Homework: Choosing a chandelier
Mini lamp shades on a chandelier direct the light downward for an intimate touch. Credit: Fotolia.com
Once relegated to dining rooms only, chandeliers are now showing up everywhere, from nurseries to patios, and they show no signs of slowing their infiltration into the entire house. And why not? A chandelier can provide instant glamour and sparkle. But before adding or replacing a chandelier, take into account a few key considerations:
THE RIGHT LIGHT
Not all chandeliers provide the same kind of light. Some are bright because the bulbs are bare and exposed. Many have glass shades that cast a colored light in the room. Gold shades will give a room a soft yellow glow. If you simply want to light a room, choose a chandelier with bulbs or translucent glass shades. On the other hand, if you simply want to light more of a table or bed, pick a chandelier with opaque glass shades or mini lampshades that direct the light downward.
THE RIGHT HEIGHT
There's some disagreement about whether chandeliers should hang closer to a surface or to the ceiling. This depends on where they're being used and the style of chandelier. A small pendant-style chandelier in a bedroom should be placed more toward the ceiling than a dining room chandelier. The height and size of a room will also influence where you hang a chandelier. Be sure you have a strong helper to hold the fixture so it can be raised or lowered until it looks just right.
STYLE POINTS
Even large walk-in closets can be instantly upgraded to dressing suites by adding a chandelier. When trying to decide what type of chandelier is best, bear in mind that cleaning can be labor-intensive. Simpler designs are easier to keep sparkling, while crystal chandeliers, however beautiful, take much more effort to maintain. Try to place a glitzy chandelier where it will lend the most impact, such as the dining room. Or, go for the unexpected and place a chandelier in a nursery or teen bedroom to strike a unique chord.
SIZE IT RIGHT
Size should also be factored into your choice. The scale of the chandelier should match the scale of the room. A quick and easy way to determine the scale is to add the width and length of the room together. The resulting number will give you correct size in inches for a chandelier. For example, for a room measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, a 24-inch chandelier will be sized appropriately.
