There are certain realities every homeowner is aware of. A chandelier cannot be too large or too small for a room. A foyer demands a smaller chandelier, also known as mini chandelier. A spacious living room or dining hall would demand a larger chandelier. Staircases or lobbies can have large or small chandeliers depending on the square footage. The other element that is pretty obvious is the price. No homeowner would want to break the bank or cause a dent in their wallet while buying a chandelier. Being reasonable, dictated by affordability, is always a healthy practice. However, think of a chandelier as a long term investment, not something you would buy every other year.
There are many things to consider when buying a chandelier beyond the most obvious elements. Here are some of the most important factors.
- Focus on the exact purpose of the chandelier. Sure, there is a decorative element and an aesthetic desire but the primary function is luminosity. You need to light up a space. Hence, you need to know how much light you would need for the given space. This will have a bearing on the size of the chandelier, the type of bulbs and the wattage and also if you need other complementing lights. The style and cost will also depend on this requisite.
- You should assess if the height of the chandelier will be suitable for the space you want to install it in. The ceiling height will be one of the most important and unavoidable determiners. Tall ceilings should not have mini chandeliers as there would be a lot of negative space. Rooms with low ceilings should not have generously hanging or dangling chandeliers as one is at risk of a head bump.
- You can have incandescent bulbs or incandescent halogen light bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps or light emitting diodes. Energy efficiency is obviously the paramount factor but you must also weigh in how bright or dim the lights would be. Cost will also influence your decision. The amount of light a chandelier emits will also be influenced by its style and especially the material used. Crystal chandeliers have their own charm, Tiffany or art glass has its fans, rustic and modern styles have their own aesthetics, so does Victorian, traditional and transitional.
- Do not buy a chandelier that is difficult to clean or complicated to maintain. Look for simpler designs that can be easily dealt with. You cannot have a pro come in every time you need to clean the centerpiece. Consult the salespeople at the time of shopping for chandeliers. Check the intricacies of the design, how delicate the various elements are and what exact cleaning methods are being recommended for chosen styles.
- Finally, you must ensure feasibility. Can you install a chandelier at the place you have chosen, do you need to move any furniture or uninstall certain fixtures to make space, would you need supportive installations, whether they are concealed wiring or more lights, and if you can install it on your own or should you hire an electrician? If DIY is more your style, you should definitely follow these steps to install a crystal chandelier like a pro so your chandelier installation doesn’t end in disaster!
