The Ultimate Chandelier
Buying Guide
Choosing a chandelier is an exciting process that combines style, size, and functionality to create a true centrepiece in your home. From classic Georgian elegance to modern crystal designs, each style brings its own charm and ambiance to a space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of selecting the perfect chandelier, explore various styles, and help you consider everything from sizing to placement.
At Lights4Living, we understand that finding the right chandelier isn’t always simple—especially with so many beautiful options. We’re here to make it easier. So, whether you’re designing a grand hotel lobby or a cosy dining area, let’s dive in and discover the chandelier that’s just right for you.
Understanding Different Styles of Chandeliers
Selecting a chandelier style that complements your home’s interior can significantly enhance the look and feel of a room. Here’s an overview of popular chandelier styles, along with guidance on the types of spaces where each shines best:
Traditional Chandeliers
Traditional chandeliers are often characterised by their intricate detailing, crystal or glass accents, and luxurious designs, typically featuring multiple arms for a grand, cascading effect. These chandeliers exude elegance and timeless charm, making them an eye-catching centrepiece.
Best suited for: Rooms with classic or vintage decor. They work wonderfully in formal dining rooms, grand foyers, and living rooms with high ceilings. Homes with ornate architectural details or vintage-inspired furniture will beautifully complement the luxurious feel of a traditional chandelier, adding sophistication and drama to the space.
Modern Chandeliers
Modern chandeliers focus on minimalism, clean lines, and geometric shapes, often featuring metal, glass, or LED elements. These designs are sleek and understated, with contemporary aesthetics that enhance simplicity and sophistication without overwhelming the room.
Best suited for: Contemporary homes, especially those with open-plan layouts or minimalist decor. They are well-suited for entryways, dining rooms, and kitchens, where the sleek design can stand out without cluttering the space.
Georgian Chandeliers
Georgian chandeliers are inspired by the refined and elegant designs of the 18th century, particularly from the Georgian period. These chandeliers often feature intricate craftsmanship, with classic motifs, symmetrical detailing, and often a balanced arrangement of candle-style lights. Many Georgian chandeliers are adorned with crystal droplets, creating a luxurious, sparkling effect that enhances the ambient light.
Best suited for: Grand homes or spaces with a traditional or historical aesthetic. They add a stately elegance to formal dining rooms, foyers, or living rooms with high ceilings. Homes with period details, such as crown moulding, panelling, or antique furnishings, will pair beautifully with Georgian chandeliers, accentuating the space's timeless appeal. For more contemporary interiors, a Georgian chandelier can serve as a striking contrast, adding a touch of classic glamour to modern decor.
Industrial Chandeliers
Industrial chandeliers are inspired by urban loft and warehouse styles, often featuring exposed bulbs, metal pipes, and minimal finishes. They embrace raw materials and a rugged aesthetic, with designs that range from vintage-inspired to sleek and edgy.
Best suited for: Lofts, urban apartments, and open-plan spaces that embrace a raw, unfinished look. They pair well with brick walls, concrete floors, and metal accents, making them ideal for dining areas, kitchens, or living rooms with an urban or modern edge.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Room
Selecting the right size chandelier is crucial for achieving balance and harmony in your space. Too large, and it can overwhelm the room; too small, and it may not make the desired impact. Here’s a guide to help you determine the ideal chandelier size for different types of rooms:
General Room Sizing Guidelines
As a general rule, a chandelier’s diameter (in inches) should roughly match the sum of the room’s length and width (in feet).
For example, if a room is 12 feet by 14 feet, adding these gives you 26 feet, suggesting a chandelier with a diameter of approximately 26 inches. This simple formula provides a balanced look that fills the space proportionately without overpowering it.
For Dining Rooms
When hanging a chandelier over a dining table, aim for a fixture that’s about two-thirds the width of the table. This provides a balanced look that highlights the table as the focal point without overwhelming it.
The chandelier should hang between 30 to 36 inches above the tabletop for an 8-foot ceiling. If your ceiling is taller, add an additional 3 inches for each foot of ceiling height. For instance, with a 9-foot ceiling, the chandelier should hang 33 to 39 inches above the table.
This height ensures the chandelier provides focused lighting over the dining area without obstructing views across the table or making the space feel cramped.
For rectangular or oval tables, choose an oblong or linear chandelier for a cohesive look. For round tables, a circular chandelier or cluster-style pendant lighting is more complementary.
For Living Rooms
In living rooms, consider the overall room layout and ceiling height. The general formula (adding room dimensions) still applies, but you’ll want to consider the placement in relation to seating areas or coffee tables. For large living rooms with distinct seating areas, you could opt for multiple smaller chandeliers or a larger statement piece above a central coffee table.
In rooms with low ceilings, choose a flush-mount or semi-flush chandelier to avoid obstruction. A lower profile design maintains elegance without interfering with foot traffic.
Rooms with high or vaulted ceilings can handle a larger, more elaborate chandelier, often with multi-tiers or cascading designs for added drama. Make sure to allow about 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the chandelier.
