Proper Chandelier Fixtures
There are seemingly endless options for your living and dining area lighting. Chandelier options
are elegant, functional, and come in many shapes and sizes depending on the space. Although
they’re a classic choice, chandeliers are by no means outdated. If you look in the right places,
you’ll find modern chandeliers that give a contemporary feel to your home.
How can you be sure you’re picking proper chandelier fixtures? Well, we have composed a
concise, comprehensive guide to choosing the right chandelier for you.
Different Kinds of Chandeliers
In your research, you might have wondered what the differences between varying chandeliers
are. A quick breakdown of different kinds of chandeliers looks like this:
- Crystal chandeliers will be a visual focal point and give a clean, whimsical light.
- Chandelier ceiling fans are part ceiling fan, part chandelier, also known as chandelier
fans.
- Crystal chandelier ceiling fans include a fan component on top of a classic crystal
chandelier light.
- Unique chandeliers are statement pieces; they can come in the form of tiered ring lights,
geometric glass panes, beaded strings, and more.
- Large commercial chandeliers are ideal for huge spaces, like a hotel lobby or restaurant.
- Commercial pendant lights are typically suspended by a long chain or rod and provide
indirect lighting.
Some variation or combination of these lights can go in most any room depending on style and
size. Learn how to pick the right chandelier before you make a purchase.
How to Choose Proper Chandelier Fixtures
There are many factors to consider when choosing a fixture, like size, material, style, light
output, etc. Don’t get overwhelmed! Focus your attention on the most important characteristics:
size and light output.
Size
If you choose a chandelier that’s too small or too big for your room, you’ll create strange lighting
and awkward spacing throughout. The chandelier you settle on needs to be proportionate to the
size of the space you’re trying to illuminate.
When deciding how big of a chandelier you need, measure both the length and width in feet of
the room you’ll put it in and add the two numbers together. That number in inches will be a good
diameter for your chandelier. You don’t have to stick to this exact diameter, but you shouldn’t
deviate too much from it. When in doubt, err on the bigger side.
Don’t forget about ceiling height. Hanging a lengthy light fixture in a short space will look
visually awkward, just as installing a very short chandelier in a tall space. As the height of your
ceiling goes up, so should the length of your chandelier.
Light Output
Factors that affect your light output include what direction the light is going (up or down) and
whether the bulbs are exposed or covered. Sometimes, a chandelier without a shade or dimmer
can be glaringly bright.
Generally, upward-facing lights cast a deflected, diffused light onto your ceiling that lights up a
generally large space. Downward-facing chandeliers, like pendant lights, shine on a more
focused area and are great for shining onto dining room tables or desks.
What Type of Chandelier Will Fit?
Another question to ask yourself when choosing a chandelier is whether it will be a primary or
decorative fixture in your space. If you’re looking to put in a main source of light, the quality of
light and light coverage should take priority over style. Alternatively, if you have plenty of
existing lighting in the room, light coverage is less important for your new fixture and won’t be
as important as its decorative function.
For example, chandeliers and pendant lights are very similar but offer different overall lighting
options. Classic chandeliers are traditional sources of primary light, and pendant lights are more
of a style choice. Although both can add to your interior design efforts, chandeliers will offer
better coverage and more ambient lighting by acting as a primary source of light. Pendant
lighting serves that decorative role of casting purposeful lighting on a more concentrated space.
Find Your Chandelier Fixtures
Lighting is an essential element to any room, and if you try to do it yourself it can be difficult to
get right the first time. We recommend finding a professional lighting company to help you
choose and install the best chandelier in your space.
Xpress Lighting of Texas offers residential and commercial lighting options in Spring, The
Woodlands, and the greater Houston area. When it comes to knowing how to choose proper
chandelier fixtures, Xpress Lighting and its professional lighting experts will help you find the
lights that brighten up your room.
