A lighting standard is to hang a chandelier about 30" from table to bottom of fixture. Most tables about 30" tall so the fixture is about 60" off of the floor. Adjust to suit yourself. If the dangling crystals are about 6" then this is about what they told you.

When I moved to this home six years ago, we bought a dining room table that opens to a 54" square. I liked the idea of a square table because I thought it would make for easier dinner conversation, compared to a long rectangular table. I also thought it would make for more egalitarian seating at holiday meals(no issues about who gets seated at the "head" of the table...) I regret to say that it really is crowded when 8 people are dining. You lose room at the corners. For instance, you can't put down 8 standard size placemats for breakfast or lunch and not have them overlapping at the corners. It's also harder to find tablecloths that fit properly. I usually end up having to cut and hem longer rectangular ones. I love the look of my set. It's all wood with sturdy matching fan back chairs and I have a coordinating sideboard. We keep it at the 36" x 54" size for everyday, which gives us plenty of room for 4 people. Bottom line - the 54" square is fine for serving 6 people, but a real squeeze with 8.

You guys are killing me here..... So many times beautiful items are brought to my attention . I say to myself "I want one of those. Yes~ a dough bowl~ that's what I need" It's quit primitive for texanniew but does any one else like it ? 30x14.. Please help me with my shopping addiction ! If it's still there on Tuesday I don't know if I will be able to control myself.... Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.carrieannesgifts.com/store.php?crn=290&rn=785&action=show_detail

I have about that size dining room with walkways on all sides. In my previous house, I had a 48" square dining table that I used when we moved in. I bought a 48" round table, it was amazing the difference it made. There are only 3 of us so I just keep 3 chairs around the table on a daily basis. You could do a drop leaf. I am not sure it you could find one in a style that would go with your house. I have 2 drop leafs that I use around the house and bring out when I need more tables for company but they are both Duncan Phyfe antiques. Another option would be a round with a leaf or two that expands for family. You'll be amazed how a round fits the space better. Something about cutting off those sharp corners make it easier to maneuver through the rooms.