For Bedrooms
Bedrooms benefit from softer, more ambient lighting, so choose a chandelier that enhances the room without overpowering it. If placing the chandelier in the centre, stick to the diameter sizing rule but aim for a slightly smaller piece to avoid dominating the cosy atmosphere.
If hanging a chandelier over the bed, a smaller, lower-hanging chandelier creates a cosy focal point. Ensure it’s positioned high enough to avoid accidental contact, especially if the bed is frequently used for reading or lounging.
For larger bedrooms, consider using two or three smaller chandeliers in different areas, such as over bedside tables or in a sitting/ dressing table area. This approach adds depth and visual interest without relying on a single oversized fixture.
Hallways
For grand hallways, a large chandelier can create a stunning first impression. Make sure that the fixture is scaled to the size of the hallway, especially if you have double-height ceilings. When sizing for foyers, the chandelier should fill approximately one-third of the ceiling height, especially if the fixture will be visible from multiple angles (such as through windows).
The bottom of the chandelier should hang about 7 feet above the floor in a two-story foyer. For lower ceilings, opt for a flush-mount chandelier or a more compact design to avoid crowding the space.
Featured Brands
Choosing a chandelier is as much about finding the right brand as it is about selecting the right style. Here are some of the key brands we offer, each with their own distinctive approach to design, quality, and craftsmanship.
Diyas Lighting
Diyas Lighting is renowned for its exquisite crystal designs, blending traditional elegance with modern twists. With over 100 collections, including grand chandeliers and versatile non-electric shades, they are recognized as leading crystal specialists on an international scale.
Known for high-quality craftsmanship, many Diyas products feature Asfour Egyptian crystal, showcasing stunning artistry from designers like Jose Ignacio Ballester Martinez and Santiago Sevillano Sebastia. Diyas also offers bespoke solutions, allowing customers to tailor designs to their specific needs.
Implex Lighting
Implex Lighting brings over 70 years of experience as a market leader in decorative lighting, specialising in stunning crystal designs. Based in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, they are known for their exquisite custom-made chandeliers, available in a variety of styles, including flush chandeliers and elegant crystal options.
Implex offers an impressive range of chandeliers, accommodating designs with one light up to 25 lights, and features finishes in chrome, gold, brass, and nickel. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship ensures that each piece meets high standards of elegance and functionality.
Franklite Lighting
Founded in 1973, Franklite is an award-winning innovator in high-quality decorative lighting. They are dedicated to blending performance with aesthetics, providing exceptional luminaires for palaces, hotels, and private residences. Their chandelier range features designs from 3-light to 32-light options in various finishes, including chrome, silver, brass, and bronze, catering to both modern and traditional tastes.
Chandelier Installation and Maintenance
Once you’ve chosen the perfect chandelier, proper installation and upkeep will keep it looking beautiful and ensure it lasts for years. Here are some tips for safely installing your chandelier and keeping it in top condition.
Installation Tips
Professional Installation: For most chandeliers, especially large or heavy ones, professional installation is recommended. A professional can handle electrical wiring safely and ensure the chandelier is securely anchored to the ceiling.
Choose the Right Support: Chandeliers can be heavy, so make sure the electrical box and mounting hardware can support its weight. In many cases, standard ceiling fixtures may need reinforcement to hold larger chandeliers safely.
Positioning: Centre the chandelier over the table or focal point, keeping in mind both height and width guidelines for each type of room. For taller ceilings, consider adjustable chains or rods, which allow you to customise the chandelier’s height as needed.
Safety Considerations
Turn Off Power: Always ensure that the power is switched off at the circuit breaker before handling electrical fixtures.
Use the Correct Bulbs: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for bulb type and wattage. Using bulbs with a higher wattage than specified can cause overheating and damage to the fixture.
Secure the Fixture: Ensure all components are securely tightened, especially in multi-tiered or crystal chandeliers, to prevent parts from coming loose over time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Dusting: Regular dusting prevents dirt buildup and keeps your chandelier looking its best. Use a microfiber cloth or duster to gently remove dust without disturbing delicate elements.
Deep Cleaning: For intricate chandeliers, like crystal or multi-arm designs, periodic deep cleaning is recommended. Turn off the power and use a soft cloth dampened with a mild solution to clean each piece individually. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which may damage finishes or delicate materials.
Bulb Replacement: If the chandelier is installed in a high or difficult-to-reach area, consider using long-lasting LED bulbs to reduce the need for frequent replacements. Always check that the bulbs are compatible with the chandelier and handle them with care during replacement.
Browse Our Collection of Beautiful Chandeliers
Choosing the perfect chandelier is all about finding the right balance of style, size, and functionality. At Lights4Living, we bring over 35 years of lighting expertise to help you make the ideal selection for your space. With a curated selection of high-quality, affordable lighting and a team trained to provide personalised advice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking for a grand statement piece or a subtle addition, explore our range online—or reach out to our knowledgeable team for any assistance. Let us light up your home with quality and care.
