Chandeliers

A dining room may need multiple levels of light, depending on the mood desired and the room's layout. The correct position for the chandelier is directly over the table so that it can illuminate every face, meal and object both on and around the table. Chandeliers with exposed bulbs can offer lots of light but can cause glare—consider installing on its own dimmer switch for control. For a more inviting and intimate tone, choose lower Kelvin temperature bulbs that have a warmer color. Keep in mind the amount of lumens the chandelier gives off will shape the mood of the room.

A dining room chandelier should hang approximately 30 inches above the dining table surface. At this height, people seated around the table can see each other and won't get glare in their eyes. For ceilings 9 feet or taller, add about 3 inches to the hanging height for each additional foot of ceiling height.

The style of the chandelier is determined by the space it will occupy, but ultimately by your personal taste. If a particular color or finish is prominent in the room, the chandelier can coordinate or contrast with those tones and finishes for various effects. The shape of the dining room table can also inform the shape of the chandelier. A symmetrical, cohesive look can be achieved with a round chandelier over a round table, and a square or rectangular table is most evenly lit with a chandelier that matches the table's shape. But a round or oblong chandelier can also be a nice contrast over a long dinner table. The size of the chandelier is also an important consideration—look for a chandelier to be 1/2 to 1/3 the width of the table.

Most chandeliers are meant to hang about 7 feet from the floor. This can be adjusted as needed, though, and depends on the surrounding space, ceiling height and the size of the bed. To create a cozier and more intimate feel, hang the chandelier closer to the bed and use warmer lighting.

As a rule of thumb, the size of the bedroom chandelier should be the added width and length of the room, but in inches. For instance, if the bedroom is 12 feet by 14 feet, the chandelier should be 26 inches in diameter.

Modern chandeliers are one of the most popular styles, focusing on functionality and forms that are aesthetically pleasing. Contemporary chandeliers often have innovative and cutting-edge designs.

Crystal chandeliers are another popular style, particularly because of how intricate and elegant they can be. These chandeliers stand out in the room, as they can have hundreds of crystal facets, multiple tiers and a range of bulbs present.