How To Choose The Perfect Chandelier For Your Space

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Hanging a chandelier is a great way to add striking visual interest to any space. This elegant light fixture also makes an ideal primary source of illumination for an entryway, living room, dining area, or open hall with its gentle, diffused lighting. If you are planning to purchase a chandelier, here are a few tips to help you choose the best fixture and properly display it in your home. Go for a modern design. Contemporary chandeliers are versatile, blending beautifully with both modern and traditional decors. There are fixtures available in minimalist designs in organic, neutral tones, while others have more elaborate features that aim to impress. Try different or contrasting themes. While having a cohesive theme may be the more popular choice, experimenting by adding a pop of color to break the monotony might create a more interesting interior décor. Adding a modern chandelier in a classic living room is actually a more refreshing way to light up a space!   Make it double for a large room. A large room does not necessarily require a large chandelier. You can go beyond conventional techniques and install two, or even three, smaller chandeliers instead as long as there is a very large space to work with.   Check your ceiling height. First thing you will need to do is check if the ceiling height in the space that you are planning to hang the chandelier in is high enough to accommodate a chandelier. It is important to have a high ceiling to ensure that your chandelier is placed in an appropriate height and does not become an obstacle within the room. Choose the right size. Remember – the higher the ceiling, the longer the chandelier. The general rule is, add 2.5 to 3 inches to the fixture?s length for each foot of ceiling height. So for instance, an 8-foot ceiling will accommodate a chandelier that is 20 to 24 inches in height. To compute for the appropriate diameter of your chandelier, add the height and the width of the room space then treat the sum as inches. Therefore, a room that is 20-feet by 18-feet would have a sum of 38 feet and will require a chandelier that is 38 inches in diameter.

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Hang the chandelier low enough to illuminate a desired area, but not too low! Let your chandelier hang beautifully at the appropriate height, making sure that you and your guests are able to walk around the room without incurring any accidents. Ideally, a chandelier in an entryway would hang down about seven-feet from the floor, while a centerpiece would usually hang about 30 to 36 inches away from the center table. A large chandelier should be mounted closer to the ceiling. A large chandelier can become quite overwhelming. You may want to opt for a more muted and subtle approach by hanging your light fixture closer to the ceiling, to achieve a more balanced look. Don?t hang the chandelier too close to the wall. When installing a chandelier, there needs to be at least 48 inches of space between the fixture and the nearest wall. Doing so makes your chandelier an effective focal point and source of lighting By taking note of these tips, the process of choosing the right chandelier and installing it should not be too difficult. Despite the wide range of designs and sizes available in the market, following these tips will help narrow down your choices and make it much simpler for you to select the best chandelier for your space.

Joan Silver is a known lighting expert from Capitol Lighting (1800lighting.com) and a fan of all things ?lighting?. She currently provides customers and designers with robust information on their lighting needs.