When it comes to choosing a chandelier I see people make the same mistakes over and over. Either living with a cheap, builder-grade chandelier that came with the home, or purchasing a wispy, under scaled number from a big box store, that everyone else has in their home. So this is where the “wow” goes to die, when the chandelier is not carefully chosen.
A dining room is one of the most “wow” spaces in your home, and that chandelier hanging above your table, it’s the “wow” jewelry of your space. Sure you can put on a simple necklace with that black dress, but put on a beautiful statement piece and let’s face it, the dress can be from target! The jewelry, is what takes it to the next level, taking you from amateur decorator to ‘wow factor connoisseur.’ Essentially, a chandelier is the one piece that changes everything. And isn’t the whole reason of decorating to create a space that blows you away? To knock your socks off, and those who come over? Who better to do that then Mr. Chandelier!
My chandelier in my home is a very traditional crystal piece, that on it’s own might look like it wouldn’t work in my space, but to a trained eye, it’s the statement “wow” piece. I love it, and it’s the one piece that knocks my socks off, and immediately makes people gasp when they come in my home. That’s wow factor. And that’s what your chandelier should do in your space, too. But first you need to know what to look for and what to avoid, so you choose the right chandelier for your space.
How to choose the right chandelier for your space
1) Scale
Incorrect scale, is such a drag. And is probably the number one mistake that EVERY amateur makes. Heck, even some decorators make this mistake. Never, ever put a chandelier over your table that is less than 27″ in diameter. Period.
2) Height
Don’t hang your chandelier at a height that puts it into orbit above the table. It ends up in an abyss of space that is in no way related to the dining area. The light has two functions: Decorative and Functional. Putting it too high takes away from both. Always hang the chandelier 27″-36″ above the table, period. This adds beauty to the space and allows appropriate lighting of the table – not to mention if the scale is right, WOW!
3) Naked bulbs
Some chandeliers look great with naked bulbs, but many chandeliers have really ugly candlesticks made of plastic, or worse, candlesticks with fake, plastic wax. Ugly! These tend to yellow over time and crack. If you can’t replace them, dress and bulk it up by adding shades. A quick easy fix that wouldn’t cost a lot. Shades are easy to find and come in a myriad of colors, shapes, textures and fabrics.
Don’t get me wrong, big box stores have their place. I use them all the time and can make an inexpensive item look like a million bucks – but I’m a professional and know exactly what to look for, what works and what to avoid like the plague. So if you are unsure, remember these three tips above to guarantee wow factor. Because we all deserve a little more “pretty” in our lives.
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