Practical starting points for a more considered selection.
Choosing a chandelier
Start with scale, sightlines and the shape of the room.
Read the sizing guide
Measure your room and, for a dining space, the table underneath the fixture. Compare the fixture’s published width and overall height with those measurements. A scaled sketch or a paper outline can help you judge its visual size.
Check whether the listed height includes the canopy, downrod or chain. Consider door openings and the views across the room. Confirm required clearances, mounting support and installation details with the manufacturer and your installer before ordering.
Finish and shape also influence how prominent a fixture feels. A heavier-looking design may create a different effect from an open frame with the same dimensions.
Consider the island, fixture dimensions and how the space is used.
Read the planning guide
Measure the usable island or counter area and note nearby cabinets, windows and other fixtures. Compare pendant width, shade shape and light distribution before deciding how many fixtures to use.
Mark proposed fixture centers on a plan and consider the arrangement from different viewing angles. Allow for the fixture’s full dimensions rather than measuring only between centers. There is no single spacing rule that suits every shade, ceiling height or room.
Check the available suspension length and whether the fixture is compatible with your ceiling and intended controls. Have the final placement and installation requirements confirmed for your project.
Brightness, color appearance and control compatibility are different choices.
Read the lighting guide
Color temperature describes the appearance of white light and is expressed in kelvin. Lower values generally look warmer; higher values look cooler. Lumens describe light output, so color temperature alone does not tell you how bright a product will be.
Review the published specifications and compare lighting in the setting where it will be used. If a fixture takes replaceable bulbs, the bulb you choose can determine these characteristics; check whether bulbs are included.
Dimming compatibility depends on the combination of fixture, bulb or driver and control. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information. For bathrooms and outdoor spaces, verify the specific location rating rather than relying on appearance.
