear to match the nickel choice.

We are happy to make your chandelier with any combination. For example: we've made the chandelier with Nickel metal inside and included a brass chain and canopy for coordinating elements in the room. Ultimately, we advise that you pick which ever finish that makes the chandelier beautiful to you.

Chandelier Coventry in Living Room Custom Chandelier in Dining Room 3-R-6 in Kitchen Custom Wentworth in Dining Room.

For more great tips on choosing the right chandelier or sconce, visit our blog where you can view articles and photos to help you pick the perfect light.