How To Pick A Chandelier For Dining Room

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An elegant chandelier provides both illumination and a focal point for the room it's hung in, highlighting a home's interior three-dimensionally. When searching for the perfect chandelier to grace your dining room, it's important to consider a few basic factors. You'll want to make the best use of the space you have available, pick out designs and materials that complement the rest of the room's decor, and set a budget for yourself to make sure that piece you decide on fits within your price range.

1
Measure your dining room. Run a tape measure from wall to wall and from floor to ceiling. The resulting numbers will give you an idea of exactly how much space you have to play around with. Record these dimensions so you can refer to them later when browsing different types of fixtures.^[1]
- Measure the room in feet and the light fixture in inches.
- One helpful guideline is to add together the room's length and width and pick out a fixture with an equivalent measurement. For example, a chandelier for a 20 by 25 feet (6.1 m × 7.6 m) dining room should therefore be no larger than 45 inches (110 cm) in diameter.^[2]
- Take into account the height of the ceilings as well. Choose a larger chandelier if you have vaulted ceilings, and a smaller piece if you have lower ceilings so it doesn't overwhelm the space.
2
Choose a chandelier that will fit comfortably. As you look over your various options, picture how they would look hanging in your home. Overly large fixtures tend to feel cramped in averaged sized dining rooms. A chandelier that's too small, on the other hand, may be dwarfed by the rest of the room's furnishings.^[3]
- Since you can't try out different chandeliers it will help to stick closely to the measurements you took down.
- In the end, you may have to eyeball and use your best judgment.
- To figure out, roughly, how the chandelier will look in the room, use a prop that's about the same size, such as a suitcase or cardboard cutout.
3
Consider your lighting needs. A single fixture may be all you need to set the mood in a cozy nook. If you're attempting to brighten a larger area, opt for a model that features multiple bulbs or reflects light in many different directions. The chandelier you settle on should enhance visibility without being harsh or glaring.^[4]
- You also have the option of choosing between conventional bulbs and powerful LEDs that give off more light in a smaller space.^[5]
- Connect your chandelier to a dimmer switch so you'll have full control over the amount of light it gives off.^[6]
- If the chandelier doesn't provide enough light in the space, hang wall sconces or put a lamp on the buffet table.

1
Look at dazzling traditional styles. Exquisitely decorated homes deserve chandeliers with just as much taste. Look for fixtures with eye-catching embellishments, such as the classic dangling crystals or clusters of blown-glass globes. They'll provide the finishing touches for dining rooms with an air of sophistication.^[7]
- The more complex the chandelier's design, the more you can expect to shell out for it.
- Neutral tones like silver and chrome will mesh with other items more naturally than bright or oddly-colored finishes.
2
Mount a simple one-piece fixture. Try out a light ring molded from brass or a similar material, or an impressive centerpiece of rustic wrought iron. An unobtrusive chandelier will allow the rest of the room's decor to speak for itself.^[8]
- You can find more practical lighting solutions at most home improvement stores.
- Sturdy fixtures with one-piece construction are often much easier and less costly to repair or replace.
3
Incorporate more modern designs. These can range from basic minimalistic shaded lamps to more artistic installations that double as functional sculptures. Contemporary accessories will arguably give you the greatest variety of options to match up to your home's unique character.^[9]
- Unlike elaborate vintage chandeliers, modern fixtures won't stand out awkwardly in newer homes.
4
Complement the general look of the room. No matter what type of piece you choose, it should fit in with the furnishings and ornamentations that you already have in place. Take in the room as a whole—the "perfect" chandelier is the one that ties it all together effortlessly.^[10]
- A vibrant bronze fixture, for instance, will clash with decor decked out in warm hues.
- Similarly, a stripped-down industrial fixture can create confusion in a dining room inspired by classic Victorian sensibilities.^[11]
- Paint a vintage chandelier or change out the shades to make it match your space.
- Create an unconventional chandelier by putting string lights inside Mason jars or wine bottles.

1
Hang the chandelier above the dining table. This is the most common placement, as it emphasizes the room's purpose by keeping attention focused on its most important piece of furniture. Centering the chandelier over the table will offer a tasteful spotlight for rich holiday meals, light afternoon luncheons and even the occasional game of cards.^[12]
- For a more organic setup, have your chandelier measured, lined up and hung in relation to the position of the dining table, not the other way around.^[13]
- An overhead chandelier will look best when it's about a foot smaller than the table on all sides.^[14]
2
Light up an entryway. If your dining room is bordered by a vestibule or includes a short walkway, you may prefer to place the chandelier there. That way, it can be seen by your guests immediately upon entering.^[15]
- This arrangement will look most natural in rooms with long, open layouts.
- Mounting a chandelier in another area of the dining room can act as a sort of visual welcoming.
- Change the focal point of the room by placing the chandelier over another prominent object, such as a buffet, wet bar or piano.
3
Adjust the height as needed. Ideally, it should be low enough to cast light in a wide radius, but not so low that it gets in the way. Try suspending the fixture at different levels until you find one that allows the eye to transition seamlessly from floor to ceiling.
- A good rule of thumb is to find the height of your ceilings in feet or meters, then multiply that number by 3 and convert it to inches or centimeters: for example, a dining room with a 9 feet (2.7 m) ceiling will accommodate a chandelier up to 27 inches (69 cm) high.
- Chandeliers are generally mounted to hang 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) from the top of a table or other surface.^[16]
- Make sure that the light doesn't shine in your eyes when you're sitting at the table, but don't put it so high that it's not noticeable in the room.
4
Offset other light sources. If the chandelier is going to serve as a primary source of illumination, it should go as close to the center of the room as you can get it. Otherwise, it can bleed together with nearby ceiling lights and floor lamps, resulting in a washed out glare. Find a sensible spacing between individual lights so that no part of the room is either too bright or too dark.^[17]
- If you're using a lighted chandelier, turn off some of the surrounding lights so they don't end up competing.
- Chandeliers comprised of lots of small crystal or glass pieces are designed to diffuse light with a sparkling effect, which means they often don't even need an integrated light source.

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Buy a chandelier with an adjustable chain. This will allow you to achieve a height that meets the demands of a specific space.
To protect your investment, leave the installation of pricey chandeliers to the professionals.
If you're unsure where to begin, consult the expertise of an interior designer. They'll be able to give you helpful tips about what styles and designs will look best in your home.
Compare different styles that satisfy your criteria before settling on one.
Check antique shops and estate sales for beautiful and authentic vintage fixtures.
If you are decorating your home in art deco style, then you should go for chandeliers with ornate decorations or features on them.

Before hanging a chandelier, be sure that your ceiling can support the weight. An unexpected fall could result in damage to the ceiling, dining room table, or the chandelier itself.

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How To Pick A Chandelier For Dining Room

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Chandelier-for-Your-Dining-Room

How To Pick A Chandelier For Dining Room