Chandeliers

How to choose the right chandelier for your space

Adding a chandelier light is equal parts art and engineering. The fixture must complement your interior concept, emit the right amount of lumens, and hang safely at the correct height. The guide below walks you through the key decisions so you can buy a chandelier in NZ with total confidence.

1. Understand the main chandelier styles

• Crystal chandeliers: Classic tiered silhouettes that refract light for dramatic sparkle—ideal for formal entries and dining rooms.
• Modern chandeliers: Clean lines, LED technology and striking geometric forms suit contemporary apartments and offices.
• Black chandeliers: Matte or satin black finishes create contrast against pale ceilings and pair well with industrial or Scandi palettes.
• Antler chandeliers: Organic shapes crafted from resin or naturally shed antlers, popular in lodges and rural homes.

2. Confirm size and scale

A quick rule of thumb is to add the room’s width and length in metres, then convert that figure to centimetres to get a suitable chandelier diameter. For example, a 4 m × 5 m lounge (4 + 5 = 9) calls for roughly a 90 cm fitting. Over dining tables, select a pendant one-half to two-thirds the table width and hang it 75 cm above the tabletop so sightlines stay clear.

3. Choose the right mounting height

Ceilings between 2.4 m and 2.7 m suit compact flush or semi-flush options. If you are working with a higher void or stairwell, consider adjustable chain or rod systems. Leave at least 210 cm clearance beneath the chandelier in circulation zones to avoid head knocks.

4. Light output & technology

• LED vs incandescent: LED chips consume up to 80 % less energy and run cooler, making them the preferred choice for most modern chandeliers.
• Dimming: Pair the fixture with a compatible trailing-edge dimmer for ambiance control.
• Colour temperature: Warm white (2700–3000 K) flatters skin tones in dining rooms, while neutral 4000 K can sharpen task areas such as a kitchen island.

5. Installation & compliance

Because chandeliers are often heavy, they must be fixed to a joist or a dedicated support bracket—not just plasterboard. New Zealand regulations require that all mains-wired luminaires be installed by a licensed electrician, and any fitting over 15 kg may need additional seismic restraint in earthquake zones. Factor professional labour into your budget early.

6. Budget considerations

Price varies widely based on materials, brand and complexity. Entry-level drum chandeliers start around $400, while hand-cut Bohemian crystal pieces can exceed $10 000. Set aside 10–15 % of your total room renovation spend for statement lighting—enough to secure a quality fixture without sacrificing furniture or finishes.

Related ceiling lighting solutions

If a chandelier ends up too ornate or oversized for your scheme, explore these complementary options:

• pendant lights for flexible cluster arrangements
• downlights to layer functional illumination
• track lights that adapt to gallery walls
• spotlights to accent artwork
• linear lighting for kitchen islands and offices
• flush mount lights in low-ceiling hallways
• trunking light systems for retail spaces
• high bay lights suited to showrooms and barns

For more inspiration across all overhead fixtures, head over to our main ceiling lights section and filter by brand, finish or budget.

Next steps

Compare dimensions, lead times and warranties from New Zealand’s most trusted lighting suppliers right here on ArchiPro. Save products to your project board, request quotes, or connect directly with designers—we make elevating your space with the perfect chandelier effortless.