How to Choose a Chandelier

Whether you are looking for a lighting fixture to grace your foyer, set the tone in your dining room, or add character to another room in your house, chandeliers are the classic choice for making a big impression. Today's modern, contemporary, and transitional styles offer an ever expanding array of fixture designs. In addition to style and materials, there are a variety of other factors to consider when selecting your ideal chandelier, including size, light output, type of light source, dimming options, and more. In order to help you narrow down the choices, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relevant to buying a chandelier.

What should I look for when searching for my ideal chandelier?

Aside from style, the three main factors to selecting a chandelier are: size/scale, direction of light output (glare versus glitter), and control (dimming).

Having something too big or too small can result in a disproportioned look in your space. A 30" tall chandelier hanging in the middle of the room with 8' ceilings will feel extremely low in the space and look strange. If you buy something too small, the piece may seem dwarfed by the room. When in doubt, it is better to err on the larger size, since chandeliers are statement pieces.

Use the following "rule of thumb" method to size your chandelier to be the focal point of a room (wherever it is not installed above a table or counter).

1. Measure the length and width of the room in feet.
2. Add those two numbers together.
3. The sum of those two numbers should be the diameter of your chandelier in inches.

This is just a guide, but it does provide a place to start. Try our Chandelier Sizing Tool to easily find the right sized chandelier for your space.

You also want to make sure that the light coming out of the fixture isn't glary. There is nothing worse than sitting at a dining room table with the glare of a bright bulb coming at your face. What direction is the light going? Are the bulbs concealed or exposed? If the bulbs are exposed, you should consider adding a dimmer to your chandelier to control the light output.

If I am looking for a modern or contemporary look, what lighting trends should I be focusing on?

For a more modern look and design, focus on satin nickel or chrome finishes. Bronze finishes are more commonly found in transitional fixtures, which combine design elements from both traditional and contemporary styles. Modern designs trend towards chrome and satin nickel. Also look for clean lines, with a minimal amount of ornate decoration. Keep in mind that your chandelier's finish and materials should also complement other finishes in your space.

How big should my chandelier be in my dining room?

Chandeliers are sized by diameter and height. The number of bulbs may also impact size. I recommend a chandelier's diameter to be 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your dining table. Today's average dining room chandelier is a four to six light, 26-30" diameter fixture.

Take ceiling height and chandelier height into consideration before buying, too. The chandelier should hang about 30"- 36" from the top of your table to the bottom of the fixture itself. A chandelier that is too tall might end up sitting almost on top of your table! However, if you have tall ceilings a two- or three-tiered design could work great. I love the Tilda by Arteriors Home.

Try our Chandelier Size Guide to configure your ideal chandelier size based on the size of your dining table and the height of the ceiling. There are options for both square and round tables to size a dining room chandelier.

Will my chandelier be bright enough to light the whole room? How much light do I really need from my chandelier?

Chandeliers are decorative fixtures, meant to impart style and ambiance, so do not expect your chandelier to be a room's primary light source. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with a chandelier. Placing a single fixture in the center of a room and expecting it to entirely light that room is a recipe for bad lighting. This is compounded if the chandelier's bulbs are exposed, something common to many chandeliers.

Chandeliers work best as a supplementary light source and even better when incorporated into a layered lighting scheme. For example, incorporating recessed cans, cove lighting, or wall sconces in a room are great ways to accent the space, highlight walls, paintings, plants, countertops, and cabinets.

Are there chandeliers that use modern technology like LED?

Absolutely. Contemporary lighting designers and manufacturers are coming out with incredible new LED chandeliers every day. LED technology has improved so much that often you cannot tell the difference between an LED fixture and traditional incandescent one.

Even better - some lighting designers now prefer designing with LEDs, simply because they allow for some really unique design opportunities! LEDs are so small that designers don't have to worry about concealing the light source. This means there is a lot more freedom to experiment with form, function, and material.

