There are many different light fixtures that can be used throughout your home but chandeliers are truly in a class of their own. There is simply no classier fixture to add to your home. But with so many choices choosing the right chandelier for your home can be a bit overwhelming.
After all you want to choose the perfect one right? But with such a wide range of finishes, styles, and designs to choose from the decision can be rather difficult. One thing is for certain your choice can be a traditional and elegant or creative and fun as you want it to be.
Every chandelier no matter the style will add class, warmth, vibrancy and atmosphere to the room. Whether you choose a fancy and elaborate, trendy and fashionable, old or new, expensive or modest, each will have something complimentary to add your room.
The first thing you need to consider is the type of room and the statement you want to make. Nothing would look sillier than a Victorian chandelier in a contemporary dining room, yet nothing would be classier than a Victorian chandelier in a formal living room. So think about your room and the choices you have to set the mood you want.
If your room is chaotic and busy most of the time and you want to bring a level of piece and tranquility to the room consider a Victorian style chandelier. If your room is bland and you want to add a little pizzazz to the room consider a wrought iron piece. If your room is formal and you want to add a touch of richness or elegance consider a crystal chandelier.
Chandeliers can be decorative, dramatic, simple, formal, elegant, or make an artistic statement. Whether you choose Whimsical, Tiffany, Tropical, Transitional, Art Deco, Victorian, Early American, Colonial, Oriental, Old World, Traditional, or Mission will be up to you, your room, and the atmosphere you wish to create.
Not only are there plenty of different styles and eras to choose from, there are many different finishes and materials to choose from too. Metal is popular and includes brass, nickel, stainless, iron, bronze, and even gold and silver, which may be brushed or highly polished. Wrought iron is very popular, as are crystal chandeliers. Some chandeliers have pot racks, some have shades others do not, and some are electric while others use candles. It's impossible not to find the perfect chandelier to your room with so many choices.
You'll also need to consider the right size of chandelier for the room. You don't want it to be overwhelming but at the same time you certainly don't want it to get lost in the room. These simple guidelines will help you choose a chandelier that's the right size.
If you have a room that is less than 10'x10' then choose a 16" to 20" chandelier. If the room is around 12'x12' look at chandeliers that are around 26" to 28" in diameter, and 14'x14' rooms should have a diameter of 26" to 36".
If the chandelier is going to hang over a table then there are some rules to follow. The experts say that right distance is around 30" from the surface of the table and that it should also be at least 12" narrower than your table. So for example let's say your table is 36" in diameter then your chandelier should be no bigger than 24" in diameter.
If you want your chandelier to be both fashionable and functional it should carry a total of anywhere from 150 to 400 in wattage to provide adequate lighting. And if you're looking for a more romantic finish consider a candle chandelier rather than electric, or choose an electric fixture that uses the faux candles.
Something else to consider is giving a vintage or antique chandelier a makeover. There are some great buys out there, especially if the fixture is worn and in need of some TLC. What you get with one of these older fixtures is character and charm which often can be found in a modern fixture. Materials are often much heavier and quality can even be superior. And what's so great is you can refinish it however you like. Add your own personal touch!
If retro or Eames is your thing you can have a blast shopping online at places like eBay where there's a terrific selection of retro fixtures to choose from. Watch for Wegner or Parzinger fixtures. There' fabulous! Or how about those wonderful spider chandeliers or glass dome chandeliers?
You can find some fabulous Victorian and antique styles online as well. Watch for some of the lavish French styles or Italian designs. Superb! And quality plus!
If you're thinking of adding a chandelier to a country décor consider one of those fabulous wood wagon wheel styles. They look great and you can find them in a variety of woods but maple and oak are very popular.
And no chandeliers don't just belong in dining rooms, although that may be the most common room you'll find them. They actually look great in just about any room providing you choose a style that adds to your room.
So if you're ready to give your home a new look, create a new focal point, add a little class or a little fun, consider adding the perfect chandelier!
