A dining room chandelier is like the jewelry of the room – it finishes off the look and adds a touch of glamour. When choosing a dining room chandelier, you’ll want to find the right balance between elegance and practicality. This lighting fixture is bound to get noticed, so make sure it aligns with your decor and illuminates the dining space properly. We’ve got plenty of dazzling dining room chandelier ideas to inspire you.
How to Choose the Right Dining Room Chandelier
When shopping for a dining room chandelier, keep the following tips in mind:
Size Matters
Scale is important when picking a dining room chandelier. You’ll want something that fits the room – not too small so it gets lost, and not overly large where it overwhelms. A general rule of thumb is to look for a chandelier that’s 12 inches narrower than your table. A 48-inch dining table could have a 36-inch wide chandelier.
Location, Location, Location
Where you hang the dining room chandelier affects the size you choose. A chandelier hung lower, like 74 to 78 inches above the table, can be slightly wider since it sits closer to the surface. If you hang the chandelier higher, 84 inches or above, go smaller so it doesn’t look out of proportion.
Light It Right
Don’t sacrifice illumination for just aesthetic. A dining room chandelier needs to brighten the dining area appropriately. Look for at least 100 watts over a 36-inch round table, and a minimum 150 watts for a 48-inch round table.
Match Your Style
Your dining room chandelier should coordinate with the room’s decor. Is your dining space leaning traditional? Choose a crystal chandelier. Do you have a coastal dining room? A beaded chandelier has a casual, beachy look. Go for an on-trend modern chandelier with a sleek, contemporary dining space.
Consider Your Budget
Dining room chandeliers span a wide range of prices. Inexpensive does not have to mean cheap looking! Likewise, splurging does not guarantee it will be spectacular. Focus on the right size, scale, and style for the room instead of fixating on price.
By keeping those tips in mind, you’re sure to find a show-stopping dining room chandelier to suit your space. Time to start shopping our glamorous chandelier ideas!
Glamorous Traditional Crystal Chandeliers
Nothing says timeless elegance like a sparkling crystal chandelier. It’s the perfect choice to dress up a formal dining room.
Double Tier Crystal Chandelier
For seriously dazzling style, look for a double tier crystal chandelier. The two layers give it loads of presence and dimension. Hang one over a round dining table or elongated dining table. The crystals catch and reflect the light beautifully.
Candle Style Crystal Chandelier
Candle style chandeliers have elongated strands of crystal or beads that resemble lit candles. This style has a very elegant, refined look and works with a variety of dining room styles from modern to traditional.
Cut Glass Crystal Chandelier
Hand cut glass crystals have lots of facets that magnify and refract the light. The result is a brilliance and fire that you don’t achieve with smooth, machine cut crystals. An antique cut glass crystal chandelier adds flair over an oval dining table.
Chandelier with Ceiling Medallion
For a very finished, formal look, install a ceiling medallion above your dining room chandelier. Often made of cast plaster, the medallion provides an architectural frame around the light fixture. It works especially well with grand, ornate crystal chandeliers.
Colored Crystal Chandelier
Inject more personality into your dining space with a colored crystal chandelier. Colors like amber, red, blue, or smoke gray crystals offer moodier ambiance than clear. They make a striking statement in vintage chic and eclectic dining rooms.
Mini Crystal Chandeliers
Create a glamorous candle-lit ambiance with mini crystal chandeliers spaced evenly down the center of an elongated dining table or over two small dining tables pushed together. The small scale and multiple fixtures provide warm, cozy lighting.
Dazzling Modern Chandeliers
Contemporary dining rooms demand chandeliers with innovative, on-trend style. From fresh minimal shapes to industrial materials, modern chandeliers make a bold style statement.
Geometric Chandeliers
Geometric shapes like zigzags, cubes, and abstract angles define these eye-catching modern chandeliers. Many are made from black, white, and metallic materials for graphic contrast. Make a desk or banquette feel luxe with a small geometric chandelier overhead.
Orb Chandeliers
Orb lighting fixtures feature rows of spherical shades in chrome, glass, or acrylic. Their sleek, minimalist shape complements contemporary dining spaces. Hang an orb chandelier low over a table to highlight its form.
Branch Chandeliers
Nature-inspired branch chandeliers work beautifully in modern farmhouse style dining rooms. Bare wood or crystal-adorned branches sprout light fixture arms. Choose woven rattan or bamboo branches for a beachy vibe.
Industrial Chandeliers
Exposed Edison bulbs and black metal finishes give these modern chandeliers an urban factory feel. Mixing materials like wood, glass, and metal adds interest. Include an industrial style chandelier to give an eclectic or vintage dining space edge.
Mid Century Chandeliers
The Mid Century Modern style brings a retro flair with its distinctive shapes. Sculptural wood and globe chandeliers with brass details say Mad Men chic.
LED Chandeliers
LED chandeliers provide energy efficient lighting with ultra modern style. Some feature color changing LEDs so you can customize the mood. Shape LEDs into abstract waves or sleek strips – technology meets design.
