Updated October 5, 2026 · By the AMBIENT HOME team
What diameter pendant light for a table of 120, 140, 160, or 180 cm? Count on Ø 35–45 cm for 120 × 80 cm, Ø 45–50 cm for 140 × 90 cm, Ø 50–60 cm for 160 × 90 cm, and, from 180 cm onwards, two or three pendants rather than one. Here is the complete reference table, followed by a guide for each table size with quantified configurations and suitable models.
The right diameter boils down to 5 guidelines.
- 1Single pendant ≈ half the table's width, or its diameter if round (range of 40 to 60%).
- 2Maximum diameter = table width − 30 cm, with at least 15 cm (ideally 30 cm) between the edge of the light and the edge of the table.
- 3Multiple pendants: they occupy half to two-thirds of the table's length, spaced at least their diameter apart.
- 4Rectangular: 120 cm → Ø 35–45 · 140 cm → Ø 45–50 · 160 cm → Ø 50–60 · 180 cm → 2 × Ø 40 or 3 × Ø 25–35 · 200 cm and more → 3 × Ø 30–40.
- 5Round: Ø 90 → Ø 35–45 · Ø 120 → Ø 50–65 · Ø 140–150 → Ø 60–80.
— 01The 3 rules for calculating the diameter of a pendant light
All recommendations in this guide are derived from three simple rules. They apply to the width of the table for a single pendant, and to its length for a series.
In addition to these three rules, consider spacing: leave at least one diameter between two pendants, i.e., about 60 to 80 cm from center to center for models between 25 and 35 cm. The complete method, accounting for visual weight and ceiling height, is detailed in our guide what pendant size above a table.
02Reference table for pendant diameters by table size
Here is our reference table. Locate your table, then choose between a single pendant, a series, or a linear fixture.
| Table | Covers | 1 pendant | Multiple | Linear / elongated chandelier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Ø 90 cm | 4 | Ø 35–45 cm | — | — |
| Round Ø 100–110 cm | 4–5 | Ø 45–55 cm | — | — |
| Round Ø 120 cm | 6 | Ø 50–65 cm | cluster 3 × Ø 20–25 | — |
| Round Ø 140–150 cm | 6–8 | Ø 60–80 cm | cluster 3–5 | — |
| Rect. 120 × 80 cm | 4 | Ø 35–45 cm | 2 × Ø 20–25 | 60–80 cm |
| Rect. 140 × 90 cm | 6 | Ø 45–50 cm | 2 × Ø 25–35 | 70–90 cm |
| Rect. 160 × 90 cm | 6–8 | Ø 50–60 cm (oval ideal) | 2 × Ø 30–40 or 3 × Ø 20–25 | 80–110 cm |
| Rect. 180 × 90/100 cm | 8 | — (too short) | 3 × Ø 25–35 or 2 × Ø 40 | 100–120 cm |
| Rect. 200–240 cm | 8–10 | — | 3 × Ø 30–40 | 120–160 cm |
03120 cm table: what diameter pendant light?
The 120 × 80 cm table, for four diners, is the most common in dining nooks and small dining rooms. Half the width: 40 cm; maximum: 80 − 30 = 50 cm. A series will occupy 60 to 80 cm in length.
The oval Orvella chandelier (L 70 cm, 7.6 cm thick), perfect under a low ceiling.
04140 cm table: what diameter pendant light?
The 140 × 90 cm table seats six guests. Half the width: 45 cm; maximum: 60 cm. A series of two will occupy 70 to 93 cm, with about 60 cm from center to center for 30 cm models.
The Orvella chandelier, oval 70 cm, at the lower end of the range for a very light line.
05160 cm table: what diameter pendant light?
At 160 × 90 cm, for six to eight guests, this is the final length where a single pendant works, ideally oval to follow the table. A series will occupy 80 to 107 cm.
6 guests, 2.50m ceiling, organic vibe
- Velmora pendant Ø 60 cm: 15 cm left on each side
- Large and opaque model: bottom of the light 75–80 cm from the tabletop
06180 cm table: what diameter pendant light?
At 180 × 90 or 100 cm, for eight guests, a single pendant becomes too short: guests at the ends of the table would remain in the shadow. Make way for a series or linear fixture, over 90 to 120 cm in length.
07200 cm table and larger: large dining sets
From 200 to 240 cm, for eight to ten guests, the light must cover the entire length. A series of three will occupy 100 to 160 cm depending on the table; to go beyond that, a linear fixture is preferred.
