The chandelier is a timeless piece of interior decor that livens the entryway of a home. These ornate pieces are known for creating an elegant ambiance in the home, especially when they hang in the foyer. But one thing that can be difficult to get right is the size of the chandelier. Just how big should an entryway chandelier be? For your convenience, we brought you the answer.
In terms of the height of an entryway chandelier, there should be 2 to 3 inches of chandelier height per foot of ceiling height. In terms of width, the chandelier should be proportionate to the size of the entryway; there should be at least a couple of feet between the chandelier and the surrounding walls.
If you still have some questions about chandelier size for the foyer, don't worry. In this guide, we'll explore the topic in greater detail, and we'll answer some additional chandelier-related questions you might have. Just keep reading!
Considerations For Chandelier Size
Here we'll talk more about some considerations for the size of an entryway chandelier.
Ceiling Surface Area
As a general rule, a foyer chandelier should take up approximately one-tenth of the total surface area of the ceiling. There is certainly some wiggle room here, but this ratio will ensure that there's an adequate amount of space between the chandelier and the surrounding walls. For example, in an entryway that measures 40 square feet, the chandelier should measure approximately 15 inches in diameter.
Feel free to experiment and add a personal touch to your entryway, but use this "rule" as a guideline. You can certainly deviate from this general guideline to achieve the desired look.
Ceiling Height
Something else to think about when choosing the size of a chandelier is the height of the entryway ceiling. Some entryways have particularly tall ceilings, and when this is the case, a larger chandelier looks better.
As mentioned, for each foot of ceiling height there should be approximately 2 to 3 inches of chandelier height. Even if you have a relatively small house you can get away with a larger chandelier if the size of the entryway allows it.
Desired Vibe
And last but certainly not least, when choosing the size of a chandelier for the entryway, consider the vibe that you want to create in the home. The entryway chandelier is the first thing that guests see when they enter your home, and the size of the chandelier itself plays a role in determining the vibe that your guests will feel as soon as they walk through the front door.
Larger entryway chandeliers create a bold and elegant vibe, whereas more modest chandeliers create a more low-key vibe. Larger chandeliers tend to be attention-grabbers and statement pieces, while more modest-sized chandeliers are more utilitarian.
The following examples highlight the different vibes created by the different sized chandeliers.
Modest Size
This chandelier is more modest in size. The result is a vibe that's balanced and chic. The chandelier blends in well with the other decor in the entryway. It's by no means the dominant focal point of the space but rather a smaller decorative accent.
Westinghouse Chandelier
This vintage chandelier is a great smaller option. It will add some decorative flare to an entryway without being too overpowering.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Larger Size foyer lighting
A chandelier of this size lets guests know that they are stepping into a house that's truly grand. This piece is bold and captivating. The multiple tiers and golden color contrast perfectly with the otherwise neutral-toned room. Simply put, a chandelier of this caliber packs a powerful visual punch that guests are sure to feel as they enter the home.
Polished Brass Chandelier
This large traditional chandelier will create an elegant ambiance when hung in the entryway. A piece of this size is a real attention-grabber.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Can A Chandelier Be Too Big?
A chandelier can certainly be too big, and this isn't ideal. When this is the case, the surrounding space looks small and cramped. You also don't want guests to walk in through the front door and feel like they have to duck underneath a large chandelier. Seemingly cramped spaces are not a good way to welcome guests.
If your foyer space can't accommodate a large chandelier, don't try to force it. There are plenty of appropriately-sized chandeliers that fit your aesthetic and vision for the space; you might just have to do some searching to find the right one.
How Do You Know If A Chandelier Is Too Big For The Room?
If you're uncertain about whether or not a chandelier is too big for the room, start by considering the proportions of the room. Upon first glance, you'll typically be able to tell if a chandelier will look too big in a room.
If someone can't comfortably walk underneath the chandelier in the entryway, it's a safe bet to say that it is much too big for the space. Whenever you're shopping for a chandelier, don't forget to keep your entryway measurements on hand. Having a quick reference to these numbers can save you a lot of time in the long-run, as you'll know the exact size chandelier that your space can comfortably accommodate.
How High Should A Chandelier Hang In A Two-Story Foyer?
As a general rule, a chandelier in a two-story foyer should hang down at least 5 feet from the ceiling. And depending on the ceiling height, you might have to hang it even lower. If there are prominent windows at the front of the entryway, hang the chandelier so that it's centered with the windows. But in the end, you should hang the chandelier at the height that looks and feels best in your home.
With tall ceilings in this area of the home, you have a lot of flexibility in your chandelier choice. It's amazing how well the perfect chandelier warms a two-story entryway and makes it feel complete.
Are Crystal Chandeliers Out Of Style?
Crystal chandeliers are by no means out of style, but whether or not one is right for your home depends entirely on your home's aesthetic and vibe. For example, a very formal crystal chandelier could be out of place in a home that has a modern rustic aesthetic. In a home with a more luxurious ambiance, however, a crystal chandelier would be a welcome decorative addition.
Crystal chandeliers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and even colors. If you're just itching to have a crystal chandelier in your home, there's sure to be the perfect one for you. Crystal chandeliers don't have to be confined to the entryway either. Play around with the placement of it and figure out where it looks best.
In truth, crystal chandeliers will likely never go out of style; they just aren't compatible with the style of some homes. To get a better idea of how crystal chandeliers are still making homes look amazing, check out the following examples.
Luxurious Entryway
A crystal chandelier couldn't be more perfect for a grand entryway like this one. The sheer size and extravagance of it fit the aesthetic of the home perfectly.
Simple Entryway
Crystal chandeliers add a little bit of glam to this otherwise simple hallway. These chandeliers are also smaller in size, so they add elegance without being too visually dominant.
In Closing
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the design considerations surrounding entryway chandeliers. Before you go, be sure to check out these other helpful home decor guides that might be of interest:
How To Decorate An Entryway Table [8 Actionable Suggestions]
15 Rustic Entryway Tables That Will Give Your Hallway That Country Look