Dining Room Chandeliers with WOW Factor
Why blend in when you can steal the spotlight? These dramatic dining room chandelier ideas demand attention with their bold shapes and designs.
Oversized Chandeliers
Think big to make a noteworthy style statement! An oversized chandelier that stretches across the dining table ensures all eyes look up. Choose an extra large drum, orb, or rectangular chandelier in glossy black or glitzy metal.
Colored Chandeliers
High gloss lacquer finishes in deep, saturated colors give these chandeliers exotic flair. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or aubergine purple enhance colorful dining rooms. Accentuate their form with sophisticated white and black dining spaces.
Murano Glass Chandeliers
From Italy, Murano glass chandeliers display incredible artistry with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns shaped like flowers, ribbons, and spirals. A colorful Murano chandelier energizes formal dining rooms.
Capiz Shell Chandeliers
Capiz shell chandeliers made from the sea creature Placuna Placenta definitely make a splash! Their natural curved shapes layered in white pearlized shells create incredible dimension. Bring the ocean indoors with this organically elegant chandelier.
Antler Chandelier
Rustic glamour shines through in a chandelier made from actual antlers. Their striking shape sheds graceful, ambient light. Hang an antler chandelier in rustic or mountain chic dining spaces.
Cascade Chandelier
Possibly the ultimate attention-grabbing chandelier, the cascade style features strands of crystal beads, pearls, or shimmering rods that graduate in size, cascading down in dramatic fashion. A gold cascade chandelier provides pure opulence.
Best Chandeliers for Coastal Dining Rooms
Casual beach house dining rooms demand easygoing chandeliers with texture and personality. These relaxed chandeliers suit coastal decors.
Rope Chandelier
Handwoven rope in natural jute or seagrass adds organic texture and charm to these beachy chandeliers. The unfinished, causal material balances the glamorous shape.
Shell Chandelier
Pretty shells in mother of pearl, abalone, and nautilus colors make these chandeliers shine with the essence of the sea. Hang multiples at varying heights along a kitchen island or dining table.
Beaded Chandelier
Strands of colorful beads in aqua blues, sea foam greens, and pearly whites say laid-back elegance. These beaded chandeliers sway gently overhead, catching the light playfully.
Woven Wicker Chandelier
Inspired by vintage lobster traps, woven wicker chandeliers lend a wonderfully beachy feel. Natural wicker finished with wood accents keeps the look casual and relaxed.
Barnacle Chandelier
Talk about texture! This incredible chandelier is literally encrusted in barnacles. The organic sea material creates intriguing shadow lines when illuminated. Definitely a conversation piece for beach decor.
Oversized Rattan Chandelier
Make a big stylish statement with an extra large rattan orb chandelier. The round shape keeps it casual, while the dramatic scale amps up the design factor.
Best Dining Room Chandeliers for High Ceilings
Soaring ceilings call for equally grand chandeliers that can hold their own in the lofty space. These tall chandeliers fill the room with brilliant light.
Extra Long Chandeliers
Extra long chandeliers that stretch horizontally help fill wide expanses of a high ceiling. A rectangular chandelier spanning 60 inches or more provides good coverage over oblong dining tables.
Multi-Tier Chandeliers
With their vertical layering, multi-tier chandeliers have excellent presence to balance high ceilings. Stagger multiple tiers of crystal strands or metallic arms at different heights.
Tall Drum Chandeliers
The height of drum chandeliers extends their light vertically instead of outward. Choose an oversized drum shade at least 20 inches tall so it maintains its identity.
Tall Orb Chandeliers
Orbs suspended at staggered heights give tall orb chandeliers lofty elegance. A cascade of multiple orbs communicates movement in a static space.
Tall Candelabra Chandeliers
The towering, uplifted arms of a candelabra chandelier keep it substantial, even at great heights. Arrange three, five, or seven arms for bold drama.
Colossal Chandeliers
For incredibly soaring ceilings, like cathedral or ballroom heights, go for true colossal chandeliers. Massive, tiered traditional chandeliers with hundreds of crystal strands magnificently suit the grand proportions.
Best Dining Room Chandeliers for Low Ceilings
Dining rooms with low hanging ceilings require shorter chandeliers that fit the intimate space without overwhelming it. These compact chandeliers illuminate cozier dining nooks beautifully.
Mini Chandeliers
Perfect for small spaces, mini chandeliers stand less than 18 inches tall yet still have elegant presence. Go for petite crystals or colored glass for plenty of shine in a tiny package.
Flush Mount Chandeliers
Flush mount chandeliers install directly against the ceiling, keeping the fixture compact. Conical or bowl silhouettes work well. Add interest with curved arms or dangling crystals.
Horizontal Chandeliers
A chandelier stretched width-wise across the ceiling draws attention outward, giving the illusion of a bigger area. Try a linear row of mini pendants or an elongated oval chandelier.
Chandeliers with Chain Mounts
Hanging a chandelier closer to the table via longer chains is another way to reduce its visual bulk. Let it hang as low as 66-68 inches above the table.
