Ultimate Guide to Buying a Chandelier for Your Dining Room

When shopping for a new chandelier, it is easy to be confused by the plethora of types and styles. Chandeliers these days come in all shapes and sizes, from over-the-top ones dripping with crystals that really make a statement to minimalist ones that bring simple beauty to the space. Adding a chandelier to a dining room gives it an air of sophistication and timeless elegance, even if the space is on the casual side. Check out these chandelier styles and get some tips before you head out to a chandelier store near you.

Different Styles of Chandeliers for the Dining Room

With such a vast range of dining room chandeliers to choose from, you'll definitely be able to find one you love. The hardest part will probably be making a decision. Below are some of the best chandeliers for dining rooms, so take a look to get some inspiration for your space.

1) Crystal Chandelier

Most people picture a crystal chandelier when they think about this type of lighting. It's a confection of bulbs surrounded by stunning crystals that spread light throughout the dining room. This style is generally ornate and used in formal spaces. However, used in a more casual setting, a crystal chandelier can create an exciting contrast.

2) Waterfall Chandelier

A version of the crystal chandelier, the waterfall chandelier features cascading crystal drips that descend from the top to create the look and feel of a waterfall of light. Its shape can be square or round. These gorgeous chandeliers are scene-stealers in any dining room.

3) Empire Chandelier

This formal, traditional style makes a statement in any space. Another version of the traditional crystal chandelier, this type has two sections: a top section in the shape of a cone and a bottom one in the form of a bowl or bell. The entire chandelier is adorned with crystals in a stunning display of light.

4) Candle Chandelier

The candle-style chandelier is a classic version of the dining room staple and perfect for traditional or transitional spaces. This type of chandelier sheds plenty of light since the bulbs are not covered with shades. Use attractive bulbs that add visual interest and a warm glow to the dining room.

5) Shaded Chandelier

A shaded chandelier features brushed glass shades around individual lights. They can look very much like pendant lights, but they typically have larger lights and more branches.

6) Drum Chandelier

Appropriately named, this chandelier type features a series of lights surrounded by a large drum-shaped shade. It provides muted light throughout a dining room, creating a warm glow that encourages family and friends to relax and enjoy a good meal.

7) Center Bowl Chandelier

Just as the name implies, this chandelier has a large bowl shape that houses the central light, with smaller glass-shaded lights surrounding it. Because of the mini-light surrounding the main light, it is a chandelier rather than a pendant. This style is generally used in casual spaces.

8) Cage Chandelier

Often used in modern farmhouse design, the cage chandelier is a contemporary style with a central light source with branches or arms surrounded by a wire cage. The lights may or may not have shades, and the cage structure can be any shape, such as square, rectangle, globe, or triangle.

9) Globe Chandelier

Similar to a cage chandelier, this type of lighting is made up of a series of lights wrapped in overlapping metal or some other material that makes a globe-shaped frame. It can be simple or more ornate with crystals and other embellishments.

10) Sputnik or Sea Urchin Shape

Often thought of as a pendant, the Sputnik or sea urchin shape is actually a chandelier. These shapes include "arms" with many sources of light. Fun, mid-century modern shapes, chandeliers like these work well in transitional, contemporary, and eclectic spaces.
Within all these chandelier styles, there is a wide variety of interpretation that gives us many options to choose from.

Features to Look for in a Dining Room Chandelier

While the style of the chandelier is important, there are other features to look for when choosing a dining room chandelier. Size, light output, and dimming options are all things to consider. Knowing what to look for can help determine which chandelier is right for the space.

There are three main factors to consider when choosing a chandelier: size/scale, light output, and light control. If the chandelier is too large or too small, the space can look unbalanced and disproportional. A room with an 8-foot ceiling will feel smaller with a 30" tall chandelier hung in the middle of the room. And if the chandelier is too small, the chandelier won't stand out in the space. While you don't want to go too big for a small space, it's okay to err on the larger side since the chandelier is meant to make a statement.

Get the right size

1. Measure the width and length of the dining room
2. Add them together
3. The sum is the correct diameter for the chandelier in inches

Again, this is just a guide to get started, the size can vary slightly on the larger side and still work.

Get the right light

Remember that the light from the chandelier shines directly down on diners. This can cause unflattering shadows as well as uncomfortable heat on diners' faces. Avoid high wattage bulbs that cause excess glare and heat.

Install a dimmer

When the lighting is perfect, a chandelier can transform the space. The ability to control the lighting can prevent the chandelier from creating unflattering shadows and emitting too much heat. To get the light just right, install a dimmer.

Where to Buy Chandeliers for the Dining Room

The best place to buy chandeliers near you is a store that specializes in lighting. This gives you plenty of options to choose from and lighting experts who can help you make the best choice for your space.