Lighting
A chandelier can either be the perfect finishing touch to a room or it can seem like a misplaced monstrosity. Since chandeliers attract so much attention, it is important to select one deliberately and then carefully plan how to place it. If you choose the right chandelier, it can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your dining room or living room for many years to come. Read the following tips for selecting a chandelier for your home.
Selecting the Right Style
A chandelier should complement the style of the décor throughout your home, particularly in relation to the décor in the room where it will be hung. For instance, a huge crystal chandelier will seem out of place in a minimalist dining room. The recent popularity of nontraditional chandeliers means that there are plenty of appealing options for every style.
Size is another important factor in choosing a chandelier. First, consider the size of the room where the chandelier will hang as well as the height of the ceiling. The larger the room, the larger the chandelier should be in order to provide adequate light. In addition, a high ceiling often necessitates a larger chandelier so that it doesn’t seem too far away. If the chandelier is intended to be hung over a table, consider the proportions of the table in relation to the chandelier. If the chandelier is too large, it will overpower the table. Fixtures with open, delicate designs can be larger in scale than more substantial.
One standard tip is to add together the length and width of the room in order to determine the appropriate size chandelier for that room. For example, in a room that is 12 feet wide and 16 feet long, add those two numbers together. The sum, 28, can then be converted into inches. Therefore, in this room, a chandelier should be approximately 28 inches in diameter.
Placing a Chandelier
The height at which a chandelier is hung is incredibly important. No matter how tall your ceiling is, the chandelier should not hang lower than 7 feet above the floor. In many cases, the chandelier should be centered in the room. However, you may also want to consider centering the chandelier over a table or placing it so that it is centered when seen through a window. In a dining room the bottom of the fixture should be 36 inches above the table top – low enough to light the place settings and yet be out of the line of vision of diners.
Other Considerations
Although the size, style, and placement of a chandelier are the most important factors in choosing a chandelier, there are several other things that are important to remember. In order to avoid a devastating accident, make sure to consider the weight of a chandelier and mount it securely. In addition, think about what kind of light bulbs you want to use, as clear bulbs complement crystal chandeliers, while frosted bulbs produce a pleasant glow in chandeliers with individual shades around each light source..