Improve Your Home's Ambiance By Putting In A Chandelier

By Jim Samposzi

Chandeliers are attractive lighting fixtures that are hung from the ceiling and are made up of two or more extensions that hold candles or light bulbs. Chandeliers can vary from big, intricate lighting fixtures made of metal and glass to simple wooden options. Whichever you prefer, in the right setting a chandelier can genuinely add to a room.

When people mention chandeliers they can evoke images of fancy ballrooms and stately mansions. In truth, chandeliers don't have to be prohibitively expensive and can work equally well in simple settings. Chandeliers can also vary dramatically in cost. You can fork out thousands of dollars on an exquisite antique chandelier, or you could in invest in something simple, yet attractive, for around $200.

Chandeliers are very good for providing overall light for a room, or for giving out ambient light. They work very well in, but are not limited to, hallways, dining rooms, sitting rooms and kitchens.

Chandeliers are made in a variety of styles and from many different substances. Nickel, crystal and wrought iron are popular choices, or maybe the chandelier could be painted to blend with the color of the room. There are endless styles of chandeliers and the best one for you will depend on what you like, and the furniture and decor of the setting. When you search for a chandelier you will discover a myriad of styles, including Neoclassical, Colonial and Art Deco, to name a few, so you won't be lacking in options.

The width of the chandelier you select is also very important. It should reflect the size of the room where it will be fitted. Chandeliers that are too large or too little can look out of place and spoil the effect.

A handy rule of thumb is to add the dimensions of the room in feet, and leave an inch in diameter for every foot measured. So, if your room comes 20 feet, your chandelier should have around a 20-inch diameter. In addition, keep head clearance in mind when purchasing a chandelier, there should be no risk of people bashing their heads.

Unlike some lighting fixtures, chandeliers can be heavy, sometimes extremely heavy. This can mean they are difficult to fit, and you will have to ensure that your ceiling is strong enough to support the weight of the chandelier. It might be a good idea to have an electrician look after the installation for you.

How much you pay for your chandelier will depend on what you are after. As mentioned earlier, they are made in all shapes on sizes so you should find a chandelier to match any budget. For instance, a medium-sized wrought iron chandelier may cost around five hundred dollars, while a large crystal chandelier could fetch well over five thousand dollars.

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