How to Select the Right Chandelier for Your Home

Choosing Wisely: How to Select the Right Chandelier for Your Home

  • A chandelier, suspended over the dining table, not only serves as an ornate decorative element that creates an elegant atmosphere, it can also be the focal point of the room.  A dimmable chandelier can create different moods, from a soft glowing atmosphere to one that is bright and conducive to a variety of tasks.  Choosing the right chandelier for a room can be tricky, as a variety of considerations come into play.  Aside from choosing the most visually appealing chandelier design for the space, the size of the room, the size of the table, the mounting height, and the wattage are all important to consider.

Size of the Room



Fitting the chandelier to the proportions of the room will help significantly in enhancing the visual appeal of the space.  Simply add the length and width of the room in feet to get the diameter of the chandelier in inches.  For example, a 12-by-20 foot room would ideally need an approximately 32-inch chandelier like the Aberdeen by Hudson Valley Lighting, which features lofty stems and rich, pleated fabric shades for a contemporary appeal.

Size of the Table


Of key importance when it comes to choosing a chandelier is the size of your dining table.  A good rule of thumb to follow is to measure the table’s smallest width and then choose a chandelier that is 12-inches less in diameter than that width.  Access Lighting offers plenty of versatility when matching to different table designs and features laser cut metal and frosted glass for a contemporary/modern look.

Mounting Height



When it comes to the mounting height, the key thing to remember is that the bottom of the chandelier should not interfere with the movement or sight line of the people sitting at the table.  In most cases, the measurement should be 36-inches from the top of the table.  It’s simple to adjust the mounting height with a fixture like the Inertia by Corbett Lighting, which impresses with crystal and polished stainless prisms, and a silver leaf finish.

Wattage

When it comes to wattage, the total wattage of all the chandelier bulbs should be 200-400 watts to provide sufficient light.  However, keep in mind that shading affects the maximum wattage of a chandelier.  Ideally, a dimmer switch should be used to control the wattage and create the desired mood and atmosphere.

Follow the simple guidelines above to achieve exceptional results when choosing a chandelier for your home.




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  • Wendy Weinert


    Wendy Weinert is an HGTV addict and avid DIYer. When not working on a craft project, as an interior design blogger and enthusiast, she is passionately helping people beautify their environment by providing insightful advice and inspiration.