Candle Chandeliers

Candle Chandelier: A Complete Lighting Buyer's Guide

Key Points

• Candle chandeliers create a warm, traditional ambience with flame-shaped bulbs
• Size should be proportional to your room - measure your space before purchasing
• Most modern candle chandeliers use E14 (small screw) bulbs that mimic candle flames
• Standard hanging height: 75-90cm above dining tables, 210cm minimum in walkways
• Consider the number of arms (candles) based on room size and desired light output
• Popular finishes include brass, bronze, and black for traditional appeal

How To Choose the Perfect Candle Chandelier for Your Home

Candle chandeliers add a classic feel to traditional and transitional interiors. Unlike contemporary chandeliers, candle chandeliers have arms with exposed candle light bulbs and provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. We recommend candle chandeliers for dining rooms, entryways, and living spaces.

When selecting a candle chandelier, consider these important features:

• The number of arms (or candles) affects both style and light output
• Tiered designs work well in spaces with higher ceilings
• Single-tier fixtures suit standard ceiling heights of 210-260cm
• The metal finish should complement your existing fittings and fixtures
• Candle covers (sleeves) come in different colours and materials

For small to medium rooms (12-20m²), we suggest chandeliers with 3-6 candle arms. Larger spaces benefit from fixtures with 6-16 arms or multi-tiered designs. I've found that room corners often get overlooked - make sure you measure the full width of your space, not just the table below when choosing your fixture size.

What Light Output To Expect from Candle Chandelier Designs

Candle chandeliers typically use an E14 light bulb between 25-60 watts (traditional) or 3-7 watts (LED). This creates a warm light rather than bright task lighting.

To determine the right light output for your space, we recommend:

• Small dining rooms (up to 14m²): 3-6 candle arms providing 1200-2000 lumens total
• Medium dining rooms (14-25m²): 6-12 candle arms providing 2000-3000 lumens total
• Large dining rooms (over 25m²): 12-24 candle arms providing 3000-4500 lumens total
• Entryways: Choose based on ceiling height and stairwell size

For the warmest, most authentic candle-like appearance, select bulbs with a colour temperature between 2400 K and 2700 K. Candle-shaped LED bulbs, especially those with "flickering flame" technology, create the most realistic candle effect. These special light bulbs cost more initially but use much less electricity and rarely need replacing.

How To Find the Right Size Candle Chandelier for Your Ceiling Height

Ceiling height significantly affects the size of the candle chandelier that will look appropriate in your space. Too small, and the fixture disappears; too large overwhelms the room. We suggest these guidelines for perfect proportion:

• For 210cm ceilings: Choose chandeliers 30-45cm in height
• For 250cm ceilings: Select chandeliers 45-60cm in height
• For 290cm ceilings: Look for chandeliers 60-75cm in height
• For ceilings over 300cm: Consider tiered candle chandeliers 75-100cm+ in height

The width of your chandelier matters, too. Measure your room or table and follow these rules:

• For dining tables: Choose a chandelier approximately 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your table.
• For rooms without tables: Select a chandelier with a diameter in cm that's roughly 1/10 to 1/12 the room's area in square meters.
• Allow at least 30cm clearance from the chandelier to any wall or furniture.

If you're hanging a candle chandelier in a two-story space or stairwell, position it where it's most visible from different angles.

Which Candle Chandelier Styles Work in Different Rooms

Different rooms benefit from specific candle chandelier styles. We recommend these options based on room function and style:

For dining rooms:

• Linear candle chandeliers work well above rectangular tables
• Round or oval designs complement circular and oval tables
• Allow 75-90cm between the table surface and the bottom of the chandelier
• Choose a chandelier approximately 30cm narrower than your table width

For living rooms:

• Center the chandelier in conversation areas rather than precisely in the middle of the room
• Ensure at least 210cm clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture
• Consider candle chandeliers with downlights if additional task lighting is needed
• Select a size proportional to your furniture arrangement rather than just room dimensions

For entryways and foyers:

• Match the chandelier scale to the space - grand entryways need substantial fixtures
• For two-story foyers, a large multi-tiered candle chandelier creates a dramatic impact
• Ensure the bottom of the chandelier hangs at least 210cm above the floor
• Consider how the chandelier looks from different angles, including from upstairs

For bedrooms:

• Smaller candle chandeliers (5-8 arms) work well in master bedrooms
• Position the chandelier in the centre of the room or over the foot of the bed
• Complement with bedside lamps for practical reading light
• Choose warm-toned light bulbs to create a relaxing atmosphere
• If you have a lower ceiling choose a chain chandelier so you adjust the height easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do candle chandeliers work?

Modern candle chandeliers use electric light bulbs to resemble candle flames, not candles with wicks and flames. Each "candle" consists of a central socket covered by a decorative sleeve (candle cover) with a small light bulb on top. These fixtures operate like any electric chandelier - wired to your home's electrical system and controlled by wall switches or dimmers. Some traditional candle chandeliers can be fitted with real wax candles, but these are primarily decorative and require careful monitoring when lit due to fire hazards.

What is a candle chandelier called?

Candle chandeliers are also known as candelabra chandeliers, candlestick chandeliers, or candle-style chandeliers. The term "candelabra" specifically refers to any lighting fixture featuring multiple arms designed to hold candles or candle-shaped bulbs.