Chandeliers Grace Every Room of a Home

Homeowners are seeking more than just the traditional chandelier for the foyer or formal dining room; they are placing chandeliers throughout the home. Chandeliers are appearing in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and even the kitchen. With the wide variety of chandelier styles, designs and finishes available, there is always that perfect one to suit any room. The following guide will help you selecting the perfect chandelier based on style, room size, ceiling height, lighting requirements, and installation requirements.

Lighting Styles

Homeowners have a wide variety of looks to choose from whether their style is modern, elegant, simple or formal. Whatever your fancy, the lighting choice should complement the style of furnishing in the home. Chandeliers finishes range from crystal, brass, art glass, wrought iron, satin nickel, bronze, or even painted finishes. They are available with or without crystals, shades or faux candlesticks, or adorned with metal florals or bobeche.

Characteristics of Various Lighting Styles

French- Crystals, Venetian glass, Bobeche, Elegant, Shimmering

Transitional / Art Deco- Polished Nickel or Chrome, Art Glass, Sleek, Shiny, Modern

Lodge - Wrought Iron, Antler, Pot Rack, Weathered Finishes, Wagon Wheel

Tropical - Wood, Rattan, Bamboo, Exotic

Traditional - Tiered, Wrought Iron, Candlestick, Faceted Crystals, Waterfall

Country / Cottage- Wrought Iron, Tinted Glass, Milk Glass, Metal Floral, Painted Finishes, Distressed

Whimsical - Sculpted metal, Unusual shapes, Themed

Tiffany - Stained Glass, Metal

Mission - Wood, Wrought Iron, Simple, Casual

Selecting the Right Size Chandelier

While a chandelier can grace any room of the home, choosing the correct size is paramount. A large chandelier will overcome a tiny room while a small chandelier hung over a long dining room table or foyer will look lost.

For a bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, hall or entrance

In order to select a chandelier suitable to the room, take the measurements of the room and add them to get the correct chandelier circumference. For example, if your room is 12 foot by 12 foot, you should look for a chandelier with a diameter of 24 inches. If the room has high ceilings such as a foyer then you can add up to six inches or more to the width of the chandelier.

As a general rule the chandelier height should be about 3 inches per foot of room height, therefore an 8 foot ceiling would require a 24 inch high chandelier. For adequate head clearance the chandelier should be hung at least 7 feet from the floor.

For a dining room

If the table is in the room, set the table and measure so that the edges of the light would not be within two inches of the dinner plates. Another method is to select a chandelier one-half the width of the table over which it will hang.

Once the right size chandelier is selected, mount the fixture so that the bottom is between 30 - 36 inches from the top of the table.

Lighting Requirements

Once the correct bulbs are installed, the chandelier should give off enough illumination to light the room without blinding someone. For safety, be sure to pay attention to maximum wattage recommendation of the chandelier as well as the shades. In general a total wattage of 200 - 400 is sufficient. Dimmers are available that allow you to adjust the amount of light for your requirements.

Installation Requirements

Before you begin the installation, check the ceiling electrical box to ensure a new light will be securely supported. If you are going to use a decorative ceiling medallion or cord cover be sure to have this available during installation. For safety purposes, many manufacturers recommend professional installation.

Chandelier Care

Clean your chandelier once a year to keep it looking shiny and new. Be sure to turn the light off for several minutes before cleaning so that the bulbs can cool. Dust the body of the light with a dry, lint free cloth. Be sure not to turn the light as this might place strain on the electrical cords. If crystals or pendants require cleaning then remove and clean with mild detergent and rise with hot water.