I am pretty sure I was told that anywhere between 30=40 inches above the counter is a good guidline. If not I am confident that others will know better.

Thanks for the responses! I happen to love those shallow, rectangular kind of fixtures, cyn427 and olychic, and had actually already given the idea some thought (though not the 15K versions !) but H wants something more traditional. They are really gorgeous, though - maybe he'd still consider. Funny that you mention Schonbek, cyn427 - I happen to love some of their classic crystal chandeliers and was just looking through their catalog. lindac, I know they say to mount 30" from the top of the dining room table but I can easily see that seeming a bit low if you ever want a big centerpiece etc. How would you typically go about raising a chandelier? I guess what I'm *really* asking is how little hanging chain can you get away with on top?

Yes - I have 82 inches of RO for door currently to the concrete slab. Of course I'll be putting in flooring - carpet. That will take up close to an inch. So I may need to shave a door just a bit. My question is - should I be installing the pre hung doors first - or can I sheet rock then put in the doors after?

I've been messing up my posts lately (and I'm new here too!) so the question really refers to 14' ceiling not size of the kitchen! heimert - no island, so they'll be over walk area. They are white murano glass; 60watts each. 7' seemed awfully high when I first read your post but only because I forgot (!!) that my husband is 6'5"! Thank you. :) Barb - thanks. I think we bit off more than we could chew (at this particular time in our lives) with the renovations so could use the good luck! Some of the simplest decisions have suddenly become so big and confusing! Thanks again, Amina