The look and function of any room is dependent on lighting. Lighting supports the particular activities that will be performed in a room as well as complements the style and architecture of the room. In today's homes, ceiling fixtures are a primary element of the general lighting design of a room. In turn, the chandelier is often the ceiling fixture of choice due to its ability to add a dramatic touch to the room's dcor.
Some basic considerations can be used to determine the appropriate size of a chandelier to be installed. For example, both the function of the room as well as the function of the lighting fixture should be considered. In addition, the architectural style of both the room and its furnishings should also be considered. Finally, the home owner's approach to energy efficiency should be incorporated in the decision making process. The following considerations are presented to help the home owner identify the appropriate chandelier for their lighting project.
DIMENSIONS OF THE CHANDELIER
Height. The height of the chandelier refers to the distance from the top of the fixture to the bottom. This measurement excludes any chain or other hanging mechanism.
Overall Height. The overall height of the fixture is the sum of the height plus the length of any chain or other hanging mechanism.
Diameter. The diameter of the chandelier refers the distance from one side of the fixture to the other side.
CHANDELIER SIZE IN RELATION TO THE ROOM
Height of the Ceiling. The height of the ceiling refers to the distance from the floor to the ceiling. A taller ceiling requires the larger the chandelier.
Room Size. The size of the chandelier should be in scale with the size of the room. If the chandelier is inappropriately large or small, the room will appear to the homeowner to be out of balance. In addition, a fixture of insufficient size will not provide sufficient illumination to support the function of the room. The sum of width and length of the room as measured in feet is the figure that determines the diameter of the chandelier as measured in inches. For example, the appropriate diameter of a chandelier for a 15 foot by 15 foot room is 30 inches.
Rules of Thumb. A chandelier with a 17 to 20 inch diameter is appropriate for a room smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet. A chandelier of 26 inches to 27 inches will accommodate a 12 foot by 12 foot room. A 24 inch or 36 inch chandelier will be appropriate for a 14 foot by 14 foot room.
Hall. A chandelier should be hung at least seven feet above a walk way. Therefore, the height of the chandelier should be the height of the room minus seven feet.
FUNCTION OF THE CHANDELIER
The particular purpose of the chandelier is the key determinant in the selection of one chandelier versus another. A chandelier hung directly over a dining table must be of sufficient size to provide appropriate illumination at meal time. In contraST, a chandelier hung for purely decorative purposes does not have to comply with this requirement.
EFFECTS OF THE SIZE OF THE CHANDELIER
Shadow. A chandelier casts a shadow. When determining the size of the fixture, the homeowner should consider the potential impact of this shadow to the room's overall appearance. In general, the larger the lighting fixture, the larger the shadow.
STYLE
Style of the Room. The style of the room in which the chandelier will be installed will impact the home owner's perception of the size of the chandelier.
Style of the Chandelier. The style of the chandelier will also impact the home owner's perception of the size of the chandelier. For example, a chandelier constructed largely of crystal will appear larger to the homeowner than will a chandelier of the same size that is constructed of metal.
OPERATING EFFICIENCY
Energy Efficiency. The visual appearance of the chandelier is often the key element in the selection of the size of the chandelier. However, the home owner should also consider the fixture's energy usage as well the cost of the bulbs to be replaced. The larger the size of the fixture, the higher these costs will be. Chandeliers with an energy star rating will distribute light more efficiently than other fixtures. As a result, a larger energy star rated chandelier can be as efficient as a smaller unrated chandelier.
SIZE IN RELATION TO FURNITURE
Dining Table. If a chandelier is installed over a dining table, the diameter of the fixture should be either one half the width of the table or about two feet less than the length of the table. In addition, the chandelier should be hung approximately 30 to 36above the surface of the table. As a result, the height of the room will also impact the size of the chandelier in that the size of the chandelier shoul d be the height of the room minus the height of the table top plus 30 to 36 inches. In general, the larger the chandelier, the higher it should be hung above the table.
Dining Table Seating Capacity. A dining table that serves six people can accommodate a chandelier of 17 to 24 inches. A table that seats eight people requires a chandelier of two to two and one half feet. The size continues to increase in proportion to the table size. 75 centimeters in diameter
ROOM CONSTRUCTION
Ceiling Box. A chandelier must be installed in the ceiling by means of a ceiling box. The structure of the ceiling must be sufficient to support the size of the chandelier you select.
OTHER FACTORS
Two Chandeliers Rather Than One. Two chandeliers can be hung over a very long dining table rather than one. To calculate the placement of the fixtures, begin by measuring the length of the dining table. Divide the length by three which will give you the length of one third of your table. Use this figure as the distance that you will measure from the end of the table to find the point over which the first chandelier is centered. Repeat this process for the second chandelier. For example, the length of the dining table is nine feet. Nine feet divided by three is three feet. You now measure three feet from the end of the dining table. This point will be the center point of the first chandelier. Repeat the process.