Okay I Have A Chandelier For My Foyer, Now What?

So you used a formula on how tall and wide your chandelier should be, hopefully.  You now have that chandelier and your not sure how high to hang it.  The location is EVERYTHING in order to maximize the wow factor of your focal point; your beautiful chandelier.  And also to consider is how many lights and how it will light up your space.  You don't want the fixture hiding in the shadows, you want it to light up every corner of your foyer and announce itself as your guests enter your home.

There is a formula for this too.  If you foyer has a 9 to 10 foot ceiling, the chandelier should be hung between 7 and 7.5 feet off the floor.  Unless, of course, someone that lives in your home is taller than 7 or 7.5 feet that is.  No one wants to bump their head of a chandelier every time they walk into your foyer.  This height also helps distribute the light properly though your foyer.  Now if your foyer isn't very tall, the best option for you would be a flush mounted chandelier.  I have done this is my past home.  I had a two story foyer, but as you entered the front door area the ceiling was 8 feet.  So guess what?  I hung a chandelier in the 2 story foyer area and put a flush mount in the 8 foot ceiling part.  That worked out very nice, and I received many compliments.  

Now when we say 2 story foyer that means 11 - 12 feet or more.  Many designers recommend the chandelier be aligned with the top of the stairs or just a smidgen below.  Trust your eye, play with it at different heights. Or lets say your foyer is 12 foot tall and has a window over the door, well then it would make sense to center the light over the window.  That way it can be seen from inside and outside.  If there are no stairs and there isn't a window to center, the recommendation is to cut the foyer height in thirds.  Positioning the chandelier two-thirds of that distance would be prudent as not to let the ceiling overwhelm the foyer.  Usually in this case it is recommended a larger fixture than the traditional formula especially for a larger foyer.  That way your fixture can be seen and your able to flood the foyer with the appropriate amount of light.  

As I said earlier play with it.  It's your home, your opinion matters.  What I have done in the past is have my electrician hang it as low as it would go in a 2 story foyer and then had them move it up and down until I thought it was aesthetically pleasing to my eye.  Or if you want to decided another way use a helium balloon, simple enough right?!  Either have the measuring tape affixed to the balloon or a string will do and then measure the string after your bring the balloon down.  Good luck and have fun!

Samantha Green has always been interested in home decor.  Especially lighting.  You can see her line of products at woodenchandeliersplus.com.