How to Choose the Right Chandelier

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 StylesHomeowners 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 geplement 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,
ModernLodge - 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, CasualSelecting the Right Size ChandelierWhile a chandelier can grace any room of the home, choosing the correct
size is paramount. A large chandelier will overgee 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 RequirementsOnce 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 regemendation 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 RequirementsBefore 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 regemend
professional installation.Chandelier CareClean 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.