How to choose a chandelier?

Five simple tips for choosing the perfect chandelier. Choosing the right chandelier may not be as easy as it seems at first glance. There are a number of factors you need to consider, including the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. If you follow a few basic rules, you will brighten up your interior and create functional lighting for various purposes.

For which room do you choose the chandelier? Take into account the destination and color of the walls

Choose the chandelier according to the function of the room

A chandelier is not just a source of light - if chosen correctly, it will add style to the entire interior. So, in addition to functionality, you should also focus on design and aesthetic impression. The choice of lighting will vary depending on the room in which you intend to hang your chandelier.

Impact of the color of the walls and furniture on the choice of chandelier

The ideal lighting for a living room will have a power of 20 W/m2, above a kitchen worktop 30 W/m2, in the rest of the kitchen 15-20 W/m2, while in the bedroom or corridors you can get by with 10-15 W/m2. The sum of all light sources in a room is taken into account. The color of the walls or furniture also plays an important role. Darker colors absorb more light, so it is necessary to choose lighting with higher intensity.

The bigger the room, the bigger the chandelier

Adapting the chandelier to the size of the room

A very important parameter is the size of the room with a larger area, the size of the lighting fixture or their number should increase. A massive chandelier in a small room will make the room appear smaller and you will feel cramped, while a too modest chandelier in a larger room will look lost and disproportionate. A central chandelier can also be complemented by sconces.

When choosing the right chandelier size for a specific room, the following calculation will give you a reasonable guideline. Add the width and length of the room in meters. Calculate approximately 80 percent of this value and multiply it by 10. The result is the approximate diameter of the chandelier in centimeters that you should choose. For example, if your living room is 4 meters long and 6 meters wide, then the sum of these values ​​is 10. Eighty percent of this value is 8 and multiplied by 10 gives you 80. So the diameter approximate of the chandelier should be approximately 80 centimeters. If you are choosing between two sizes, it is recommended to choose the larger one.

Select the length of the hanging chain according to the height of the ceiling

Impact of ceiling height on the choice of suspension chain length

The height of the ceiling will also significantly affect your choice. If you have a high ceiling, a hanging chandelier will appear optically smaller. So it's better to purchase a longer hanging chain and place the chandelier lower in the space. In rooms with lower ceilings, on the other hand, keep in mind that you need to be able to walk under the chandelier. You can ensure this by using short hanging chains.

What is the optimal height to hang a chandelier? The chandelier should be hung at a height of at least 190 to 220 centimeters, simply to prevent tall people from bumping into it. Another rule is that the chandelier should hang at least 40-55 cm below the ceiling plane. In rooms with higher ceilings (approximately over 260 cm), add 5 cm to this figure for every 10 cm of additional height. If you choose a chandelier for the dining room, you should place it at least 80 centimeters above the dining table so as not to obstruct and dazzle unnecessarily. The general rule is that the best place for a chandelier is in the middle of the room. However, this is not always true for everyone - for example, in the dining room it is better to place a chandelier above the table.

Light bulbs? LED bulbs are also suitable for crystal chandeliers

Choosing bulbs for the chandelier

Chandeliers differ in the number of arms and the number of bulbs is related to this. For small rooms, chandeliers with six to eight arms are recommended. They can be perfectly equipped with 40 W bulbs, which illuminate the luminaire more. Combined with crystal, such lighting will perfectly illuminate the entire room. For multi-armed chandeliers in large rooms, it is advisable to use 25W bulbs and support the central chandelier with other smaller fixtures.

You can also use LED bulbs in a crystal chandelier. They can be purchased in a design that mimics the classic candle. There is no need to worry about whether LEDs are suitable for traditional lighting fixture or not. LED bulbs produce intense light - they beautifully illuminate the crystal drops which create a symphony of light. 4W LED bulbs are used as standard in chandeliers.

The combination of a chandelier and other lighting fixtures is ideal

Combine multiple light sources

No matter which chandelier you choose, you will probably end up combining different light sources. A ceiling light in the middle of the room is no longer sufficient for today's needs. You will achieve a better result by combining a central light fixture with other types of chandeliers and lamps.

Choose from smaller wall or floor lights that can be placed in different parts of the room. It is essential that the lighting does not disturb in any way, creates a pleasant atmosphere and matches the style of the room. With smaller fixtures or light controllers, you can create a functional space in every corner of the room. The brighter part is for work, while the darker corners are perfect for relaxation.