Friday, October 5, 2012

Fabulous Friday! - Chandelier Lighting

Happy Friday!

I've been wanting to do a post on chandelier lighting for awhile now. Today is the day! Lighting can make or break your room,so for Fabulous Friday...lets talk chandeliers!

It used to be that when one thought of a chandelier, you automatically thought crystal, sparkly, fancy.


These chandeliers are still extremely popular and can create shimmer, sparkle and beauty in the right room, but there are many other options. Lighting has come a very long way to include 1000s of different lighting looks. So when its time to choose the perfect chandelier for your room, the options can be daunting.

Many people think that it is the size of your table that determines the size of your chandelier. Nope. Its actually the size of your room that will call for the right size chandelier.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

- If your dining room is smaller than 10' x 10', look for lights that measure 17" to 20" diameter.

- If your room is around 12' x 12', a 26" or 27" light would be appropriate.

- If your room is in the 14'-18' range, look for light that measures 24" to 36" in diameter.

Also, many times you'll see chandeliers hanging over tables that are so far away from the table. What exactly does that light? Not your guests, or your table. This is a common mistake that many make. Go take a look at your chandeliers...likely they are hung too high, because you may be surprised how low they are supposed to be to the table.

Here is a rule of thumb:

The bottom of your chandelier should be 30" (76 cm) above the tabletop if you have 8' (2.4 m) ceilings. If your ceilings are higher than 8', raise the chandelier 3" (7.5 cm) for every extra foot (30 cm).

You want that beautiful light to make a statement in the room and light it beautifully. So let's look at some beauties....

This light works with gold or silver



These could be fab in the right space!



This simple and elegant light is a beauty. And so is its price tag...its from Overstock.com and only 102.82!! (have you every shopped through them?...its a great site. Our kitchen light is from there). If your room wasn't too big, this could be a winner.


Stunning...



Modern...


These chandeliers from Restoration Hardware would look fabulous over a farm table at a cottage/lake house. Beautiful!



Okay, how gorgeous is this Pottery Barn capiz-shell pendant? Hanging multiples above your dining room table? Perfection! The soft glow and even softer price will make a statement.


Speaking of multiples...check out these lovelies...



This is our dining room chandelier. Its from Restoration Hardware but no longer available. I love it.



Lights that are on trend right now...

West Elm Capiz chandelier



Lanterns are always on trend. This one is from Pottery Barn



Square lighting...this is from Elte



My friend Isabelle has this modern beauty from Mikaza hanging above her dining room table


This light has been featured in magazines (including the cover of Style at Home)


In the right space, a light you may not think will work...definintely can. With thousands of lights hanging in the lighting stores, it can be hard to see what would work in your space. Ask the employees to turn the lights on for you, or take them down to see what they look like when they are on their own.

Also, lighting prices can vary from inexpensive to out.of.control! Lighting is an area that I feel you should splurge on when thinking about your room's budget. Lighting can make or break your room...so...if you find a light that you love...just do it! You'll be happy in the long run.

And remember...make sure your chandelier is on a dimmer switch. No one wants to eat the yummy dinner you have prepared under harsh bright lighting. Turn it down and your light will create a fresh.fabulous.sophisticated space.

Keep it Beautiful.

3 comments:

  1. Don't forget that chandaliers aren't just for over the dining table. We have one in the powder room, and I love it.

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  2. You're right. They are fabulous in so many other places in your home. I'll definitely save another post for more lighting options :) Thanks for writing!
    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  3. Really nice chandeliers! I think they look great and add a bit of class to the room. Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete

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