Chandeliers

Chandelier Lights: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Key Points

• Choose chandelier size based on room dimensions - typically 50-75% of table width for dining areas.
• Hang chandeliers 33-36 inches above table surfaces and at least 7 feet from the floor in walkways.
• For high ceilings, choose taller chandeliers. Add 2.5-3 inches to your chandelier's height for each foot of your ceiling above 8 feet. For example, with a 10-foot ceiling, select a chandelier 5-6 inches taller than what you'd use in a standard room.
• The most popular finishes include brass for warm-toned rooms and chrome.
• Modern LED chandeliers use 70-80% less electricity than traditional incandescent versions.

How To Choose the Perfect Chandelier for Your Home

Selecting the right chandelier lights significantly affects how you're room looks and feels. We recommend considering these key factors when choosing:

• Size should be proportional to your room dimensions.
• Style should complement your existing décor.
• The height should be appropriate for your ceiling height.
• The light output should meet your room's needs.

When measuring your chandelier, use these guidelines for the best fit:

• Select a chandelier with a diameter of 50-75% of your table width for dining areas.
• Add the room's length and width in feet for open spaces, then convert to inches for the ideal diameter.
• Allow 30-36 inches of clearance between the bottom of the chandelier and your table surface.
• Ensure at least 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the chandelier in walkways.

What Types of Classical Chandeliers Work Best?

Classical chandeliers work well in traditional and formal spaces. We suggest looking for these features:

• Multiple arms with candle-style lights.
• Crystal or glass elements that reflect light.
• Brass, bronze, or gold-toned metal finishes.
• Detailed metalwork with scrolls or leaf patterns.

For accurate sizing of classical chandeliers, follow these measurements:

• For 8-9 foot ceilings, choose chandeliers with a maximum height of 20-24 inches.
• Add 2.5-3 inches of chandelier height for taller ceilings for each additional foot.
• Statement chandeliers should be at least 24 inches in diameter for formal dining rooms.
• Allow at least 4 feet between a large chandelier and nearby walls or furniture.

How To Choose the Right Size Chandelier Lights

Selecting the correct size ensures your chandelier fits your space appropriately. Use these measurements as a starting point:

• Dining room chandeliers should be 12 inches narrower than your table width.
• Entryway chandeliers typically need 2-3 inches of length per foot of ceiling height.
• Living room chandeliers work best when the diameter in inches equals room width in feet.
• Kitchen island chandeliers should be 1/3 the length of your island.

For ceiling height considerations, follow these guidelines:

• 8-foot ceilings: select chandeliers no taller than 20-24 inches.
• 9-foot ceilings: chandeliers can be 24-28 inches tall.
• 10-foot ceilings: chandeliers 28-32 inches tall work well.
• Higher ceilings: add 2-3 inches for each additional foot.

What Styles of Chandelier Lighting Are Popular Now?

Current chandelier lighting trends include many styles to suit different home designs. Some popular options include:

• Contemporary chandeliers with clean lines and minimal decoration.
• Basket chandeliers featuring natural materials like rattan or woven fibres.
• Mixed-metal designs combining brass with matte black or chrome.

For modern spaces, we recommend these chandelier features:

• LED lighting for energy efficiency and longevity.
• Adjustable height to make it easier at installation if you do not know the exact height.
• Dimmable lights to control brightness and mood, especially in the evenings.
• Geometric shapes rather than traditional curved arms.

How To Choose the Right Finish for Your Chandelier

The finish of your chandelier should work with your existing fixtures and hardware. We suggest these combinations:

• Warm-toned rooms pair well with brass, bronze, or gold chandeliers
• Cool-toned spaces look best with chrome, nickel, or black metal finishes.
• Wood or natural material finishes complement rustic or coastal styles.
• Painted finishes can add a pop of colour in neutral rooms
• Mixed metals work when you're unsure what direction your decor might take.
• Antique finishes hide dust better than polished ones.

When selecting a chandelier crystal type, consider these options:

• Lead crystal offers superior sparkle but comes at a higher price.
• Optical glass provides good clarity at a more moderate cost.
• Crystal prisms create more dramatic light refraction than smooth surfaces.

How To Determine the Right Lighting Output

To ensure your chandelier provides enough light, follow these calculation guidelines:

• Multiply your room's square footage by 1.5 to determine the ideal wattage
• For LED lighting, aim for 75-100 lumens per square foot
• Dining chandeliers should provide 2000-4000 lumens in total
• Entryway chandeliers typically need 1000-2000 lumens
• Layer your lighting with additional sources, such as floor or table lamps, to avoid harsh shadows.

We recommend these bulb types for different chandelier styles:

• Candle-style bulbs for traditional chandeliers (2700-3000K colour temperature).
• Globe bulbs for contemporary fixtures (clear or frosted).
• Vintage-style LED bulbs for industrial or restoration designs.
• Dimmable LEDs to adjust light levels for different occasions.
• Smart bulbs for convenient control through apps or voice commands.

Caring for Chandeliers Large and Small

Chandeliers with crystal need regular cleaning. No way around it. You'll be up there with a duster more often than you think, especially if you have a gas fireplace or do a lot of cooking nearby. We suggest this cleaning routine:

• Dust every 2-3 months with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Use a chandelier-specific duster for hard-to-reach areas.
• Turn off the power and let the bulbs cool before cleaning. Even some LEDs can get slightly hot.
• Place a soft cloth beneath the chandelier to catch any falling dust.

For deeper cleaning of crystal chandeliers, follow these steps:

• Mix one part isopropyl alcohol with three parts distilled water
• Apply the solution to a soft cloth, never directly to the chandelier.
• Clean each crystal piece individually, working from top to bottom. Do not apply this to the frame.
• Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chandeliers still in style?

Yes, chandeliers remain very popular in home design. While styles have evolved from purely traditional to include contemporary, industrial, and transitional designs, the chandelier concept continues to be a sought-after lighting choice. Today's chandeliers offer updated materials, efficient LED technology, and styles that complement any interior.

Should chandelier lights point up or down?

Most chandeliers are designed with lights pointing in specific directions for a reason. Down-facing lights provide direct illumination for tasks like dining or reading while up-facing lights create ambient illumination by bouncing light off the ceiling. For the most versatile lighting, we recommend chandeliers with some lights pointing down for task lighting and others pointing up for ambient glow.

Do chandeliers use a lot of electricity?

No modern chandeliers, especially those with LED bulbs, are surprisingly energy-efficient. A typical LED chandelier with 5-8 lights uses only 30-50 watts total, comparable to a single old-fashioned incandescent bulb. Even larger chandeliers with 12-16 LED lights typically use less than 100 watts. Look for fixtures with integrated LEDs or ones that accept LED replacement lamp bulbs for maximum efficiency.

What is the rule of thumb for hanging chandeliers?

The basic rule for hanging chandeliers is to position them at the right height for their location. Hang chandeliers 75-90cm above the table surface in dining areas. In foyers and open spaces, the bottom of the chandelier should hang at least 210cm from the floor. For two-story entryways, centre the chandelier at the sight line from the second floor. Choose a chandelier that is at least 30cm narrower than your table or the area where it hangs.