How to choose a chandelier: what to consider

A chandelier is a large, heavy and often fragile object that you will look at every day and have to reach. These are the things worth settling before you choose one. The numbers are common rules of thumb, not fixed rules.

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Scale and height

Over a dining table, the lower edge is commonly hung about 75-85 cm above the surface, so nobody has to look around it. Choose a chandelier clearly narrower than the table.
In an entrance or a stairwell, keep the lower edge well clear of heads, at least about 2 metres above the floor.
In a high room, the chain or rod can be lengthened so the chandelier hangs at a good height. Check how long it can be made and what that costs.

Weight and fixing

A chandelier can be heavy, especially in glass, stone or solid brass. Check the weight and what your ceiling can carry: concrete, joists and plasterboard need different fixings.
Fixed wiring and heavy fixings should be done by a qualified electrician, and the rules differ by country.

Light and bulbs

Check how many bulbs there are, the fitting (candle E14 and E27 are common), the maximum wattage for each and in total, and whether a dimmer can be used.
Many bulbs give plenty of light and a lot of tasks later. LED candle and filament bulbs run cooler and last longer than older types.
Warm white light (around 2700 K) is the usual choice for dining and living spaces. Check how much of the light is visible when you are seated, because bare bulbs at eye level can glare.

Materials and care

Glass and crystal show fingerprints and dust, and need regular cleaning. Hand-blown glass can be fragile in transit: ask how it is packed and what happens if a piece breaks.
Raw brass and untreated metals darken with age; painted and plated finishes keep their look but can chip.
Plan how you will reach it: a ladder, or a lift that lowers it. A chandelier that is hard to reach is cleaned and relamped less often.

Longevity and repair

A chandelier lasts longer if its parts can be replaced: single glass elements, the sockets, the cable or chain, the ceiling plate and the bulbs. Ask whether replacement parts are made after the first delivery.

Questions worth asking the maker

What are the exact dimensions, the weight and the drop, and can the drop be adjusted? How many bulbs, of which type, and are they included? Can it be dimmed? How is it packed and shipped, and are spare glass parts available? What are the delivery and return terms?

Sources and further reading

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