How to choose a chandelier

Chandeliers are more than just a way to illuminate a room. They add style and become part of the home decor. Like any decorative piece, the right chandelier can make a big difference in the look and feel of a room.

A large or ornate chandelier will overwhelm a small living space, and a small, simple one will not look right in a formal dining room. Here's how to choose the best lighting for your home.

Determine the correct diameter

Measure the length and width of the room in feet, and add those two numbers together. For example, if your room is 8 feet wide by 12 feet long, the sum is 20 feet. Change that number to inches and you will get a number that works for the diameter of your chandelier.

In this case, a chandelier with a diameter of 20 inches would work well in an 8-foot by 12-foot room. For a dining room, the chandelier should have a diameter around 12 inches less than the table is wide. It's always better to have a chandelier that is slightly too big than too small.

Decide where to hang your chandelier

The location will affect the style of home lighting you choose. While most people think of chandeliers in dining rooms or a foyer, there are many other places you can hang a chandelier.

Hang one with a dimmer switch over your bed in a master bedroom and turn it down to candlelight level for a romantic feel. Install a mini chandelier over a claw-foot tub in your bathroom for a touch of glamour. Consider installing mini chandeliers over a large kitchen island instead of standard pendant lights for a chic look.

Pick a style that matches the room

The chandelier should complement, not detract from, the theme of the room. A chandelier in a little girl's room, for example, could have colorful crystals dangling from it.

A chandelier in a rustic dining room might be made with twigs or faux antlers. For a shabby chic room, try a chandelier with a distressed black or white finish and antique glass sconce shades. A recent trend in chandeliers is drums shades combined with crystals. A black drum chandelier with a cluster of dangling glass, for example, looks incredible in a modern dining room.

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