How to Select a Chandelier

Measure the length and width of the room in feet to determine the appropriate size for a chandelier for a room. Add the numbers in the two measurements together. The sum in inches equals the diameter of an appropriate chandelier. For instance, if the room is 10 by 12 feet, the chandelier should be approximately 22 inches in diameter.

Measure the width of the dining-room table to determine the size chandelier best for a table. Select a chandelier approximately one-half to three-quarters the width of the table. For example, if the table is 40 inches wide, the diameter of the chandelier should be 20 to 30 inches. This helps create balance in the dining room.

Select a chandelier that coordinates with the style of the room. For instance, if the room decor and furniture is in a Victorian style, a rustic, country-style chandelier is not appropriate.

Match chandelier lamp shades to a color in the room. For instance, if the room has beige, peach and sage-green in it, shades in any of the three colors will help create unity in the room. You can also use shades to mimic the colors of the season yet still coordinate with the room. For instance, use a pale-peach shade for the spring and summer and a deep-taupe or army-green for the autumn.