Is there anything more glorious hanging from your ceiling than the right chandelier? This lighting fixture can set the tone for your entire room, and with a unique style or finish, it can definitely serve as a focal point. Buying a chandelier involves more than picking out a model that catches your eye; to find the right one, you should understand how the room dimensions can dictate your decision. Here is everything you need to know about shopping for chandeliers to land the right look for your home.
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Taking Measurements
The more you understand interior design, the more you realize how nearly every choice, from rugs to chandeliers, relies on measurements and scale. After all, how do you know what size entryway chandelier will fit in your space if you don’t know your foyer’s dimensions? Start with the room length and width to determine the width of your chandelier. Add those two numbers in feet together; the sum is the approximate chandelier width in inches. For example, if your room is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, you should look for a chandelier about 30 inches in diameter.
The exception to this rule is a chandelier hung over a dining or kitchen table. In these spaces, the light fixture width should be about a foot narrower than the table and about four feet away from the walls. The idea is to balance your kitchen chandelier to your table’s dimensions rather than the room size, so it looks in proportion. Aim for 30-34 inches above the table or counter surface so you have enough room to not whack your head against the light every time you stand up.
Since you have become a measuring whiz, let’s take one more: the height of your ceiling. Usually, your chandelier height should be about two and a half inches for every foot of ceiling height. So, if you have 12-foot ceilings, look for a 36-inch high chandelier. If you have ever seen a lighting fixture that looks too small or overwhelms a space, you know someone dropped the ball, or the yardstick in this case, and went straight to the fun part.
Fitting in the Space
You have your dimensions; now use those figures to decide on scale. Chandeliers range from mini models to oversized displays, and you can follow these guidelines to determine the right proportion for your room:
- Mini – ideal for large walk-in closets or powder rooms
- Small – appropriate for an office or bathroom
- Medium – suitable over a kitchen or dining table, island or small seating area
- Large – scaled for a master bedroom, family room or living room
- Oversized – best for foyers and entryways, especially with high ceilings or grand staircases
Focusing on Style
Now that you know whether your room can accommodate a mini, small, medium, large or oversized chandelier, you can start looking at different interior design themes and materials. Hopefully, you already have a sense of your design style or what type of chandelier you like, but if you don’t, just browse online to see what appeals to you or would look smashing in your home. Most chandeliers fall into one of these categories:
- Shaded – Either in a large drum shade or individual bulb shades, these chandeliers can reduce glare and direct light downward. Shades feature a variety of materials, from translucent or opaque glass to fabrics.
- Candle-style – These chandeliers can have a traditional, formal or vintage feel to them. They feature multiple arms to hold candle-like shapes and even flickering bulbs, much like a candelabra. Candle-style brass chandeliers were once found in nearly every suburban dining room, but luckily, these have given way to more materials and styles.
- Lantern – Often shaped like an open cage, lantern chandeliers have a geometric shape and slightly modern, slightly traditional feel. They are quite popular in entryways and over kitchen islands.
- Crystal or Empire – Looking for a glamorous or formal lighting fixture? These chandeliers may feel more ornate and luxurious than simpler styles.
- Sputnik – Named for the satellite shape, this chandelier works in modern or Mid-Century Modern rooms for a funky vibe.
- Wagon-Wheel – These chandeliers are not strictly rustic or western-inspired, but when you look at their circular shape, you can understand where the name originates. If you prefer an understated style, consider a sleek wagon wheel.
- Globe – If a chandelier and a pendant light fixture had a baby, it would be this spherical style. Some globe chandeliers have a cage design, while others feature globe-shaped shades over bulbs.
- Statement – Some chandeliers are so unique that they are in a category by themselves. These light fixtures are bold and daring, featuring various materials and shapes. If you want a conversation piece, consider one of these beauties.
Creating Texture With Materials and Finishes
Chandeliers include more than just elaborate crystal affairs; what materials feature prominently can differ on the style. For instance, a rustic or cottage core house is an excellent setting for wood, while wrought iron makes sense in industrial or modern farmhouse design. Consider chrome or brass for transitional style and even colored glass or beads for eclectic design.
Crystal and glass provide another opportunity to brighten a space by reflecting light from glowing bulbs, giving a radiance that is more brilliant than the light from a muted shade chandelier. Incorporating unexpected or mixed materials into your light fixtures allows for more texture and light to define your space. Are you ready to start searching for a kitchen, entryway or bedroom chandelier? Visit Chairish to see stand-out light fixtures to show off your style. From classic Art Deco to new and custom lights, we have chandeliers to inspire your interior design vision. Our curated collection includes rare finds as well as affordable treasures to make quality, stylish lighting work in any home.
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Lead photo design by JACOB LAWS INTERIOR DESIGN / Photo Credit: Alise O’Brien