by Jim Samposzi
Chandeliers are often intricate lighting fixtures which are suspended from the ceiling and have two or more arms that hold candles or lights. Chandeliers can range from giant, intricate lighting features made of metal and glass to simple wooden lights. Whichever you choose, in the right place a chandelier can really add to a room.
The word chandelier can evoke images of fancy ballrooms and stately homes. In truth, chandeliers don’t have to be massively expensive and can work equally well in more simple settings. They can also range a lot in price. You can fork out thousands of dollars on an exquisite antique chandelier, or you could get something basic, yet attractive, for around two hundred dollars.
Chandeliers are particularly good for providing overall illumination for a room, or for providing ambient light. They work very well in, but are not limited to, entrance hallways, dining rooms, sitting rooms and kitchens.
Chandeliers can be made in a number of styles and from many different substances. Nickel, crystal and wrought iron are popular options, or maybe the chandelier could be painted to match the color of the room. There are infinite styles of chandeliers and the right choice for you will depend on what you like, in addition to the furniture and decor of the setting. When you are shopping for a chandelier you will discover many styles, including Neoclassical, Victorian and Art Deco, to name a few, so you won’t be lacking in options.
The width of the chandelier you choose is also very important. It should reflect the size of the room where it will be fitted. Chandeliers which are too big or too narrow can look out of place and spoil the effect.
An effective formula is to add the dimensions of the room in feet, and allow one inch in diameter for every foot measured. So, if your room is 20 feet, your chandelier should have approximately a twenty-inch diameter. In addition, keep head clearance in mind when buying a chandelier, there should be no possibility of guests bashing their heads.
Unlike certain lighting fixtures, chandeliers can be heavy, often extremely heavy. This can make them difficult to fit, and you will have to ensure that your ceiling is strong enough to hold the weight of the chandelier. It may be a good idea to have an lighting specialist look after the job for you.
How much you pay for your chandelier will depend on what you require. As mentioned earlier, they come in all varieties so you should find something to suit any budget. For example, a medium-sized wrought iron chandelier could cost about five hundred dollars, while a large crystal chandelier could set you back well over five thousand dollars.
Jim is a publicist with more than 20 years editorial experience. Jim is presently engaged as a national correspondent for many well-known b2b portals and has become the resident expert on decorative lighting. Take the time to visit our very useful website for more information on Chandelier and Gold Chandeliers.
