How to choose your chandelier

Chandeliers can be used in nearly any room from a formal dining room to a child's bedroom or games room. The most popular crystal chandeliers are the type with dangling cut lead crystals creating a beautiful spectrum of light. These more formal chandeliers are usually finished in gold and will bring a combination of elegance and formality to the room in which they hang. Using chrome instead will bring a more contemporary feel to the decor.

Less formal chandeliers include those made of wood, ceramic or wrought iron. A ceramic chandelier adorned with pastel flowers would look appropriate in a girl's room or sunny tea room; whilst a heavy multi coloured glass chandelier can be hung over a pool or game table in a less formal room.

Chandeliers can be appropriate in any type of room but choosing the correct size is paramount. A giant chandelier will overcome a tiny room whilst a small chandelier hung over a long dining room table will look lost. As a basic guide, a smaller room with dimensions of 10 x 10 ft (3.05 x 3.05 metres) would comfortably house a chandelier no more than 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter. A 12 x 12 ft (3.66 x 3.66 metres) room will hold a chandelier up to approximately 27 inches (68.58 cm) in diameter. Whereas a larger chandelier with a diameter of, for example: 36 inches (91.44 cm’s) or more could normally only be hung in a room that is 14 x 14 ft (4.27 x 4.27 metres) or larger. Although of course there will be exceptions to these guideline examples

When choosing a chandelier to hang over a table, the chandelier should normally hang at lease 30 inches (76.2 cm) from the surface of the table and should be about 12 inches (30.48 cm) narrower than the table's width. Please note: the sizes quoted of all our chandeliers do not include any lengths of chain, so cater in an extra height for this (perhaps about 12 inches (30.48 cm) as a guide), although this can be removed or shortened as desired.

For rooms with lower ceilings, our range of 'flush fitting' ceiling lights may be a more appropriate option.

Following guidelines such as these when choosing your next chandelier should help create a tasteful and elegant home, which brings pleasure for many years.