Chandeliers: How Much is too Much?

ET2, 14 Light Cluster Pendant in Chrome

Few pieces in a home make a statement quite like a chandelier, including this gorgeous modern sculptural piece by ET2, pictured above. Whether it's anchoring a dining room, adding glamour to a bedroom, or sparking interest in an entryway, a chandelier defines not only the lighting, but the style and mood of a space. But with budget-friendly options under $100 to budget-busting options over $10,000, what should one actually spend on a chandelier?

In answering that, it's important to understand where that money goes. Cost is broken roughly into four factors that determine the price of a lighting fixture: material, craftsmanship, size, and complexity.

Budget materials often look and feel cheap. Mass-produced and lightweight, the finishes tend to be prone to scratches and scuffs, lack luster, and score low on durability. It's my personal preference to find a more affordable style in higher quality than to sacrifice the material finishes, which play a key role in the wow factor of a chandelier. Instead focus on mid-range materials such as brass, wood, or natural fibers, and genuine glass or crystal over acrylic. These options will cost anywhere from around $400 and up, but you'll be able to find many great options under $1,500. If you are willing to pay above that, you can opt for custom creations, hand-blown glass, and artisan materials.

Craftsmanship is factored in too. Items that are hand-assembled will cost more than those that you assemble yourself from the box, and items that are inspected for quality by hand will also be more expensive. However, manufacturers that offer this level of quality offer better finishes and longevity in their products. If you don't want to splurge on a designer label, look for signs of craftsmanship in warranties, sturdiness, and sharp facet junctions.

Size also corresponds proportionately to cost, with larger chandeliers costing more due to their volume and weight (it also costs more to ship these products). As with material, however, I don't recommend skimping here. If a chandelier is undersized, it have a negative impact on the feel of the room, even if the fixture itself is lovely. A good rule of the thumb is the length and width of a room equal to the diameter of the chandelier. So a 12' x 14' room merits a chandelier of approximately 26". If over a dining table, you can opt for a chandelier approximately 2/3 the length of the table - this rule is helpful especially for rectangular or linear chandeliers.

Design complexity is the final component here: a linen drum pendant can be found easily under $200, while an ornate, classical chandelier will run into the thousands. Multiple arms and integrated bulbs cost will affect your pocketbook, but you have the most freedom in design choice here as a consumer to find the right feel for your budget.

How do all these translate into numbers? Put the most into large, spaces where the chandelier is a focal, such as dining rooms and living rooms. Expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2500. Entryways average around $400 to $1500. And your smaller spaces, such as bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms can usually be outfitted for $200 to $800. Splurge on quality, size, and craftsmanship, but save on designer labels and complex design choices.

Despite these estimates, guidelines are made to be stretched. The right chandelier is one that brings you beauty and purpose to your space. You should light up, both physically and metaphorically, when you enter the space with your chandelier, and that doesn't have a price tag.