Light Fixture Above Dining Table

Light Fixture Above Dining Table

Ryan Benyi

I would like to get a new light fixture to go over my dining table. The table is a 42-inch round one, with leaves to make it oval. All the light fixtures that I like are 29 1/2" in diameter or larger. How do I know the correct size to match up to the size of the table? Thank you.

Patricia Perry

Dear Patricia,
Getting the correct-size chandelier for your dining room table is not as tricky as you may think. Here are a couple of guidelines to follow.

Chandeliers should be proportional to both the table and the room. A light fixture with a diameter of 24 to 30 inches will suit typical spaces and sounds right for your oval table. However, the diameter should not be larger than the width of the table minus 12 inches, or people may hit it when rising from the table. Be careful not to get a chandelier that looks too small -- not only will it look out of place, but also it won't provide you with enough light. When in doubt, think big, especially if you have high ceilings.

The dining room is the perfect place to let your chandelier make a bold statement, says Lawre Stone of Hudson River Design, a lighting design studio in Ghent, NY. He also has some advice for how high to hang your chandelier: A general rule of thumb is to hang the fixture so that the bottom of the chandelier is between 27 and 36 inches above the tabletop.

I recommend making a template out of paper or cardboard to help you visualize the size of the chandelier you are considering. Simply tape it to your existing chandelier or suspend it from string to see if the size/diameter and height feel right to you. Also practice sitting and getting up from various chairs around the table to make certain there is adequate headroom. If you're of average height, take into account taller individuals as well. You can also place the cut-out paper chandelier flat on the table to help you gauge the size and the span of light.

Another tip to remember when installing a dining room chandelier is the dimmer. I can't emphasize enough the importance of controlling the light in a dining room -- that way, you can adjust the lighting to match the activity, whether it's a dinner party, cleanup or breakfast. Check out www.lutron.com for a full selection of dimmers and switch-plate covers to match. The company offers architectural and designer styles in numerous colors.

Good luck with your lighting decision.

Jennifer

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Light Fixture Above Dining Table

Source: https://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/how-to/a372/finding-right-light-fixture/