If you’re aiming to make an impact in your home, there’s nothing quite like a fabulous chandelier. This brilliant lighting can add visual appeal, bold design, and bright light to virtually anywhere. With so many different styles to choose from, how do you know which chandelier is right for you? Our chandelier buying guide will help you take the guesswork out of choosing the perfect light. From gorgeous chandeliers with sparkling faceted crystals to large chandeliers with a metal drum shade, you’ll find the perfect option at Meadow Blu. Read on to learn more about how you can select the right chandelier for your lighting needs and for your unique style and personality.
Chandelier Buying Guide: First Steps
Before you start shopping for a new chandelier, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind, so you make the right decision. First, think about the purpose of the light and how it will be used. This will help you determine what type of light output will be required, so you get ample brightness in a specific space. Next, consider the scale and how the chandelier will look in proportion to the room. If it’s too small, it will look off-balance and if it’s too large, the light can end up overwhelming the rest of the room. Determine the height of the chandelier and how far up or down it will hang from the ceiling, so it’s not too low or too far up. Next, consider what type of finish and style you like best. Maybe you love matte black metal, or perhaps you want something a bit more metallic and glam. Finally, keep the installation and maintenance of your new chandelier in mind. If it’s easy to install and to keep clean, you’ll enjoy it much more.
Choosing a Size
Perhaps the most important part of this chandelier buying guide is making sure that you choose the appropriate size light for the room. A single tier chandelier won’t be as large and overwhelming as a multi tier light, for example. It’s important to place your chandelier in the right size space that creates an awe-inspiring look, but that’s also in the correct proportion to the rest of the room. Start by determining the height of the light. Ideally, the bottom of the fixture should be a minimum of seven feet or more above the floor. Rooms with high ceilings will look better with larger chandeliers as opposed to smaller ones. Measure the room’s length and width and turn it into inches as your guide when choosing the light. For example, if the room is 10x12, add those two numbers together to get 22, then find a chandelier that’s approximately 22 inches wide for the best results. You can also simply take the diagonal measurement of the room and use that as your guide, too. A 24-foot diagonal room will look best with a 24-inch-wide chandelier, for example.
Go for the Glam with a Crystal Chandelier
No chandelier buying guide is complete without discussing the endless number of styles available. Let’s start with the most popular design, which is any design that will give your home a chic, glamorous look. Try a stunning chandelier with cascading crystals to give any room a bit of sparkle and shine. You’ll find crystals in various styles ranging from hand-cut and hand-polished to machine cut and faceted designs. Most crystals are clear, but many modern designs are now offering them with a hint of color, too.
Bring Bold Style with Modern Lighting Designs
If you’re in love with the mid-century modern look, there’s no shortage of stunning chandeliers to choose from. A fabulous sputnik chandelier featuring slender metal arms and glass globe shades will instantly elevate your home and give it that retro vibe you’ve been looking for. Another really unique and fun design is the spiral & pivot chandelier. These lights feature unique shapes to create a stunning display of light that shines throughout your favorite room. You’ll find sputnik and spiral & pivot chandeliers in a range of fabulous finishes and styles for a retro yet modern aesthetic.
Elevate Your Home with Large Chandeliers
For large rooms, areas with tall ceilings, or anywhere you need extra light, try a linear chandelier. This design features an elongated shape that looks stunning installed over a kitchen island or in a large foyer. A linear chandelier tends to have at least three or more lights in a straight line or row rather than several lights stacked on top of one another or in a clustered design. It’s a great choice if you’re aiming for a sleeker, simpler look without sacrificing the amount of light you need. You can also use a drum chandelier in larger spaces as long as it offers you the brightness you’re aiming for. This design features a round cover called a drum shade, and they come in everything from metal to fabric and woven styles to suit your favorite motif.
More Style Suggestions
While a classic crystal chandelier is always a beautiful choice, there are plenty of other options in this chandelier buying guide. Consider a bowl chandelier to give your home a bold, unusual look. This style gets its name from the tension you see when a bow is about to release an arrow. You can find bowl chandeliers in several sizes and styles for a visually appealing touch. A sphere chandelier looks fabulous in a foyer or hung over a dining room table. These lights feature a round or sphere-shaped frame filled in with smaller bulbs to create a sparkling illumination. If you prefer something a bit more elongated and artistic, consider a pear shape chandelier instead. Finally, a classic lantern chandelier always looks beautiful in any setting. Try something with a clear glass shade or wooden bead detailing for a rustic effect.
Don’t Forget the Finish
Aside from the shape, size, and style, you’ll also want to consider the finish and material of your chandelier. Metal and glass add a classic component to any room and will bring versatility to a living room or dining space. Bright metallic finishes of chrome, gold, and silver are perfect for bringing a pop of modern glam to any room. Muted bronze and brass are a bit softer, but they can still give visual appeal to an entryway or dining area. Wood is a gorgeous choice if you love a warm, rustic, and farmhouse aesthetic. Glass shades will keep the light brighter, while a fabric drum shade will produce a softer, muted effect. Explore the different finishes available to give you a better idea of which ones will suit your home the best.
Important Tips
If you hire an electrician to install your new light, it’s a good idea to go ahead and unpack and pre-assemble it if possible. This will save you time, money, and it will ensure that everything is put together the right way to avoid pieces and parts getting lost or broken. Never buy a chandelier that’s larger than the width of your table if you plan to install it over a dining table or kitchen island. Lights that are too wide will cause people to accidentally bump into them when they stand up. Make sure you get the weight of your chandelier before you install it. Anything over 50 pounds should be secured to the ceiling structure to keep it in place correctly. Use a tall ladder to change the bulbs in your chandelier when it’s installed on a vaulted ceiling. LED bulbs will last longer, so you won’t have to change them quite as often. Consider a mini chandelier in smaller rooms, or try a flush mount, recessed, or semi-flush mount light instead. If you’re installing the chandelier in a room with great views, pick something in a simple, clean design. This will ensure that your new light is beautiful, but that it also won’t distract you or block the main focal point in the home.
Taking Care of Your Chandelier
Once you’ve found the right size, style, and finish, you’ll want to know how to keep your beautiful new chandelier well-maintained. Certain metals may tarnish over time (like copper or iron), but that can be a good thing if you want a piece of lighting that adds true character to a room. Always read the manufacturer’s specifications regarding how to clean and care for your chandelier. Certain household cleaning products could damage the finish, and you definitely don’t want to ruin your brand-new, beautiful lighting! Whenever you clean your chandelier, make sure you shut off the power to the fixture completely before you begin to be said. Use cotton gloves when cleaning the crystals on your chandelier, and gently wipe the dust off with your hands. For wood frames and shades, use a microfiber cloth to grab and gently remove excess dust. Some wood cleaning products could hurt the finish on wood chandeliers, so always clean them carefully. Dust your chandelier at least every two to three months using a feather duster to keep it clean and looking as good as new. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove cobwebs and excess dust in between regular cleanings.