Lanterns
Low profile lantern chandeliers that sit nearly flush to the ceiling provide ambient lighting without taking up much space. Go for fabric, glass, or metal materials.
Cluster Chandeliers
Gather small chandeliers, pendants, or sconces into an eclectic cluster. The grouped elements have a lighter visual weight than one large fixture. Mix up shapes, sizes, and materials.
Stylish Dining Room Chandeliers Under $150
You can find an amazing dining room chandelier on a budget of $150 or less. Focus on size, scale, and finish rather than material to mimic the look of pricier chandeliers. Here are some chic affordable options:
Seeded Glass Chandeliers
Grooved glass shaped into faceted pieces refracts the light. The seeded glass looks like cut crystal at a fraction of the cost. Polish the metal arms in chrome, brass, or bronze.
Beaded Chandeliers
Strands of acrylic beads offer plenty of shine and flair. Go for pearlized beads or alternating colors for lots of visual interest and elegance.
Candle Style Chandeliers
Slim curved arms holding exposed style bulbs mimic the look of more expensive candle style chandeliers. Choose black, white, brass, or chrome frames.
Rattan Chandeliers
Casual woven rattan comes across luxe when shaped into a chandelier. The natural material and white finish keep costs down.
Drum Pendant Chandeliers
Overlapping round pendants spaced closely together create the look of a pricey drum chandelier. Nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or wooden frames suit any decor.
Mini Chandeliers
You can easily stay under budget when shopping for mini chandeliers, an ideal size for apartments and small dining spaces. Dainty crystals, colored glass, or orbs make splendid choices.
With the right design, dining room chandeliers under $150 can still make a big visual impact. Let style and proportions guide your budget-friendly chandelier selections.
Dining Room Chandelier Ideas: In Conclusion
The perfect dining room chandelier brings together style, function, and the right proportions to create a gorgeous focal point. Crystal chandeliers spell timeless elegance, while modern chandeliers make a contemporary statement. Oversized chandeliers demand attention, and mini chandeliers keep cozy. Coastal, glamorous – whatever your dining room style, there’s a chandelier to match. Use our guide to zero in on the right size, shape, and look to find your dream dining room chandelier. Let it infuse your dining space with radiance and personality to inspire memorable meals.
FAQs about Dining Room Chandeliers
Q: How do you choose a dining room chandelier?
A: Consider the size of your dining table, ceiling height, and decor style when choosing a dining room chandelier. Pick a chandelier 12 inches narrower than the table width. Go for traditional crystal for formal rooms, modern geometric shapes for contemporary rooms, or coastal materials like seashells or rope for beachy rooms. Make sure the chandelier is not so small it gets lost or so large it overwhelms. Lighting level and visual balance are key.
Q: How high should a dining room chandelier be?
A: Ideal dining room chandelier height is 74 to 84 inches above the table. At 74-78 inches, you can size the chandelier a bit wider since it hangs lower. At 84 inches and above, choose a narrower chandelier so it doesn’t look disproportionately small. Take ceiling height into account too. With very high ceilings, you may need to hang the chandelier lower for the proper visual balance.
Q: How do you decorate under a dining room chandelier?
A: To embellish the space under a fabulous dining room chandelier, try hanging a decorative mirror or piece of wall art on the wall behind the table. The chandelier’s reflection will double its impact. For large chandeliers, you can also hang pendant lights or sconces around the perimeter of the room at eye level to provide extra illumination without competing. Colorful blooms or candles are perfect finishing touches on the dining table under your new chandelier.
Q: What size chandelier do I need for a 48 inch dining table?
A: For a 48-inch round dining table, choose a chandelier with a width of about 36 inches. The chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than the widest point of the table for ideal scale and proportions. Opt for a chandelier with at least 150 watts to provide sufficient light over a 48-inch dining table.
Q: Where should a chandelier be placed over a long dining table?
A: For elongated dining tables, a chandelier should be centered over the table lengthwise for symmetry. If the table seats 6 people or less, one larger chandelier in the center is ideal. For tables seating more, consider a line of 3 or 5 mini chandeliers in a row over the table instead of one massive chandelier. Place pendants or sconces around the perimeter for extra lighting.
Q: Can you put a chandelier over an island?
A: Absolutely! An island chandelier is a gorgeous way to illuminate kitchen, dining, or bar islands. Opt for a chandelier with layered tiers or strands of beads, crystals, or glass so the shape drapes beautifully. Allow 74 to 84 inches clearance from counter height for the chandelier so it does not impede traffic but can still be seen and enjoyed.
Conclusion
A stunning dining room chandelier instantly elevates your space into a glamorous accent piece. Crystal chandeliers add timeless elegance while modern and coastal chandeliers bring of-the-moment style. Use our guide to choose the perfect chandelier size and proportions for your dining table and ceiling height. Illuminate your dining area in the gorgeous glow of your new fabulous chandelier and enjoy the style it brings to your space. Dazzle your guests at your next dinner party under the radiance of your gorgeous new dining room chandelier.
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