The Sylvara chandelier in L 120, 140 or 160 cm: a single electrical point for the whole table.
How to precisely distribute two, three, or one elongated light fixture over a rectangular tabletop? Our four configurations, with diagrams, are in which pendant for a rectangular table.
0890, 120, or 150 cm round table: what diameter?
For a round table, the pendant should be 40 to 60% of the table diameter, centered above it. The circle calls for the circle: globes, domes, discs, and rings match naturally.
| Round table | Single pendant | Our models | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø 90 cm, 4 guests | Ø 35–45 cm | Olivora Ø 40, Velmora Ø 40, Velaria ring Ø 36 | — |
| Ø 100–110 cm, 4–5 guests | Ø 45–55 cm | Velmora Ø 50, Calora Ø 45, Nuvora Ø 50, Lucéa Ø 50 | — |
| Ø 120 cm, 6 guests | Ø 50–65 cm | Velora Ø 60, Calora Ø 58, Brisora Ø 60, Velaria Ø 55 | Cluster of 3 Lunora Ø 23 |
Good to know: the paper Sérora sphere is available in 6 diameters, from 20 to 70 cm, and the Velmora in 5 (30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 cm): plenty to help you hit the exact range for your table. Shapes, centering, and oval tables are covered in our guide: which pendant light for a round table.
6 place settings, 2.60 m ceiling, natural style
- Velora pendant light Ø 60 cm, linen and hand-woven rattan
- More graphic alternative: a cluster of three Lunora Ø 23 cm
Models to adapt to your table
All pendant lights →
All tablesVelmora pendant lightØ 30, 40, 50, 60 or 80 cmDiscover
Round tableSérora pendant lightPaper · 6 diameters from 20 to 70 cmDiscover
Table 140 to 160Calora pendant lightLinen-effect fabric · Ø 45, 58 or 70 cmDiscover
Table Ø 120Velora pendant lightIron, linen & rattan · Ø 60 cmDiscover
Table Ø 150Brisora pendant lightWood & bamboo · Ø 40, 60 or 80 cmDiscover
Table 120 × 80Olivora pendant lightFlat disc Ø 40 cmDiscover
Series · 180 cm and moreSombora pendant lightDome Ø 30 cmDiscover
Table 160 to 240Sylvara chandelierL 100, 120, 140 or 160 cmDiscover
— 09Sizing mistakes to avoid
- ✕Choosing too small. This is the most common mistake: a Ø 30 cm light above a 160 cm table looks lost.
- ✕Thinking by length for a single pendant. It's the width that determines its diameter.
- ✕Overhanging the tabletop. Keep at least 15 cm between the edge of the light fixture and the edge of the table.
- ✕Clustering series pendants too closely. Leave at least their diameter between two fixtures.
- ✕Forgetting the height. A good diameter poorly hung loses its effect: aim for 60 to 80 cm above the tabletop.
— 10Frequently asked questions
What pendant light diameter for a 160 cm table?+
For a 160 × 90 cm table, a single pendant of Ø 50 to 60 cm, ideally oval. You can also choose two pendants of Ø 30 to 40 cm, three of Ø 20 to 25 cm, or a linear fixture of 80 to 110 cm.
What size pendant light for a 120 cm table?+
A pendant light of Ø 35 to 45 cm above a 120 × 80 cm table. Other options: two small pendants of Ø 20 to 25 cm, or an elongated fixture of 60 to 80 cm.
How many pendant lights for a 180 cm table?+
Two or three. A single pendant is too short for 180 cm: choose two models of Ø 40 cm or three of Ø 25 to 35 cm, which will occupy half to two-thirds of the length. A linear fixture of 100 to 120 cm also works.
What pendant light diameter for a 120 cm round table?+
Aim for Ø 50 to 65 cm, which is 40 to 60% of the table's diameter, centered above it. A cluster of three small pendants of Ø 20 to 25 cm is a beautiful alternative.
How to calculate the diameter of a pendant light?+
Take half the width of the table (or its diameter if it is round). Check that this diameter does not exceed the width minus 30 cm, to keep at least 15 cm of margin on each side.
Can a pendant light be wider than the table?+
No: it would overwhelm the table and bother guests at the ends. Keep at least 15 cm, ideally 30 cm, between the edge of the light fixture and the edge of the table.
