How to Choose a Chandelier for a High Ceiling

Picking the right chandelier for a room with high ceilings can be tricky. But don't worry! We're here to help you find the perfect light fixture that will make your space shine. Let's go through the steps to choose a chandelier that fits your high-ceilinged room just right.

Understanding High Ceiling Spaces

First, let's talk about what we mean by "high ceilings." Usually, any ceiling that's 9 feet or taller is considered high. These tall rooms give you lots of space to work with, but they also come with their own lighting challenges. The good news is, with the right chandelier, you can turn these challenges into opportunities to make your room look amazing.

High ceilings can make a room feel bigger and more open. But without the right lighting, they can also make the space feel empty or dark. That's where a well-chosen chandelier comes in. It can fill up the vertical space, add warmth, and create a cozy feeling in even the tallest rooms.

When dealing with high ceilings, it's important to consider the scale of your furniture and decor as well. A chandelier can serve as a focal point, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of balance in the room. It can also help to visually lower the ceiling, making the space feel more intimate and welcoming.

Figuring Out the Right Size

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of sizing. You don't want a chandelier that's too small and gets lost in the room, or one that's too big and overpowers everything else. Here's a simple trick to help you find the right size: add the length and width of your room in feet, then change that number to inches. That's how wide your chandelier should be.

For example, if your room is 15 feet long and 20 feet wide, add those numbers to get 35. So, you'd want a chandelier that's about 35 inches wide. But remember, this is just a starting point. You can go a bit bigger or smaller based on your personal taste and the style of your room.

Another important factor to consider is the height of your chandelier. A good rule of thumb is to allow 2.5 to 3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height. So, if you have a 12-foot ceiling, your chandelier could be 30 to 36 inches tall. This ensures that the chandelier is proportionate to the room's height and doesn't look too small or overwhelming.

Check out our extra large chandeliers for high ceilings

Where to Hang Your Chandelier

Getting the height right is super important when you're dealing with high ceilings. You want your chandelier to be low enough to light up the room well, but high enough that people won't bump their heads. A good rule of thumb is to hang your chandelier so that the bottom is about 7 to 7.5 feet above the floor.

If you have really high ceilings (like 12 feet or more), you can hang the chandelier a bit higher, around 8 feet above the floor. Just make sure it's not so high that it loses its impact. And if you're hanging it over a table, aim to have the bottom of the chandelier about 30 to 36 inches above the table top.

Consider the function of the room when deciding on the placement. In a dining room, the chandelier should be centered over the table. For a living room or entryway, it's often best to place the chandelier in the center of the room or above a key focal point. In a bedroom, you might consider hanging a chandelier over the foot of the bed for a dramatic effect.

Picking the Right Style

Now comes the fun part - choosing the style of your chandelier! With high ceilings, you have lots of options. You could go for a sleek, modern chandelier if your room has a contemporary vibe. These often have clean lines and interesting shapes that can look really cool in a tall space.

If you're after something more fancy, a crystal chandelier might be just the thing. These sparkly lights can add a touch of glamour to your room and really catch the eye. Plus, the crystals can help spread the light around, which is great for big spaces.

For a cozier feel, you might want to check out rustic chandeliers. These can bring a warm, homey feeling to a high-ceilinged room that might otherwise feel a bit cold or empty.

When choosing a style, consider the overall design aesthetic of your home. A traditional crystal chandelier might look out of place in a minimalist, modern space, while a sleek, contemporary fixture could clash with a rustic, farmhouse-style room. The key is to find a chandelier that complements your existing decor while making a statement of its own.

Getting the Light Right

When you're lighting a room with high ceilings, you need to think about more than just how pretty the chandelier looks. You also need to make sure it gives off enough light to brighten up the whole space. A good trick is to multiply the square footage of your room by 1.5. That'll tell you how many watts of light you need.

But don't rely on just your chandelier to do all the work. It's a good idea to use other lights too, like table lamps or wall sconces. This way, you can create layers of light that make your room feel cozy and well-lit at all levels.

Consider the color temperature of the light as well. Warm light (2700-3000K) can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while cooler light (3500-4000K) can make a space feel more energizing and modern. Many chandeliers now come with dimming options, which allow you to adjust the light intensity to suit different moods and times of day.

Learn more about choosing perfect living room lighting

Cool Chandelier Options for High Ceilings

Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at some specific types of chandeliers that work great in rooms with high ceilings:

1. Large crystal chandeliers: These are classic choices for high ceilings. They're big, they're sparkly, and they can really make a statement in a room.

2. Modern ring chandeliers: These are super cool and can look like floating circles of light in your room. They're perfect if you want something a bit different.

3. Multi-tier designs: These chandeliers have several levels of lights, which can help fill up the vertical space in a room with really high ceilings.

4. Cascading chandeliers: These feature multiple light sources arranged in a descending pattern, creating a waterfall-like effect that's perfect for filling tall spaces.

5. Industrial-style chandeliers: With exposed bulbs and metal finishes, these can add a cool, urban vibe to rooms with high ceilings.

Getting Your Chandelier Installed

Once you've picked out your perfect chandelier, it's time to get it up on the ceiling. This is one job where it's usually best to call in a pro. Chandeliers can be heavy and tricky to install, especially in rooms with high ceilings. Plus, you're dealing with electricity, so safety is super important.

If you do decide to install it yourself, make sure you have all the right tools. You'll need things like wire cutters, a voltage meter, and a sturdy ladder. And always follow the instructions that come with your chandelier.

Remember to consider the weight of your chandelier when installing. Make sure your ceiling junction box can support the weight. If not, you may need to install a support brace. It's also a good idea to use a ceiling medallion to cover any imperfections in the ceiling and add an extra decorative touch.

Check out our guide on how to install a chandelier

Making Your Chandelier Look Even Better

Want to make your chandelier look extra awesome? Try these tips:

1. Use mirrors or other shiny surfaces in your room. They'll reflect the light from your chandelier and make the whole space brighter.

2. Think about adding some other lights to go with your chandelier. Wall lights or table lamps can work together with your chandelier to create a really nice lighting setup.

3. Consider using smart bulbs in your chandelier. These allow you to control the brightness and sometimes even the color of your lights from your phone or smart home device.

4. Keep your chandelier clean. Regular dusting and occasional deep cleaning will keep it sparkling and ensure it provides optimal light output.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing a chandelier for a high ceiling might seem tough at first, but it can be fun once you know what to look for. Remember to think about the size of your room, how high to hang the chandelier, and what style fits your space best. Don't forget about making sure it gives off enough light, and consider getting some help with installation.

In the end, the best chandelier is one that you love and that makes your room feel just right. So take your time, look at lots of options, and pick something that makes you smile every time you look up!

Remember, a chandelier is more than just a light fixture - it's a statement piece that can transform your space. Whether you choose a classic crystal design, a modern geometric shape, or something in between, your chandelier will be a focal point that draws the eye upward and showcases the beauty of your high ceilings.

Explore our staircase chandelier collection