How High Should My Chandelier Hang?

There are a lot of opinions about what height your chandelier should hang. Your chandelier is the focal point of your dining room. It should not be too high. If you often move the table and you are afraid people will hit their heads on the chandelier, don’t permanently raise the height of your chandelier. Simply pick up an inexpensive S-Hook or Chain Quick Link at Lowes or Home Depot. When you need it raised, just loop up the chain.

“Hang at the right height. The bottom of a chandelier should hit about 30″ (36″ at most) above the tabletop. That brings the light close enough for tasks, clears the view for conversation and avoids unflattering shadows.”
Decorating Dos Womans Day February 2012

“When I hang a chandelier above a table, I like to have about 66 inches from the floor to the underside of the light fixture. That’s enough room to put a flower arrangement or a centerpiece on the table and sit and talk, but low enough that you still have light hitting the table, giving a glow.”
HGTV Design Star judge Vern Yip, HGTV Magazine

“30-36” Good height for a pendant light above a kitchen island. Offers bright enough task lighting without head/lamp collisions.
“66” Ideal height to hang a chandelier. Measure from the bottom of the fixture to the floor. This leaves enough room for a centerpiece and doesn’t block you line of sight across the table, but still gives you enough light for eating.”
Design by the Numbers HGTV Star judge Vern Yip shares his measurement cheat sheet in HGTV Magazine June 2013