Chandeliers are a great way to add drama and style to any room. Whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary, there are plenty of options out there to suit all types of homes. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know which chandelier is the best fit for your living room.
The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a new chandelier is its size. A chandelier that’s too large will take up too much space, while a too-small one can make the room look smaller than it is. Luckily, there’s a simple equation that will help you determine the perfect fit: simply take the width of the room (in feet) plus the length of the room (in feet) and multiply those numbers to get the diameter in inches.
Next, decide if you want your chandelier to stand out or blend in with the rest of the room’s decor. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, then keep your eyes peeled for chandeliers that are clean, sleek, and feature simple lines and materials.
If you’re looking for a little more flair, a chandelier that features intricate detailing can be the perfect finishing touch. For example, the Torsa (opens in new tab) chandelier from Cameron Design House has light panels that are backed with reflective copper. This creates a reflective surface that helps the light from the central bulbs to travel around the room.
Another way to enhance the overall look of your living room is to incorporate subtle motifs or themes into your lighting. For instance, this room in Pimlico, London features a stone theme through the fireplace, rug, and chandelier.
It’s also important to keep your lights arranged in such a way that they complement each other. This is a particularly effective approach when there are a lot of different lighting fixtures in the room, as shown in this photo: The chandelier, wall sconces, and table lamps all display different metallic finishes, but they’re all close to each other in color and convey a similar tone, which gives them a unified aesthetic.
When choosing a chandelier for your home, it’s always a good idea to speak with an interior designer. They will have a wealth of experience in creating a variety of living room lighting schemes and can give you the tools you need to find the perfect fixture for your home.
In some cases, it may be possible to have your new chandelier custom-sized or adapted to fit your room. This can be especially helpful if you have an unusually-shaped ceiling or are looking for something that will fit in with a specific architectural theme.
You can also work with a trained lighting professional at independent lighting showrooms, which are a great resource for finding the perfect fixture for your home. These professionals can take your measurements and provide you with an estimate of the cost of a customized chandelier.
It’s also important to consider the activities that happen in the room when choosing a chandelier. If you have a lively room with children, then you’ll need to ensure the chandelier doesn’t block their view or cause them to bump into it too often.