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Chandeliers: Lighting Up Your Home With Style

by Wyatt Fisk

Whether you like to call it chandelier lighting or ceiling fixture, if you hang one or more of this lighting piece inside your home, you will definitely achieve a unique style for your space. A hanging light fixture over the dining table or in the foyer has always been a common element inside the homes of the rich and famous. This is because it is the most practical way to light up a room and at the same time a good way to beautify it. However, unlike before that chandeliers were only available for the opulent; you can now have your own piece no matter what house size you have.

It cannot be denied that chandelier lighting is a manifestation of opulence, elegance and a means to follow the long tradition of interior decoration. Once treated as the crowning jewel of homes, chandeliers reached the peak of their popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries when they were common fixtures in grand ballrooms across Europe and America. Although such fixtures gained their popularity centuries ago, we are now witnessing the resurgence of interest in these fixtures in a more diversified manner. Currently, these ceiling fixtures are available in a whole new range of designs and finishes; from the multi-branched Venetian glass, to the Swarovski crystal encrusted finishes, the design choices can go beyond one's imagination.

If you happen to enjoy the effects that chandelier lighting can induce, you can always buy one for your living room, dining space or kitchen. You can simply put these pieces anywhere in your home. The manufacturers and suppliers of chandeliers always come up with new designs and finishes that could complement any style preference. At the end of the day, it's always up to you what chandelier type or model to pick for your home, but if you're still having trouble about what to pick you can always refer to the simple guidelines below to help you with your chandelier hunt.

To start with, you must decide on what features you want your chandelier to have, but always take in consideration that your choice should match your home's interior decor and style. Usually traditional homes need chandeliers that are made of metals like brass and iron, but can also look good with wooden chandeliers. For modern houses, using contemporary chandeliers that are made out of glass or crystals are usually advised as these chandelier pieces can maximize ceiling space and will serve as the focal points of the rooms. Antique chandeliers on the other hand are best for Victorian homes as they induce design continuity, elegance and sophistication to these spaces.

The chandelier's size is a crucial element to achieve design continuity for the home; a chandelier that is disproportionate in the room's size can make such space appear too spacious or too crammed. Always take into consideration that large and grand chandeliers works best for big halls and foyers but can totally cram small spaces. Other than the chandelier size, also be attentive of the height of the room where the chandelier will be placed; a high ceilinged room will be accentuated well if you use a pendant chandelier or a fountain chandelier, while a smaller room with low ceiling will look spacious if you use a midsized chandelier that have bold colors in it. Beyond the size, height and proportions, it is up to the homeowner where to position his chandelier.

Setting aside the design, size, height and proportions there are still other things that you have to look at when purchasing and installing a chandelier. If you want a chandelier to sufficiently illuminate a room, select the ones with bulbs that have the total wattage of 200 to 400. It is also imperative to be cautious of loose or hanging wires which could cause fire if not attended. Generally, chandeliers offer the most unique means to add a timeless touch to any room. Whether you choose traditional chandeliers or contemporary chandeliers, it cannot be denied that these ceiling fixtures are truly the most practical means to achieve sufficient lighting and artistic design for your room.

Admit it or not, we often neglect the lighting needs of our homes because of the electrical expertise it requires. However, lighting is an important fixture for any home. If you want to maintain the design continuity of your space and at the same time provide sufficient lighting, try using chandelier lighting. Contemporary chandeliers can now be placed in any room inside the house. You can even use it in the dining room in the form of a pendant chandelier.

Published May 28th, 2010

Filed in Home