How to Determine a Proper Height to Hang a Dining Chandelier

Last Updated: December 14, 2021

There is a standard height to hang a chandelier over a dining room table. This article will teach you what the proper height is to hang a chandelier over a dining room table.

Steps

1
Measure the depth of table. Most dining tables are 28 to 30" high (29 inches being most common).
2
Measure the distance between the table and the light fixture. The bottom of your light fixture should be 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) above the table.

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3
Hang it even higher, so no one can possibly bump into it, if it is a translucent and solid chandelier.
4
Measure the distance between the chain of the chandelier and the ceiling. In a room with an 8 foot (2.4 m) ceiling, the cord/chain would be 3 feet (0.9 m) long, leaving your chandelier about 60 inches (152.4 cm) off the floor.

Community Q&A

Question

With a 12' ceiling, and 8' long table, how high should the bottom of a 3' chandelier be?

Daverwaterloo

Community Answer

It doesn't matter the size of your table - you need to be concerned about the height of the fixture from the floor. In most cases, it should be 60 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. 12 feet less 5 feet (60 inches) would give you a chain length of about 7 feet. As mentioned above, you can try a mock up with a piece of cardboard and a string to get the exact length you need. You don't want the fixture blocking the view of other people sitting around your table.
Question

How about in a nine-foot-high room?

Daverwaterloo

Community Answer

Just add another foot to the chain hanging from the ceiling so that your chandelier is 60 inches from the floor.
Question

Is it okay to hang a chandelier higher so it doesn't block anyone's view?

Daverwaterloo

Community Answer

You can hang it higher if you prefer, especially if it is made of a solid material that you can't easily see through. Ensure that it will still cast enough light onto the table. You want to be able to easily see other people sitting at the table.