Chandeliers & pendant lights – What to choose for living room?

Looking for the perfect chandelier or pendant light for your living room? Choosing the right ceiling light can transform the space, making it more stylish, cosy, and functional. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main options and tips.

Why chandeliers and pendant lights are perfect for living rooms

• They create a strong focal point in the interior.

• Provide both general and decorative lighting.

• Add elegance and character to the space.

Modern chandelier styles for living rooms

• Crystal chandeliers – classic luxury and glamour.

• Minimalist pendant lights – clean design for contemporary interiors.

• Art deco designs – bold shapes and golden accents.

• Scandinavian style lights – simplicity, warm tones, natural look.

How to choose the right chandelier size

• Small rooms (up to 15 m²): compact pendant lights or flush mount designs.

• Medium rooms (15–25 m²): round or oval chandeliers, 6–8 bulbs.

• Large rooms (25 m²+): statement crystal chandeliers, multi-ring designs, or big pendant lamps.

Colour temperature and atmosphere

• Warm white (2700–3000K): cosy, relaxing, good for evenings.

• Neutral white (3500–4000K): balanced and versatile.

• Cool white (5000–6000K): bright and energetic, less common for living rooms.

Tips for placement

• Centre the chandelier above the main seating area or coffee table.

• Use a dimmer if possible, to change brightness for different moods.

• Combine with floor lamps or wall sconces for layered lighting. 

 

How high should you hang a chandelier?

• Standard ceilings (2.4–2.7 m): keep at least 210–230 cm clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. Choose flush or semi-flush, or a short drop.

• Above a coffee table: the bottom of the light should sit 70–90 cm above the tabletop so it feels balanced and never in the way.

• High ceilings (3 m+): consider an adjustable drop or tiered models to visually “fill” the volume.

Materials & finishes: what works in living rooms

• Crystal & glass add sparkle and a luxury focal point.

• Brass / gold brings warmth and pairs well with wood tones and cosy textiles.

• Black / bronze gives contrast for contemporary or industrial schemes.

• Fabric / acrylic diffusers soften glare and create even ambient light.

How bright should it be? (simple rule of thumb)

For a living room, plan roughly 100–200 lumens per m² of total lighting (ceiling + floor + wall).
Example: a 20 m² room → 2,000–4,000 lumens in total, split between the chandelier and supplementary lights. Dark walls or very high ceilings may need more.

Dimming & smart control

• Check that the fixture or bulbs are dimmable and pair them with a compatible dimmer.

• Consider smart switches or smart bulbs to create scenes (movie night, reading, guests) without rewiring.

Maintenance & care

• Dust weekly with a microfibre cloth or a soft brush attachment.

• For deeper cleans, use mild soapy water on a damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives.

• Turn power off before cleaning; dry metal parts immediately to protect the finish.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a pendant that hangs too low and blocks sightlines.

• A fixture that is too small for a large room (it won’t anchor the space).

• Cold white light in a cosy living area (2700–3000K is usually more relaxing).

• Relying on one ceiling light only—layer with floor lamps and wall lights.

You can explore our range of living room lighting here.