Traditional chandeliers look great in period homes.
Chandeliers have been used as lighting since the 12th century. Originally using real candles, they have been developed over the centuries to use first gas, and now electricity to provide lighting. Contemporary chandeliers are now used mainly for decoration, with lighting a secondary concern. Available in all shapes and sizes, there's sure to be a perfect style to fit with every interior style and every interior space. In addition to traditional crystal chandeliers, simple modern versions are also available, ranging from sculptural paper versions to tiny colorful, glass versions.
Different Styles and Materials
Although crystal or glass chandeliers are the most common, chandeliers are available in many different styles. Mission chandeliers are simple and straight-edged. They're often made with colored glass and create a warm glow, whereas wrought iron chandeliers have a heavier, more traditional feel. Chandeliers made of antlers are popular in a rustic environment.
Positioning
A large chandelier with multiple tiers needs space around it to be viewed at its best. A double height hallway or foyer makes the perfect position for a large chandelier. In a foyer be sure to leave 7 feet of space underneath the lowest part of the chandelier. A small chandelier can be hung in a smaller space, such as a bathroom or closet, to great effect. When hanging a chandelier over a table, center it to the middle of the table, not the middle of the room.
Lights
Use a chandelier with many lights in a large space, like a hallway. If you're using a chandelier with many lights in a smaller space, install a dimmer to regulate the light output and use a lower wattage of light bulb to ensure an atmospheric effect. A chandelier is for mood lighting, not task lighting, and shouldn't be overwhelming.
Matching a Chandelier to an Interior Theme
Ornate chandeliers, with many crystal drops suit a feminine space, such as a dressing room or bathroom. Simple chandeliers, with geometric shades and minimal decoration, look great in a modern home. Match the style of the chandelier to the period of your home; simple geometric shapes suit 1920s spaces, or contrast a modern statement chandelier in a period interior.
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