Multi-Strand Pendant Size Guide

Find your multi-strand pendant size

For strand, swag and cluster pendants. Two numbers decide the fit: the overall span and the drop to the lowest point. Find both in the product’s Dimensions tab.

Drawn to scale under a 9 ft ceiling.

1. Choose the span

Along a dining table

Hang the strand lengthwise. Choose an overall span of at least half the table length, leaving 6 in or more of table beyond each end.

Table length Overall span
60 in 30–48 in
72 in 36–60 in
84 in 42–72 in
96 in 48–84 in
108 in 54–96 in
120 in 60–108 in

Across the table, keep the strands at least 6 in inside each edge. For a round table, use its diameter as the length.

Seating areas and open rooms

Add the room’s length and width in feet. The total is a good starting overall width in inches, measured across the widest points of the arrangement.

Room Overall width
10 × 10 ft about 20 in
10 × 12 ft about 22 in
12 × 12 ft about 24 in
12 × 14 ft about 26 in
14 × 16 ft about 30 in
16 × 18 ft about 34 in
18 × 20 ft about 38 in
Two-story foyer

Long strands suit tall entries. Keep at least 7 ft below the lowest point, and if you can, leave about 4 ft between the arrangement and the walls.

2. Check the lowest point

Drop means the distance from the ceiling to the lowest globe or shade. On strand pendants, mounting points set closer together let the strand hang lower and narrower; spread apart, it rises and widens.

Where people walk

Where people walk underneath, keep at least 7 ft (84 in) from the floor to the lowest point.

Ceiling Longest drop
7 ft 6 in up to 6 in
8 ft up to 12 in
9 ft up to 24 in
10 ft up to 36 in
11 ft up to 48 in
12 ft up to 60 in
14 ft up to 84 in
Over a table or island

Over a 30 in dining table, aim for 30–36 in between the tabletop and the lowest point with an 8 ft ceiling, and add about 3 in for each extra foot of ceiling. Over a 36 in counter, aim for 30–36 in.

Ceiling Dining table drop Island drop
7 ft 6 in 24–30 in 18–24 in
8 ft 30–36 in 24–30 in
9 ft 39–45 in 36–42 in
10 ft 48–54 in 48–54 in
11 ft 57–63 in 60–66 in
12 ft 66–72 in 72–78 in
14 ft 84–90 in 96–102 in

What to measure

  • Table: length and width (or diameter), in inches
  • Room: length and width, in feet
  • Ceiling: height from the floor
  • Mounting points: where the ceiling can take a canopy or hook

Before you order

  • Exact sizes: Overall span, drop and strand lengths are listed in the product’s Dimensions and Specifications.
  • Layout plan: For combinations or custom layouts, send us your ceiling height and furniture size and we’ll suggest mounting points.
  • Sloped ceiling: Send us the ceiling angle before ordering and we’ll confirm the fit.

Not sure which arrangement fits? Send us your measurements at support@vinlighting.com.