There’s a lot that goes into designing any kind of living space, regardless of the budget, or lack thereof.  There’re color schemes, furniture type and arrangement, as well as half a dozen other considerations such as whether to use carpet, wood, or tile?  Should the walls be painted, papered, or upholstered?  Of course, once all of these various decisions have finally been made, there is still one more important consideration.  Whether by chandelier or wall sconce, just how are you going to light it all?

            Lighting is an important consideration for any room.  How much light do you want?  How do you want it to shine?  What sort of fixtures do you want to have?  Floor lamps aren’t just for apartments, but they do clutter up a room.  Ceiling fixtures free up space, but what do they add to the room?  The last thing you want is the effect of all your hard work and design to be ruined by a ho-hum fixture, poor lighting, or to have to put in a great deal of extra work for nothing.  But looking at it from the other perspective, sometimes all you really need to do is change your lights to add that little something to your living space.  Whether it’s just a touch of class, or something unique that you want to add, there’s one option that’s often overlooked by people who think it’s out of their budget.  A chandelier.

            chandeliers aren’t just for those who know how to properly pronounce the word foyer, or for those who have cathedral ceilings and host lavish affairs.  Though that impression has lasted in the minds of some people, chandeliers are making a comeback.  One example of this is pendant lighting.  A simple light, or a series of lights, each hung on their own cord and usually with a shade and made from glass, fabric, or crystal.  This choice of light is quite popular for dining rooms, usually being hung over the table, or in entertainment rooms.  Depending on the amount of light that’s needed, several lights may be hung, or bulbs could be added for additional brightness as needed.

            For those who want something a little more period however, there are a variety of other options.  One of the most famous and popular these days is using wrought iron in chandeliers.  Wrought iron is best known for contemporary and Victorian lighting styles, and it can bring that feeling of sophistication and history to a room.  For those who would like something a little bit more new world however, modern designers have been putting quite a spin on the material and design of wrought iron chandeliers.  This particular design and material though is much heavier than pendant lighting, and as such is used in larger rooms.  Entrance halls with high ceilings are always good choices, as are dining rooms, and any place that a decently sized gathering would be hosted.

            There is a third style though which has remained popular and functional throughout decades of interior design.  Crystal chandeliers, the most expensive of the three designs discussed so far, are what people traditionally think of when they hear the word Chandelier.  Used for more than two centuries now in places such as manors, opera houses, and palaces, crystal chandeliers have absorbed some of the class and sophistication that they’ve been associated with for so long.  Although still available in large sizes for those who require them, crystal chandeliers can be ordered in a variety of sizes and styles.  While they are most traditionally used in gathering rooms such as dining rooms and large foyers, a crystal chandelier will also add a touch of finesse and sophistication to any room that it’s put in.

            While considering the various styles, sizes, and materials, there are a few other facts about chandeliers that potential designers should consider.  For one thing, crystal chandeliers should be hung 32 to 40 inches over any tables, so careful measurements should be taken before purchase and installation.  Other options, aside from the aesthetic concerns of the homeowner, are lighting dimmers, which can usually be installed.  One may wish low lighting for a smaller, more intimate dinner, but if there’s a party being hosted, then the light could be raised significantly.  As always though, the most important concern can only be measured by the homeowner.  Lighting is important, but you’ll want to be careful that your chandelier choice, much like your choice of furniture, carpet, paint, and general décor, fits with the image that you had in mind.

Tags: crystal chandeliers | chandeliers | chandelier | chandelier

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