Chandelier Shopping Tips

There are a multitude of different types of chandeliers around, and they're both practical and elegant for a number of settings.  You can set them up inside, outside, over your patio, over your pool table, and even in your bathroom.  Chandeliers aren't just for foyers and ball rooms anymore.  They don't have to be tacky either, as that is a stereotype they often get stuck with. You'd actually be pretty surprised as to all the different kinds of lighting that get classified as chandeliers.

Given the age of blended designing and decor, you often find various styles and motifs blended together.  Old and new, pastel and gray, soft and harsh all make for interesting decorating.  Your lighting can reflect those eclectic approaches, and chandeliers can be a very interesting place to start.  Let's take a look at just a few of the different types of chandeliers you can incorporate into your living spaces.

Surprising as it may seem, you can achieve a number of different lighting effects with chandeliers. Sure, we all think of chandeliers as being a somewhat muted and flickering type of lighting, but that's a bit more traditional approach. Your chandelier doesn't have to cast light in quite that same way. The single biggest factor determining the type of light your chandelier casts, is the number of and size of bulbs the chandelier has. It's an important consideration, and one that needs to be considered up front. Don't just pick a chandelier based on the way it looks in an already brightly lit showroom. If you get a chance, try to demo the chandelier when it is the only light in the room. Other factors that come into play, are the size of your existing room, and any other lights that are already be used in the room. A dimmer switch is also a great idea for a chandelier, especially if it is to be used in a dining area. Since a chandelier can be extremely bright, it's good if you can dim it down a bit when the need arises.

Crystal chandeliers, are amongst the most beautiful of lighting fixtures in the chandelier family of lights.  They are normally thought of as appropriate for a more formal decor, but can also tint a more casual environment with a touch of the eclectic.  There are of course a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes to consider, so finding one for your budget should not be difficult.  An important consideration to keep in mind, is the size of the room the chandelier will be used in.  You don't necessarily want the chandelier to overwhelm the room.  On the other hand, by picking an appropriately sized chandelier, you can create a stunning visual focal point, and enhance the room with a practical and efficient lighting effect.  This accomplishes both form and function.  One rule of thumb to consider, in picking the chandelier is to allow for at least seven feet of clearance if people are to walk underneath, and about two feet of clearance it is meant to illuminate a dining room table, or pool table.

Now, here's a look not everyone is brave enough to go for.  Black chandeliers are certainly not the norm, but they can be both elegant and stunning when used in the right setting.  They definitely set a tone of more formal, and a little serious, but not too much.  You don't have to let the chandelier dominate the room, unless your into goth, and that's the look your going for.  Otherwise, it's a piece you can play the other objects in the room off of.  You can of course mute, or tone down a black chandeliers look with shades.  Tiny shines for each bulb can be of a contrasting color that picks up on the other design colors in the room, focusing the attention away from the lighting and to other interesting visual objects.

Candle chandeliers have to be amongst my favorite for any room.  Sure, they can be a little rustic, but they can also be elegant and romantic at the same time.  These are the originals, of all the chandelier styles available.  Electric chandeliers, just seem a little like impostures to me.  Especially when they have those flickering electric lights.  Why not go with the original flickering lights, the candle.  Nothing sets the atmosphere better, then a candle chandelier.  Their warm, romantic, and intoxicating in their effect.  You will want to of course be sure to get drip-less candles to go in the chandelier, but that kind of goes without saying.  Nothing ruins a good bruschetta, like having dripped wax splattered all over it. Another suggestion, would be to have alternate lighting in whatever room your candle chandelier is in.  Just on the off chance, that candles aren't appropriate, or your candle supply has run a little low.