Crazy for Chandeliers
Your chandelier makes a big statement about your room!!! It adds character to a space and definitely makes an impression. A chandelier sets a distinct tone and chosen wisely is just the right finishing touch!!! It is one of the best ways to update your home. That all sounds great but finding the right combo of style and function is not so easy. It can be quite daunting with so many options out there to choose from. Let's figure out how to choose...
So let's talk about how to make the optimal choice that will give you that designer appeal and most importantly .... one that you will love for years to come. To begin, I'd like you to know that when it comes to a chandelier purchase, I typically advise my Fairfield and Westchester clients NOT to skimp on the budget. Instead, think of it as an investment. A beautiful chandelier will upgrade the overall look of your space and just like your furniture, you can take it with you when you move.
Tip #1
The smartest first step in picking your chandelier is to think about what it's going to be used for. What function will it serve? Is it just for show (typically not), to emit a little light in a bedroom, to dine by or maybe to light up your entry or foyer? Whatever the purpose is, it's essential that you figure that out first. There's no sense in falling in love with something and finding out that it is the wrong size or not enough wattage. Simply add the length and width of your room in feet to get the diameter of the chandelier in inches. For example, if your living room is 12 feet wide by 16 feet long, a 28" diameter chandelier works best.
In an entryway, follow the same rule for the living room. The length plus width of the entry in feet should be the size of the light fixture in inches. If it isn't positioned over a table or surface, hang your pendant or chandelier no lower than 7 feet to allow plenty of room for tall folks.
Tip #2
Moving onto size, remember to reference this rule of thumb. The chandelier should be 1/2 the size of the table to 2/3 the size of the table max. So, if your table is 40" round, the biggest chandelier you should get is 20"-26" in diameter. You want to make sure you and your guests will not bump your heads! Use your judgment here. If you want your chandelier to make a statement, get a really pretty one on the bigger side. The chandelier should hang 30-36" above the table or 60-66" from the floor!
Tip #3
Think about the shape. What appeals to you the most? Do you gravitate towards round, square, rectangular or abstract fixtures? What will look best in the space? It's always a nice look to have the chandelier and table the same shape. This is definitely not necessary but something to keep in mind. Go with your instincts and pick something visually appealing. For example, a rectangular chandelier makes a great statement over a rectangular table, and a round chandelier goes with everything. Want to use a round chandelier on a rectangular table...use two!
Tip #4
When it comes to choosing the style this can be kind of hard because there are so many beautiful options to choose from. For that designer look, keep it similar to the style of your home and/or your overall decor. But, don't be afraid to get eclectic here. Just make sure it looks cohesive with the other light fixtures in your home and that it is complementary to the rest of your decor.
Tip #5
The last of my 5 tips for choosing the perfect chandelier is my best advice and that is to just go with your heart. Choose something that you will love to look at. Remember your chandelier sets the tone and brings character into your room. Just like a work of art, let your chandelier bring you joy too!