Chandelier Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Chandelier for Your Home
A chandelier is a great way to add an eye-catching focal point and a cozy ambience to any room. There are many different chandelier designs to choose from, so it can be helpful to narrow down your options by considering the style of your home and the materials you prefer. With so many chandelier designs to choose from, we've put together this guide to help you simplify your shopping process. Keep reading to find the perfect chandelier to make a stylish statement.
Choose a Chandelier Design
From relaxed to elegant, it's easy to find a chandelier design that matches the style of your home. We've outlined five of the most common designs to help you choose the right one. Five common chandelier designs include candle style, lantern, sputnik, Single and Wood Beads.
Candle style: These chandeliers have candle-style lighting that mimics the look of a real candle. Candle-style chandeliers are available in several different materials and profiles, which makes them a versatile choice for almost any aesthetic.
Lantern: The Lantern Chandelier has an open frame that houses a set of candle-style lights that mimic the look of a real lantern. The clean lines and airy frame combine to create a timeless design that pairs well with traditional, rustic and farmhouse style homes.
Sputnik: The Sputnik chandelier combines straight lines and circles to create a chic, modern lighting look. The spherical light is attached to a metal arm that extends from the center of the fixture. With its angular arrangement and whimsical feel, this design is popular in mid-century modern and transitional spaces.
Single: The Single chandelier is a type of light fixture that typically features a single central support with several arms or branches emanating from it. These arms or branches hold the light sources, which can be candles, bulbs, or other types of light sources. Single chandeliers are often made of materials like metal, glass, or crystal and can have a variety of different styles and designs.
Wood Beads: The wood beads chandelier is a type of chandelier that features wooden beads as a decorative element. These beads are often strung together in a pattern and hung from the arms or branches of the chandelier. The beads can add texture and visual interest to the chandelier and can be a great way to bring a natural, rustic element into a space. Like other chandeliers, wood bead chandeliers come in a range of styles and designs, so you can find one that fits your personal aesthetic.
Pick the Perfect Material
When choosing a chandelier, you should also consider the material it is made from.
Metal: These chandeliers are primarily made of metal. While candle and lantern chandeliers are the most popular choices for metal chandeliers, there are also statement chandeliers with drum-shaped or geometric metal shades. Metal chandeliers are also available in several beautiful finishes.
Glass: Chandeliers typically incorporate glass elements through glass shades or panels to provide ambient light that is evenly dispersed throughout the space. Glass shades come in several shapes, such as cylinders or spheres. Shades also come in different types of glass: clear, frosted, Murano, mercury and seeded. Each type of glass has a unique look, so you can choose the one that suits your style.
Rattan: Rattan lamps are a type of light fixture made from natural materials. They are often woven into intricate patterns and can add a warm, organic touch to any space. Rattan lamps are typically made from the stems of tropical palms, which are strong and durable yet flexible enough to be shaped into a variety of styles. They are often used in outdoor spaces, but can also be used indoors to create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Some popular styles of rattan lamps include pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps. In addition to their natural beauty, rattan lamps are also known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are a great choice for anyone looking to add a touch of nature to their home or outdoor space.
Find the Best Chandelier Size
Once you have decided on a design and material, you will need to consider the size of the chandelier. The size of the chandelier should be proportional to the size of the room, so a large chandelier would be best for a large room, while a small chandelier would be more suitable for a smaller space.
Width is one of the most important measurements when choosing a chandelier. To calculate the correct width of your chandelier, first measure the length and width of the room (in feet) and then add these two numbers together. This number is the width (in inches) that your chandelier should have. For example, a room that is 10 feet by 10 feet should have a chandelier that is 20 inches wide.
Mini (14" wide): Mini chandeliers are great for particularly small spaces, such as closets or powder rooms. Despite their small size, mini chandeliers bring a charming touch to any space.
Small (15" - 20" wide): Small chandeliers are a great choice for small rooms like bathrooms and home offices. Small chandeliers are perfect for accent lighting if you want to add a little visual interest.
Medium (21" - 26" wide:. Medium chandeliers are a versatile option that can be placed over a dining table or seating area. They are great for bedrooms, dining rooms and kitchens.
Large (27" - 34" wide): Large chandeliers are best suited for the living room, family room or master bedroom.
Oversized (greater than 35" wide): Oversized chandeliers are ideal for making a statement. This size is best suited for spacious areas such as great rooms, foyers or entryways.
You should also consider the height of the ceiling and the location of the chandelier in the room. For example, a chandelier placed over a dining room table should be low enough that people can see each other across the table, but high enough that it doesn't obstruct the view.
In conclusion, a chandelier is a great way to add style and ambience to any room. When shopping for a chandelier, consider the design, material, and size to find the perfect one for your home.