Selection and size of dining chandelier

Lighting selections are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate through in a lighting store. There is more to choose from than ever before, which although wonderful for someone who is looking for something quite specific, it has made the process drastically more challenging for those who do not have a specific fixture in mind. Take the dining room chandelier for example, what colour, what style, what size are all questions that run through the mind of the uninformed.

Always start by choosing the style of the fixture. Look for a fixture that will suit the design style that you have chosen for the room and ensure that it complements any other surrounding fixtures. A consultant in a lighting showroom can be a valuable resource in helping to determine if a particular light will work within a particular style category. Many lighting stores offer the opportunity for you to purchase the light and try it out at home to see if it works well. Lights can be exchanged if it doesn’t look as good as you had thought it would. Check with your lighting store to see if they offer this option. Also, ask your lighting consultant to look in catalogues if you are not seeing anything on the floor, this will dramatically increase your options and your chances of finding something. When you find a fixture in a catalogue, make sure that you find out what the store’s policy is on special orders. Is it something that can be returned or exchanged if it doesn’t look as good in real life as it did in the picture?

To choose the correct size of chandelier in a dining room follow these guidelines:
The diameter of the chandelier should be 12 inches less than the width of the table, assuming that the table is the correct size for the room. For example, if you have a 48 inch wide table the diameter of the chandelier should be 36 inches. This formula works for all shapes of tables.
The bottom of the chandelier should be 30 inches from the top of the table, this ensures no bumped heads and good illumination. If your ceilings are nine feet high or higher, than consider installing a two-tier chandelier to fill some of the space from the top of the fixture to the ceiling.
The total wattage of all bulbs should be between 200 and 400 watts to provide sufficient light. When in doubt about the size of your room, go with higher wattage and install a dimmer switch for ultimate control.
Before beginning installation, check the ceiling electrical box to ensure that it will be able to support the new light securely. If the new light is about the same weight as the old light than there shouldn’t be any problems. However, if it is a heavier light, consult a contractor to have the box properly supported to accommodate the increased weight.

Nadine Andrews D.I.D.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
Commercial and Residential Interior Design
Kelowna BC
Ph 250864-9848Fax 250469-9411
designevolution@shaw.ca
www.designevolution.ca