In addition to design flexibility, other advantages of LED lighting include increased efficiency and reliability, which translates into significant energy and cost savings. LEDs run five times cooler than halogen bulbs while expending 1/5 the energy. LEDs also outlast other light sources, with a projected lifespan of about 50,000 hours— that's 25 years of use at 5 ½ hours a day.

If I buy an LED chandelier will I be able to dim it down to create a romantic atmosphere?

Many LED chandeliers are fully dimmable when paired with a compatible low voltage dimmer, but not every LED chandelier is dimmable, so this is something you want to ask before buying. Check the specifications of each individual fixture, and then refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible dimmers. Not all dimmers work with all fixtures.

Can I upgrade my existing chandelier to LED or CFL (compact fluorescent) without replacing the fixture?

Upgrading your chandelier to use LED or CFL is called retrofitting, and it is often, but not always, possible. It depends on the fixture. There are many LED and CFL retrofit bulbs available in a variety of shapes and bases that you can buy to retrofit, but you need to keep dimming in mind. If your chandelier is wired to a dimmer, you will probably need to buy a new dimmer that is compatible with your CFL or LED bulbs. Remember that a dimmer dims the bulbs, not the fixture.

Keep in mind that if your chandelier bulbs are exposed, there are LEDs and CFL bulbs that may work but also may look horrible. If you want to retrofit with a CFL or LED, buy just one bulb to see if you like it. Then replace the rest if you do.

Can I use a chandelier in any other room other than the dining room?

Of course! Chandeliers are commonly found in foyers and formal entryways, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms or powder rooms. Again, choosing where to install a chandelier depends on the size of the room, ceiling height, size of the fixture, and the surrounding décor. They can go anywhere!

Can I hang a chandelier over a dining table even if the electrical box is not centered over the table?

Yes. One of two solutions usually works. If you have drywall ceilings, an electrician can move the junction box to center over the table. This is not a simple process, as it also requires plastering over the old hole in your ceiling.

If you have concrete ceilings, the chandelier can swag over the center of the table. This means centering a hook over the table to suspend cords from the junction box to the swag hook. You could also use a hide-a-cord on the ceiling to conceal the appearance of the cord.

At what height should I hang my chandelier?

In a dining room, the goal is to suspend it low enough so that you don't catch glare from the light source but high enough so that it does not obstruct your vision. A good rule of thumb is to hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 30 - 36 inches from the top of the table. Adjust this height to suit your personal preferences or the demands of your room.

Are there any other factors I should consider when choosing a chandelier?

Sometimes it's good to have something unexpected rather than going for a "safe" look. Make sure it's something that you like!

Chandeliers can be an amazing light fixture with advantages over all other types of lights. However, there are multiple types of chandeliers that work better in specific situations. To help you improve the ambiance in your kitchen or living room, we have created an outline of popular types of chandeliers and how to choose between each.

Our expert technicians are here for youSchedule Online Today

Top Styles of Chandeliers for Homes

When most people think of chandeliers, they think of the dangling showstoppers found at a palace or hotel entrance. While this is one style, many other types of chandelier options are out there.

1. Candle Chandeliers

Originally, chandeliers used a series of candles to provide light. Nowadays, you can find the same style of a chandelier but with electric lights that replicate candles. The best part about candle chandeliers is that they go with many different types of decor. The candles give them a rustic vibe, the classic elegance fits classy environments, and the modern twist suits more modern styles.

2. Antler Chandeliers

Antler chandeliers are extremely similar to candle chandeliers. However, they use antlers to connect the candles instead of traditional metal. These give off an authentic outdoor vibe. They are great for cabins, hunting lodges, and the homes of any outdoor enthusiast.

3. Crystal Chandeliers

Crystal chandeliers are a broad category of chandeliers. While they come in many shapes and sizes, they all feature crystals. The crystals create an elegant look while also scattering the light of the chandelier in all directions. Crystal chandeliers are great anywhere you want to make a statement. These chandeliers look incredible and stand out even more than other chandeliers.

