Big box stores and home goods stores have hundreds of chandeliers. Chandeliers are usually displayed together and some or all of them may be lit. Looking at so many lights can make you feel like you’ve stepped into a jungle chandelier. But you don’t need a pith helmet and a machete to find “your” chandelier. Just follow these tips.
1. What is your style? You can have an early American, colonial, arts and crafts, transitional, Mediterranean, Spanish, contemporary, shabby chic, or other home style. Look for a candle holder that matches this style. “How to Choose the Perfect Hanging Chandelier,” an article on homedecorators.com, says that you should choose a chandelier that suits your room and the colors of the room. For a decor “punch,” you can choose a mismatched chandelier.
2. Be careful about the size. The size of the chandelier depends on the dimensions of the room, the height of the ceiling, the scale of the furniture and other lights in the room. The About.com website lists buying tips in an article, “Choosing the Right Size Chandelier.” If your room is smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet, the article says to choose a chandelier from 17″ to 20′ in diameter. Before purchasing a chandelier, be sure to check the maximum wattage allowed.
3. Cast type. Log on to the internet and familiarize yourself with the latest slang: foyer chandeliers, chandeliers, pendants, island pendants, and other words. Lighting experts recommend two-tier (or higher) chandeliers for front entrances. Dining room chandeliers are usually one tier, but you may need more, depending on the size of your room. Narrow your search by choosing the type of candle you prefer.
4. Find the ending. In recent years, the popularity of brass has faded. Customers look for brushed nickel, pewter, antique brass and painted chandeliers. According to the Chandelier Lighting Experts website, “chandeliers no longer feature just one metal or one finish. Newer designs offer multi-tone finishes created by chemical or painted processes.”
5. Check the weight. A chandelier that weighs more than 50 pounds may require additional mounting bracket. Unless you are an experienced carpenter, you should hire a carpenter to build this support structure.
6. Use electrical intelligence. Many customers are installing chandeliers in recessed lighting cans, metal cans that are flush with the ceiling. However, if you have an older house, you’ll need a converter kit to do this. Please read all instructions in the box because the converter kit may not fit your roof box.
7. Get the height right. According to the article, “How to Choose the Perfect Hanging Chandelier,” an entryway or foyer chandelier, as it’s often called, should hang at least six and a half to seven feet above the floor. “A dining room chandelier hung above a table should be about 12 inches narrower than the dining room table,” the site notes. Your chandelier must be installed by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor.
Visiting big box stores and home stores will help you narrow down your chandelier options to just a few. Your chandelier is hiding in the jungle of lighting. To find it you will have to be patient, persistent and sharp. Good luck!
Copyright 1008 by Harriet Hodgson
