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| Merriam Webster defines chandeliers as a branched, often ornate, lighting fixture suspended from a ceiling. | ||
 The word chandelier is from the old French meaning “candle holder”.
Obviously a lot has changed since then. While the basic form has stayed the same, the advent
of electricity has allowed for more creativity in both design and placement.
Chandeliers
are generally a great source of
general illumination
and with the use of a dimmer switch (please look for the special controls needed for
non-incandescent bulbs) can create just the mood and atmosphere you are looking for. Whether
it be a gentle cascade of light over a romantic dinner party or a bright and lively family dinner.
In fact, many chandeliers are also designed with a down light so they also work great as
task lighting
for activities such as doing homework or paying bills at the table. |
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| Chandeliers are available in a wide variety of styles, from simple modern chandeliers to more ornate traditional chandeliers . Kichler also has more unique styles available such as Arts and Craft , Lodge and Country , Mediterranean and even Tiffany style and Art Glass chandeliers. Today’s chandeliers have moved beyond the functional need of simply providing illumination and have become a beautiful focal point day or night. | ||
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| Historically, chandeliers have usually been found in the dining room. New designs such as mini-chandeliers and forward thinking design trends have moved the chandelier out of the dining room and into the rest of the house. These days you can find chandeliers and mini-chandeliers in the foyer , kitchens , bedrooms and even in the vanity or bathroom . Of course, today’s large great rooms are often highlighted with a beautiful chandelier. Not content to stay indoors, Kichler also has numerous outdoor chandeliers available as well. These chandeliers are perfect for the new outdoor living spaces designers are using to expand our homes. | ||
| The following questions and answers about chandeliers as well as other important lighting questions can be found in our guide, “ Selecting Lighting For Your Home .” | ||
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Q – How do I determine the proper chandelier width for a foyer?
Example: The area is 12 feet by 16 feet. Added together this equals 28 feet. Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28” in width. |
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Q – What about the height of the chandelier?
If there is a window above the front doors, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside. If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces in the foyer. Install them against the wall approximately 60” from the floor, 6 – 8 feet apart. |
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Q – How do I determine the proper size chandelier for over a dining room table?
A – Here, as in the foyer, the dimensions of the room dictate the width (diameter) of the chandelier. If that doesn’t appear to fit because of the size of your table, use ½ the table width for the chandelier’s diameter. The bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop. |
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Q – When should I use a dimmer switch?
A – Although dimmers can be used in every room, we put this question here, because the dining room will be the location of many varying activities. Intimate dinner party? Dim the lights. Children working at the table on their homework? Bring up the wattage! |
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Q – Will a chandelier be enough light?
A – Here again, you should make sure the chandelier has enough wattage (Multiply the length times the width of the room. Then, multiply that number times 1.5. That gives you the amount of wattage you need to light the room properly for general illumination. Example: A room is 12 ft. x 16 ft. (12 x 16 = 192). Then multiply 192 x 1.5 = 288 watts. That means an 8-light chandelier using 40-watt bulbs would give 320 watts, which is even more light than needed.). If you’re not comfortable with the amount of light, you can add sconces, portable lamps or recessed lights to add more light and ambience. |
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