First, consider a few pertinent questions that will guide you in selecting an appropriate chandelier. What is the main purpose or primary use for the chandelier you are considering: reading, writing, work projects, area lighting, dining room lighting, accent lighting, an object of art, a beautiful specimen, just something pretty that will light up an area ? What colors are you using in the room with your new chandelier ? Hold these thoughts and let us consider a few more.
What room is the chandelier going to be placed: living room, den, bedroom, dining room, foyer, kitchen, bathroom, game room, entertainment room ?
When will you typically be using the chandelier: morning, noon, afternoon, bedtime, at meals, after supper, late night ? Will others be in the room with you when you are using the chandelier ? Will the light from the chandelier affect others in the room?
Now that you have pondered the above ideas, let us look at some specifics especially sizes. Home decor items are very important as they relate to each other in the same room. How big is the table, counter, shelf, etc. where the chandelier will be used ? A large chandelier over a small table or small area will appear overpowering. A small chandelier over a large table or in a large area will appear lost.
How large is the room where the chandelier is to be used ? A small chandelier in a huge room will appear lost and vice versa. How high are the ceilings ? Many medium to large homes today have 17' or taller ceilings in the great room. Generally a 36" tall and 36" wide chandelier with 6 lights minimum is right at home in a moderate size great room. Larger great rooms require larger chandeliers. Think of relativity and remember Einstein. Each individual situation has different requirements.
Vertical location of your chandelier is extremely important and varies greatly with the situation. When located over a dining table, the bottom of the chandelier should generally be around 36" from the table top but it also depends on other variables. When located in a foyer, living room, bedroom, bathroom or great room it should be much higher. Variables include ceiling height, room size, furniture location and traffic areas.
The construction material of your new chandelier can be extremely important. The most durable materials are metals, stone, porcelains, crystals, glass and wood. All of the antique chandeliers that we repair are made from these materials and they very handsomely stand the test of time. Resin, poly resin and hydrocal are not recommended for any chandelier that you wish to keep for an extended period of time as these materials nearly self destruct.
Hopefully, you are now on your way to selecting and hanging your chandelier. If you need help, free consultation is available from many professional lighting showrooms as well as some lighting manufacturers via the internet. - Jim Hoyle
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