Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Chandelier Installation Tips

Give your home an instant update with a DIY chandelier installation. Follow these steps carefully for a step-by-step on how to install a new chandelier.

Instructions

Turn off the electricity to the entire room you’ll be working in at the main circuit breaker of your home. As a precaution, turn the light switch off at the wall as well. Test the fixture with a non-contact voltage tester.

Caution

Working with electricity can be dangerous or even fatal if attempted incorrectly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and safety. Check to see if you need a permit. Observe applicable building and electrical codes. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any doubts or questions about the connections or if your home’s wiring doesn’t appear compatible with the changes you’re making.

When calculating the chain length, include the chandelier hanging loop, canopy and one additional chain link. For a rod hanging system, determine the length of the rods and the number of rods to use. Use a tape measure to determine the height from the ceiling to the floor and from the ceiling to the table or other surface (if mounting over one). The bottom of the fixture should hang 30 to 36 inches above a table if you have an 8-foot ceiling.

Tip

If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, raise the chandelier 3 inches for every extra foot of ceiling height. For example, if you have a 10-foot ceiling, the chandelier height above the table should be 36 to 42 inches.

A person connecting the chandelier wiring.

Connect the wiring: black to black, white to white and bare/green to bare. As a safety measure, wrap electrical tape around each individual wire connector. Push all wires up into the box.

Caution

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring your chandelier. Seek help from a professional if you’re uncertain of the wiring specifications or have safety concerns for the installation. If the wires are frayed, cut away the frayed ends with a wire stripper before reattaching.

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Chandelier Hanging Tips

Here’s some information that’ll come in handy when hanging a chandelier. Work with a partner on your chandelier installation. It helps to have someone to split the weight with and allows you step back and see how it hangs in your room before you hardwire it. If you have an open floor plan, look at the chandelier from every angle to ensure it's at the proper height for your space.

Sizing a Chandelier for a Room

If you want to use a chandelier as a primary source of light, it’s important to choose the correct size. An easy way to calculate this is by measuring the length and the width of the room in feet and then adding the two numbers together. For example, if a room is 10 feet by 9 feet, you need a chandelier that is 19 inches wide to ensure the scale and light output are right.

Determining Chandelier Height

To calculate chandelier height for the room, begin by measuring the height of your ceiling. Multiply that number by 2.5 to 3 inches of chandelier height. For example, if a room has a 9-foot ceiling, you’ll need a chandelier that’s between 22.5 and 27 inches high.

However, while the standard height rules are a helpful guide when hanging a chandelier, consider how the fixture looks in your space before you install it. For example, if you have a large room with a very low ceiling or a small room with a very high ceiling, you’ll want to adjust your calculations.

Chandelier Hanging Length

Consider the length of the chandelier during installation. A multi-tiered chandelier, for example, can have a bigger visual impact, consider hanging it several inches higher to compensate for its longer length. Plus, you don't want anyone bumping into it when they stand up.

Lighting Needs

While your chandelier is certainly a decorative element of your room, it's also functional, providing the directed illumination that you need. Determine where you want the light to be directed and how much you need before choosing the height for your chandelier. A room that lacks natural light might require the fixture to be mounted a bit lower than average to provide the brightness you need.

Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional lighting installation service.

How to Install a Chandelier