How to Make a Chandelier Chain

The chain supports the chandelier; the wires should bear no weight.

Making a chandelier chain isn’t quite the same as constructing a chain for any other type of ceiling lamp, mostly because chandeliers are often far heavier than other ceiling mounted fixtures. When purchasing a chain for your chandelier, always buy the type of chain rated for the weight of your chandelier; also remember to match the metal of your chain to the metal of your chandelier. Making chandelier chain essentially requires that you adjust the length of the appropriate strength chain so that it holds your chandelier 30 inches from the table’s surface. This length creates adequate drama while leaving enough space for conversation and a large centerpiece.

Things You'll Need

• Length of chain
• Measuring tape
• Pencil and pad (optional)
• Dining room table
• Needle nose pliers

Instructions

1. Measure from the surface of your dining room table to the ceiling. Subtract 30 inches from this measurement, and make a note of the number.

2. Hold up the chandelier. Measure from the topmost point to the bottommost point of the fixture, making sure to keep the measuring tape straight. Subtract this number from the number you earlier noted; this is the ideal length for a chandelier chain.

3. Measure out chain that meets the final calculation. At this point, use needle nose pliers to open a chain link by twisting the link sideways and removing the length of chain.

4. Open the link at the other end so that both ends of the length of chain have open links.

5. Attach one open link to the eye at the top of the chandelier. Close the link. Thread the chandelier wire through the links, going through every second link. Affix the remaining open link to the eye of the chandelier’s canopy to complete the construction.

Tips & Warnings

• For a chandelier hung in a foyer, adjust your measurements like this: for the first noted number, measure from the floor to the ceiling, and then subtract 7 feet.

• If you aren’t sure how heavy your chandelier is, try weighing yourself on a bathroom scale, then weigh yourself while you hold the chandelier. Subtract the first number from the second to get the chandelier’s weight.

References

• HammerZone: Installing a Chandelier With a Ceiling Medallion
• Realtor: Hanging a Replacement Chandelier
• HGTV: Select the Perfect Dining Room Chandelier