Apart from style, chandeliers vary in size, construction, and functions, which can make the process of selecting one lengthy and daunting. It becomes more difficult if you’re unsure of what to focus on when selecting and purchasing. Are you aware of what to check and seek in a quality chandelier light?
Get your answers in this article. Discover professional advice on selecting the perfect chandelier for your residence. From size to budget, we’ll cover the key elements you need to consider in terms of size and budget while shopping for one. Find out what you should focus on and prioritize when choosing and buying a fixture like this.
8 Top Secrets in Finding the Best Chandelier Light
When looking for the best chandelier to get, make sure to consider and follow these tips:
1. Determine Its Purpose and Placement
Always consider the chandelier's intended purpose and where you will place it. Think about how you plan to use the fixture. Here are some questions to think about and answer:
- Will you use it as a centerpiece in the living room?
- Do you want it placed in the bedroom?
- Is it mainly for illumination?
- Do you want it for focused lighting in your kitchen island or dining area?
The purpose and placement will significantly affect the kind of chandelier you should get, especially its specifications. For instance, the ceiling height in the room of installation will dictate the size of the fixture. Meanwhile, the existing decor or theme of the room will affect the style you should pick. Knowing these early will make the shopping process easier.
2. Scale and Size Proportions Correctly
The chandelier must be a size that fills the room. A big chandelier can bring in more light, but if it becomes too large, it is going to be a nuisance and too overwhelming. To guarantee the right chandelier size, consider the following factors and measurements:
Room Size
Measure the length and width of the room, in feet. Add the two measurements and divide the sum by two. The answer is approximately the greatest possible diameter of the right chandelier, in inches. For example, if the room measures 15 feet long and 12 feet wide, the approximate largest chandelier diameter or width would be 27 inches.
But if one places it above a table or kitchen island, its width would be enough. Measure the width of the table or island and look for chandeliers with ⅔ or ¾ of that width. This will be enough to provide focused lighting to the area.
Ceiling Type
Is your ceiling flat or sloped? Make sure the new chandelier is compatible with your ceiling, particularly if it’s inclined. Chandeliers with adjustable rods are available for sloped or angled ceilings. If it’s level, then you won’t encounter any issues with either rods or chains as supports.
Ceiling Height
Check how tall or low the ceiling is as well. The typical height for a suspended chandelier is approximately 7 feet above the floor. However, you can modify this according to the dimensions of the fixture. Bigger chandeliers work best for tall ceilings, whereas shorter ceilings need smaller versions. This is to prevent the area from feeling and appearing cluttered.
Additionally, consider the tallest person’s height too—the chandelier should not dangle too close to anyone’s head for safety. Ensure at least a 12-inch gap.
Or if you will place the chandelier above an island or dining table, make sure there are about 30 to 34 inches of height gap between the table and the chandelier.
3. Choose a Shape and Shade Style
Similar to standard lamps, many chandeliers feature shades that disperse the light, influencing both the chandelier’s design and brightness. These shades may come in various styles and shapes, including drum and pear shapes. They can be made of various materials, such as fabric, glass, and crystal.
For reference, fabric, frosted glass, and drum shades often make lights dimmer. Meanwhile, clear glass and crystal shades make the lights brighter.
4. Go For Durable Material and Finish
Chandeliers are available in various materials and finishes to match diverse design tastes. Be aware that these elements will influence their upkeep and usage. Here are the most common materials and finishes:
Metal
Metal materials often have brass, bronze, chrome, or black iron finishes. This makes metal chandeliers versatile for a wide range of decoration and interior styles. You can typically see them in classic, contemporary, modern, and industrial designs. Metals are recognized for their strength and low maintenance requirements.
Crystal
This is widely used for luxurious designs as it adds grandeur and sparkle to a space. Crystal chandeliers are often used in formal places, like a dining area or foyer, because they are beautiful.
Wood and Organic Materials
These materials and finishes offer a more vintage and soft look. They are widely used for bohemian-inspired and even contemporary interiors. If you want to add warmth and texture to a room, you can choose a wooden or woven fiber chandelier.
Glass and Acrylic
These materials are also used for elegant touches in a room. They are widely used in luxurious and even modern interiors. Plus, compared to crystal, the glass and acrylic materials are more affordable and can still add sophistication to a room.
5. Always Consider the Light Bulbs
The bulbs in chandeliers play a significant role in the amount and quality of light you will get in the room. They can also affect the vibes and the energy consumption and costs. In general, older and more traditional light bulbs consume more energy, resulting in higher energy costs.
For efficiency, pick chandeliers that have or work with LED light bulbs. They help lower energy costs and can last longer than classic bulbs. They even come in different shapes and colors. If you want to be able to modify the brightness of your chandelier, look for dimmable light bulbs and look for chandeliers with dimmable functions.
Moreover, on top of the bulb kind, you also must factor in how much lighting you can get from the light. In this regard, one important determination is the lumens level of the bulb, which may allow you to ensure enough area for where you'd set the chandelier, as most task lighting ranges lie at 800 to 1500 lumens, according to your information. In the meantime, standard lighting may range from 400 to 470 lumens. Mood lighting has lower lumens.
6. Maintain Consistent Aesthetics
Make sure your aesthetic is balanced and consistent. A chandelier may give you a classy feel for your room, but if it does not fit in with the other decorations around you, it can be rather out of place. These are the most common designs and styles for chandeliers:
Modern and Contemporary: These are widely used in trendy and minimalist interiors. Chandeliers in these styles often have geometric and clean line designs with metal materials and finishes.
Rustic and Industrial: Chandeliers made of metal, wood, and other distressed materials are mostly used for these aesthetics. They add a warm and edgy touch to spaces.
Classic or Traditional: These are frequently opulent and stylish chandeliers that remain timeless. They are frequently composed of glass or crystal and can be chandeliers with multiple tiers.
Transitional: This is in the middle of traditional and modern styles. These chandeliers often have a mix of clean lines, simple curves, and modern shapes.
7. Pick One Within Your Budget
The costs of chandeliers can vary based on style, size, build, and material. Whatever specifics you choose, always ensure to check the overall quality of the chandelier. It ought to be right for the room and can last a long time.
For an easier choosing process, it is best to set a budget on how much you can afford to spend on a chandelier. Use that as a basis or criterion when checking your options. Choose a quality chandelier that falls within your budget.
8. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
The ease or difficulty of maintaining a chandelier is determined by its size, shape, material, and overall construction. So, before settling on a chandelier, think about its maintenance. Keep in mind that this is crucial to preserve their quality and look.
Similar to many fixtures and decorations, chandeliers will gather a considerable amount of dust and grime. If not cleaned, this will impact the quantity and quality of light that the chandelier can emit.
Take note that larger chandeliers with intricate builds and designs will be more challenging to clean. This means you will need to regularly clean one. If you can’t handle regular cleaning, consider getting a smaller chandelier or one with a simpler design. You can also consider getting a maintenance expert to do it for you.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best chandelier light, the most important things you need to consider are the room placement, the chandelier’s overall quality and design, maintenance, and your budget. Don’t overlook any of the tips discussed above to ensure making the right choice.
If you want to get a headstart in your shopping journey, visit our chandelier collection. We offer a wide variety of chandeliers, available in different sizes, shapes, designs, and prices. Pick one while following the secrets above!
