Did you know that an average American household spends about 5% of all energy costs on lighting? If you’re going to pay that much to light up your home, you should do so in a way that sparks joy. For many people, that means installing beautiful light fixtures that are as eye-catching as they are functional.
A chandelier, for example, is often the focal point of a room that demands attention when you enter it. If you’re thinking about adding a large chandelier to your home, you’ve probably already realized that there are thousands of options available.
So, how do you choose the right one? We’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how to buy a chandelier for your home that you’ll love for years to come.
Size Matters
Before you do anything else, the first thing you need to consider before buying a chandelier is what size to buy. Start by measuring the length and width of the room in which you plan to hang it, then add those two dimensions together. For example, if your room is 12 feet by 12 feet, add them together to get 24 feet.
Then, use that number to determine the size you should get. As a good rule of thumb, your chandelier should be the same width in inches that the room is in feet. So, using the example from above, you should get a chandelier with a 24-inch diameter for a room that’s 24 feet.
You’ll also need to consider how high to hang it. For example, you’ll want to make sure that a dining room chandelier has plenty of clearance over the table. We recommend leaving 7 feet of space between the bottom of your chandelier and the floor.
Pick the Right Style
Choosing the right chandelier means picking something that showcases your style in a unique way. You want it to stand out, but in a cohesive manner that complements the rest of your decor. There are dozens of different chandelier styles to match any personal style, but let’s take a closer look at a few of the most popular ones.
Crystal Chandeliers
A crystal chandelier is probably what you first think of when you think “chandelier” and they’re iconic for a reason. Made from a variety of crystal types, these light fixtures are made to grab your attention. The light reflecting off the pieces of crystal almost makes it look like stars shining in the night sky.
Modern Chandeliers
If you have a more contemporary home, a modern chandelier may better fit your style. Instead of ornate crystals, these usually feature crisp, simple lines for an elegant look that doesn’t feel overpowering in a room.
Industrial Chandeliers
The industrial look has become more popular over the last few years, and chandeliers have evolved to match it. Industrial chandeliers may include piping or reclaimed wood, cage lights, and/or Edison bulbs to give your industrial space the perfect finish.
For more inspiration, as you figure out the right style of chandelier for your home, check out the oversized chandelier Interior Deluxe options today.
Consider the Bulbs
As we mentioned above, lighting can have quite an impact on your monthly energy costs. Fortunately, you have some control over that based on the types of bulbs you use. Since most chandeliers require multiple bulbs, you’ll want to consider using energy-efficient ones to help keep costs down.
Generally, LED light bulbs are your best option. Not only do they use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs, but they also last much longer. And, best of all, they still give you the look and feel of a traditional bulb, so you can get the same warm lighting you love.
Think About Your Budget
Before you get too deep in the shopping process, take a few moments to think about your budget. Figure out what you’re comfortable spending first so you can look for options within your price range. This will help prevent you from falling in love with a chandelier that your wallet won’t love.
When setting your budget, remember to account for more than just the cost of the fixture. If you’re buying it online, don’t forget to budget for shipping costs as well. Depending on the size and height of your room, you may also want to get it installed professionally instead of doing it yourself. In that case, budget for that as well. And, of course, don’t forget about the cost of bulbs.
Fortunately, there are beautiful chandelier options for nearly every budget, so you should be able to find a fixture you love for the right price.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance and Care
Finally, before you decide to make your purchase, think about how much maintenance and care it will require once it’s in your home. For example, crystal chandeliers are much more delicate than other styles, so they’ll need to be cleaned more carefully. Are you up for the task of standing on a ladder and cleaning the crystal pieces?
Similarly, if you pick a chandelier with shades over the bulbs, think about how you’ll clean them. Some glass shades are dishwasher safe, making them easy to keep clean. But, shades made from fabric may be prone to stains and be harder to clean over time.
Keep maintenance and cleaning requirements in mind before making your final decision.
Find the Perfect Chandelier for Your Home
After reading this guide on the most important things to consider before buying a chandelier, you’re ready to start shopping! By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find a beautiful, eye-catching fixture that will light up your home while you make memories with your loved ones for years to come.
Looking for more inspiration on updating your home? Browse through our other articles and check back often for new home improvement content.
