How to choose the right chandelier

Which room are you choosing the chandelier for? Take into account the purpose and colour of the walls

A chandelier is not just a source of light – if chosen properly, it will add style to the entire interior. So, in addition to functionality, you should also emphasize the design and aesthetic impression. Choice of lighting will vary depending on which room you intend to hang your chandelier in.

The ideal lighting for a living room will have a power of 20 W/m2 , above a kitchen worktop 30 W/m 2, in the rest of the kitchen 15–20 W/m2 , while in the bedroom or hallways you can manage with 10–15 W/m2. The sum of all light sources in a room is taken into account. Also the colour of the walls or furniture plays an important role. Darker colours absorb more light, so it is necessary to choose lighting with higher intensity.

The bigger the room, the bigger the chandelier

A very important parameter is the size of the room – with a larger area, the size of the lighting fixture or their number should grow. A massive chandelier in a small room will makes the room seem smaller and you will feel cramped, while a too modest chandelier in a larger room will look lost and disproportionate. One central chandelier can also be complemented by wall or floor lamps.

When choosing the right size of chandelier for a specific room, the following calculation will give you a reasonable indication. Add together the width and length of the room in metres. Calculate roughly 80 percent of this value, and multiply it by 10. The result is the approximate diameter of the chandelier in centimeters that you should choose. For example, if your living room is 4 metres long and 6 metres wide, then the sum of these values is 10. Eighty percent of this value is 8 and multiplied by 10 gives you 80. So the approximate diameter of the chandelier should be around 80 centimetres. If you are choosing between two sizes, it is recommended to choose the larger one.

Select the length of the suspension chain according to the height of the ceiling

The height of the ceiling will also significantly affect your choice. If you have a high ceiling, a high-hanging chandelier will look optically smaller. It is therefore better to buy a longer suspension chain and place the chandelier lower in the space. In rooms with a lower ceiling, on the other hand, keep in mind that you must be able to walk under the chandelier. This you can ensure by using short suspension chains.

What is the optimal height to hang a chandelier? The chandelier should hang at a height of at least 190 to 220 centimetres – simply to avoid tall people bumping into it. Another rule is that the chandelier should hang at least 40 to 55 cm below the plane of the ceiling. In rooms with a higher ceiling (approx. over 260 cm), add 5 cm to this figure for every additional 10 cm of height. If you are choosing a chandelier for the dining room, then you should place it at least 80 centimetres above the dining table so as not to get in the way and dazzle unnecessarily. The general rule is that the best place for a chandelier is in the middle of the room. However, this is not always universally true – for example, in the dining room it is better to place a chandelier over the table.

Light bulbs? LED bulbs are also suitable for crystal chandeliers

Chandeliers differ in the number of arms, and the number of bulbs relates to this. For small rooms, six- to eight-armed chandeliers are recommended. They can be fitted perfectly with 40 W bulbs, which brighten the fixture more. Combined with crystal, such lighting will perfectly illuminate the entire room. For multi-arm chandeliers in larger rooms, it is advisable to use 25W bulbs and support the central chandelier with other smaller fixtures.

You can also use LED bulbs in a crystal chandelier. They can be purchased in a design that mimics the classic candle. There is no need to worry about whether or not LEDs are suitable for a traditional lighting fixture. LED bulbs produce intense light – they beautifully brighten the crystal drops that strike up a symphony of light. 4 W LED bulbs are used as standard in chandeliers.

The combination of a chandelier and other lighting fixtures is ideal

No matter which chandelier you choose, you will probably end up combining different light sources. One ceiling light in the middle of the room is no longer enough for today's needs. You will achieve a better result when combining a central fixture with other types of chandeliers and lamps.

Choose from smaller wall or floor fixtures that can be placed in different parts of the room. It is essential that the lighting does not disturb in any way, creates a pleasant atmosphere, and matches the style of the room. Thanks to smaller fixtures or lighting regulators, you can create a functional space in every corner of the room – the part with brighter light is intended for work, while darker corners are great for relaxation.