4. Glass Chandeliers

Glass chandeliers come in many different shapes and styles like crystal chandeliers. Some feature dangling pieces of glass. These chandeliers have wild designs that firework out from a center while others are more simplistic and minimalist. Also, like crystal chandeliers, glass chandeliers make a great centerpiece. Their flashiness and variety allow them to stand out in many different places.

5. Modern Chandeliers

Modern chandeliers are light fixtures with a futuristic style to them. They usually come in geometric shapes or minimalist designs. Modern chandeliers work best in modern households or rooms with a modern style. They make less of an obvious statement but still manage to complement the rest of the room.

Read More: What Is Task Lighting? Advantages and Applications

6. Drum Chandeliers

Drum chandeliers are immediately notable because of their shape. They are essentially wide, short, and circular chandeliers with shade around them. An advantage of purchasing this type of chandelier is that they provide even and warm light throughout the room. This makes them great in rooms where a warm and welcoming environment is needed.

7. Bowl Chandeliers

A bowl chandelier is exactly what the name implies. It is a chandelier consisting of a large glass bowl in which the lights are held. This style of chandelier is less flashy than other options. This means that it works best in understated situations.

What Are the Benefits of Chandelier Lighting?

Chandelier lighting is great for giving a room a very specific appeal. However, they also come with several benefits.

Chandeliers Are Beautiful

The best part about chandeliers is that they look fantastic. These are light fixtures that simultaneously function as pieces of art. This allows them to enhance the natural appeal of any room they are in. Unlike other light fixtures, chandeliers even look good with the lights off. Some are even designed in ways that allow natural light to enhance them.

Save Space

A regular lamp takes up space on a counter or an end table, and a standing lamp takes up floor space. This can make things difficult when space is at a premium. In smaller homes, losing space like this can prevent other pieces of furniture from having a place to go.

However, a chandelier takes up no space. It simply sits above the rest of the room and is used whenever needed. This also gets it out of the way, which prevents it from being tripped over or accidentally knocked off a table.

Maintain a Warm Atmosphere

Many other lighting fixtures focus on providing light in a straightforward way. This might be great in a school or an office but isn’t that great in a home. This type of lighting will be harsh and even uncomfortable.

Chandeliers are designed with comfort in mind. Many of them redirect and reflect light in a warm and welcoming way. Once an electrical services provider installs a chandelier, the home just feels right.

Read More: What Are the Benefits of Installing Track Lights in a House?

Large Range of Designs

Chandeliers are not a one-trick pony. There are multiple different styles of chandeliers, many of which are highlighted earlier in this article. There are also many different sub-varieties within these chandelier styles, leading to many total designs.

This makes them perfect for every type of home. Many types of chandeliers will suit an elegant mansion. Just as many will suit a humble cottage. Plus, there are plenty to suit every type of home in between. Our team of local electricians in Athens, GA can help you pick the best type of chandelier for your house.

Prevent Damage to Walls

Wall lighting offers many of the same benefits as chandeliers. However, wall lighting directly damages walls. No one wants to fill their wall with holes just to put up some lights. In the future, when the room is redesigned or redecorated, the lights may have to come off the walls and be moved onto new walls in order to accommodate the change.

Lights on walls also take up space. This leaves the room with less space for paintings, pictures, and any other type of wall hanging. So, chandeliers save space in this way as well.

Lighting Installation and Replacement Services in Atlanta, GA

If you’re looking to place a chandelier or even multiple chandeliers in your home, you need an electrician to help with the lighting installation project. Our team of skilled electricians offer comprehensive electrical services for homes in Atlanta, GA and other areas. We offer a variety of electrical solutions such as wiring installation, electrical panel replacement, ceiling fan repair, and electric vehicle (EV) charger installation.

Our team of licensed electricians will install the lights that you need. We can even work with you in the design process so that the lighting is effective in the room and the design suits your needs. From drafting the idea to actually installing the lights, our electricians are here to help you. Give our technicians a call by phone at (770) 852-8504 to receive assistance installing a new chandelier or light fixture in your house.