They can be decadent or purely functional, sprawling fixtures or diminutive pieces, the focus of a room or merely provide complementary light. For centuries, chandeliers have provided illumination of one kind or another. From the extravagant to the subtle, these adaptable fixtures are becoming increasingly versatile. They add sparkle and ambience, while displaying a functionality that is undeniable.
When you’re looking for a chandelier, you may have some questions. How much light do I need for my room? How big should my new chandelier be? What themes and finishes are available? Whatever your questions, this is a great place to begin.
Where can a chandelier go?
This is limited only by your imagination. For years, chandeliers were found in the dining room, living room and foyer. But recently even large bathrooms–which have become increasingly popular–and other areas of the home have become ideal settings for these versatile fixtures. Other rooms include:
Bedroom
Kitchen
Kitchen Nook
StudioHow do I size a chandelier?
This is the almighty question, so let’s use the dining room as an example. First, determine the length and width of the room and add those figures together. The sum, converted to inches, will equal the diameter of the correct size chandelier. Example: Your dining room is 16 ft. x 12 ft. Knowing that 16 + 12 is 28, the proper size chandelier for the dining room would be 28 inches in diameter.
If this measurement seems small due to the size of your dining room table, size your chandelier three-quarters the width of the table. In addition, the bottom of the chandelier should be approximately 30-32 inches above the table top.
The above equation can be used when sizing a chandelier for a foyer, as well. However, foyers can be quite tall, so keep in mind the bottom of the fixture should be at least seven feet from the floor. Also, if you’re installing a chandelier in a foyer, avoid glare by purchasing one with shades or shade capabilities. Place it above eye level if it’s being used for a tall foyer near a staircase.
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How do I properly light my room?
This could be tricky, but, much like sizing your chandelier, all it takes is plugging measurements into a formula to calculate the proper amount of general light (usually expressed in wattage) needed.
Take the room in which you’d like to install the chandelier, and determine its square footage (this time, multiply its length by its width). Then, multiply that number by 1.5 for the total amount of wattage you need for general illumination. Example: Again, if your room is 16 ft. x 12 ft., when you multiply these numbers, you get 192. Then multiply 192 by 1.5, and you get 288 watts, the recommended wattage for this room. So, if you have an eight-light chandelier that requires 40-watt bulbs, 320 watts should be ample light.
Similarly, for specific task lighting in areas where stronger light is needed, multiply the area’s square footage by 2.5 rather than 1.5. These same rules apply to every room or area in your home.
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Themes, finishes, light bulb types, etc.
Just like any other type of indoor and outdoor lighting, chandeliers boast dozens of different available themes. With the wide range of themes and fixtures out there, something will be sure to catch your eye and capture the attention of your guests. Some of the themes available include:
| Alabaster Stone | Art Deco/Retro | Asian | Contemporary |
| Craftsman/Mission | Crystal | Functional | Renaissance |
| Rustic | Stained Glass | Tiffany | Traditional |
| Transitional | Tropical | Tuscan | Williamsburg |
| Wrought Iron |
Finishes
Anything you can imagine, there’s a finish to match it. Literally dozens of finishes are available. From the very popular bronze and nickel tones to the elegant brass and pewter tones, you should have very little problem matching a chandelier finish to your new or existing décor.
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Bulb type
Always take note of what kind of bulbs your chandelier requires. While it may be powered by standard base bulbs, other possibilities include:
Compact Fluorescent (CFL)
Halogen
Incandescent
Krypton/XenonFor optimal bathroom lighting, incandescent bulbs behind diffusers radiate the most flattering light and color.
As with any home décor item, older and discontinued lines are always making room for new collections that are being introduced. If you do your homework and shop around, you could find some amazing deals on discounted chandeliers.
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ENERGY STAR fixtures
Environmental awareness is the responsibility of us all in today’s world. A number of lighting manufacturers are doing their part in increasing their product lines with improved technologies and ENERGY STAR-rated chandeliers. American Fluorescent, Maxim and Progress Lighting have proven themselves to be leaders in this movement.
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What else?
Keep in mind that your chandelier won’t need to burn hundreds of watts because it’s placed in a large room. A chandelier can act as a perfect complement within a setting, as other lighting (floor and table lamps, wall sconces) can help. Remain intuitive with your design choices and select a chandelier you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.
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