Choosing the right chandelier is a big decision. After all, it can make or break the look of any room and set the tone for your entire home. But with so many factors to consider, how are you supposed to decide? Well, have no fear! We’ve put together this handy guide full of everything you need to know about chandeliers, from size and style to price and installation. So whether you’re a chandelier novice or a seasoned pro, read on for some helpful tips.
1. Size of the chandelier
When it comes to size, there are a few things you need to take into account.
First, think about the room you’re putting the chandelier in. Is it a small space like a bathroom or hallway? If so, you’ll want to choose a smaller chandelier. But if you’re putting it in a large room like a living room or dining room, you can go for something bigger.
Second, take into account the height of the ceilings. The general rule of thumb is that the chandelier should be about 12 inches narrower than the width of the table or countertop it’s going over. And it should hang about 30-34 inches above the surface.
If you have high ceilings, you can go a little bit bigger and taller. Just make sure it’s not so big that it’s out of place, becomes overwhelming or blocks your view.
2. Style of the chandelier
As for style, there are a lot of different options to choose from. The good news is that there’s sure to be a chandelier out there that fits your taste.
If you’re going for a more traditional look, try an Ornate chandelier with lots of details and embellishments. For a more modern look, go for a Sleek and simple chandelier with clean lines. There are also some beautiful transitional chandeliers that mix both traditional and modern elements.
3. Number of bulbs/lights on the chandelier
The number of bulbs/lights on your chandelier will depend on two things: the size of the chandelier and the style you’re going for.
For a small chandelier, anywhere from 2-4 bulbs should do the trick. For a medium-sized chandelier, 4-6 bulbs should suffice. And for a large chandelier, 6-8 bulbs should be enough. More bulbs equal more chance of needing replacements so factor this in if you have a budget.
4. Material of the chandelier
Modern-day chandeliers are often made from metals such as bronze, brass, or steel. However, you can also find them in a variety of other materials such as glass, crystal, wood, or even paper. It really just depends on your personal preference and the overall look you’re going for in the room.
If you are buying an antique piece or moving into a home that has one in situ you will likely be dealing with crystal or glass embellishments, these need to be handled with care to avoid damage to the, often bespoke, pieces.
5. Installing the chandelier
If you are dealing with a smaller chandelier you may be able to instal this yourself, be cautious with handling electrical cables though and make sure you are aware of the weight your ceiling can hold, even for smaller light fittings.
When it comes to a larger type of chandelier we would always recommend calling in the experts to handle the installation of your chandelier and professionally load test it for you. this avoids any costly and dangerous accidents in the future and means you can have confidence your lighting is wired correctly.
Now that you know all the basics about chandeliers, it’s time to start shopping! But before you go off and buy the first one you see, keep these things in mind.
If you need help with the installation of your new chandelier, give us a call or message for a free quote.