Whether you're looking for a luminaire to make your home more convivial, your dining room, or to integrate character into a different room in your home, chandeliers are the right choice.
Many styles of chandeliers offer a wide range of choices. Whether it's modern, contemporary or traditional chandeliers. Beyond the materials, several aspects must also be taken into account when choosing a chandelier. These include size, light output, type of light source, dimming options and much more.
Here are our tips to find the chandelier that will be ideal for your decoration.
Feather Crystal Chandelier Fogli
What should I look for when looking for my ideal chandelier?
Apart from style, there are three factors to consider when selecting a chandelier which are: size, direction of light emission and control.
A chandelier with an inadequate size could impact the appearance of space given by a room. For example, a chandelier of 31.5" high suspended in the middle of a room with a 98.4" ceiling could give the impression that it is extremely low. In case of doubt, it is better to err on the larger size, because chandeliers are assertive pieces.
Use the "rule of thumb" below to customize your chandelier to be the focal point of the room (if it is not installed over a table or countertop).
Measure the length and width of the room in m. Add these two numbers together. The sum of these two numbers should equal the diameter of your chandelier in cm.
This is only a guide, but it is a starting point. Try our chandelier sizing tool to easily find the right chandelier size for your space.
You should also make sure that the light coming out of the fixture is not dazzling. There's nothing worse than sitting at the dining room table with the glow of a bright bulb on your face.
Where does the light go? Are the bulbs hidden or exposed? If the bulbs are exposed, you should consider adding a dimmer switch to the chandelier to control light output.
If I'm looking for a modern or contemporary look, what lighting trends should I focus on ?
For a more modern look and design, choose satin nickel or chrome finishes. Bronze finishes are more common in transitional fixtures, which combine traditional and modern design elements.
Modern designs tend to use chrome and satin nickel. Also look for clean lines and minimal decoration. Keep in mind that the finishes and materials of the chandelier should also complement the other finishes in your space.
How big should my chandelier be in my dining room?
The chandeliers are sized according to their diameter and height. The number of bulbs can also affect the size. I recommend that the diameter of the chandelier be half to two thirds of the width of the dining room table. The average dining room chandelier today has four to six lamps and is between 25.5" and 29.5" in diameter.
Before buying, please also consider the ceiling height and the height of the chandelier. The chandelier should be hung at a distance of 29.9" to 35.5" between the top of the table and the bottom of the fixture. A chandelier that is too high will almost fall on top of the table! However, if the ceiling is high, a two or three tier model can be very effective.
Will my chandelier be bright enough to light up the whole room? How much light should I really expect from my chandelier?
Chandeliers are decorative lighting fixtures designed to give style and atmosphere. Therefore, don't expect your chandelier to become the main source of light in the room.
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when using a chandelier. Placing a single fixture in the center of the room and expecting it to fully illuminate the room is the secret to insufficient light. If the bulbs of the chandelier are exposed, this problem will become more serious, which is common in many chandeliers.
The chandelier works best as an auxiliary light source, but it is preferable if it is integrated into a layered lighting system.
For example, incorporating built-in cans, wall shelf lighting or wall sconces into the room is a great way to enhance the space and showcase walls, paintings, plants, etc. Countertops and cabinets.
Are there chandeliers that use modern technologies such as LEDs?
Absolutely! Contemporary lighting designers and manufacturers are launching incredible new LED chandeliers every day. LED technology has progressed so far that you often can't tell the difference between LED lamps and traditional incandescent lamps.
Even better: some people now prefer to use LEDs because they offer truly unique design possibilities! LEDs are so small that designers don't have to worry about hiding the light source. This means more freedom to experiment with form, function and materials.
In addition to design flexibility, other benefits of LED lighting include increased efficiency and reliability, which translates into significant energy and cost savings.
LEDs are five times slower than halogen lamps, consuming 1/5 of the energy. LEDs also have a longer lifetime than other light sources, with an expected lifetime of about 50,000 hours or 25 years of use for 5 hours a day.
If I buy an LED chandelier, can I lower it to create a romantic atmosphere?
When combined with compatible low voltage dimmers, many LED suspensions are fully dimmable, but not all LED suspensions are dimmable, so you should ask yourself this question before purchasing.
Check the specifications of each fixture, and then consult the manufacturer's recommendations for a compatible dimmer. Not all dimmers can be used with all lamps.
Can I replace my current chandelier with an LED or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) without having to replace the unit?
Upgrading a chandelier to use LEDs or compact fluorescent lamps is called "retrofitting" and is often, but not always, possible.
It depends on the luminaire. There are many LED and CFL bulbs that can be purchased for replacement, but please be aware that the light intensity may vary. If your chandelier is connected to a dimmer, you will probably need to buy a new dimmer that is compatible with your CFL or LED bulbs. Remember that the dimmer adjusts the intensity of the bulbs, not the fixture.
Plumen is a fun, decorative compact fluorescent lamp that works well in fixtures where the bulb is visible, but the disadvantage is that it cannot be adjusted. When it comes to a dimmable compact fluorescent, I like this Bulbrite but recommend it only if the bulb is not exposed in the fixture.
Keep in mind that if your chandelier bulbs are exposed, there are LED lights and compact fluorescent bulbs that can work but can also look horrible. If you want to install a CFL or LED light, buy one bulb to see if you like it. Then, if you wish, replace the rest.
Can I use a chandelier in a room other than the dining room?
Of course! Chandeliers are usually found in hallways and formal entrances, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms or toilets.
Again, the choice of where to install the chandelier depends on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, the size of the fixture and the surrounding decor. They can go anywhere!
Can I hang a chandelier above a dining table even if the electrical box is not centered on the table?
Yes, in general, one of the two solutions below will work. If you have drywall ceilings, an electrician can move the junction box to center it on the table.
This is not a simple operation because you also have to plaster the old hole in the ceiling. If you have concrete ceilings, the chandelier can be placed in the center of the table. This means that the hook must be centered on the table to suspend the wires from the junction box to the suspension hook. You can also use a cable cover on the ceiling to hide the appearance of the cable.
How high should I hang my chandelier?
In the dining room, the goal is to hang it low enough so as not to dazzle the light source, but high enough so as not to obstruct vision. A good rule of thumb is to hang the chandelier so that the bottom of the luminaire is 29.9" to 35.8" from the top of the table. Adjust the height according to your preferences or the requirements of the room.
Are there other factors I should consider when choosing a chandelier?
Sometimes it is better to have the unexpected than to look for a "safe" appearance. Make sure you like it!
