How To Choose The Perfect Chandelier

When Choosing the Perfect Chandelier For Your Space there are three things the Senior Stylists at CL&L want you to consider

As the primary (or only) floating object, often in the centre as a focal point, a chandelier or pendant light can’t help but attract attention. For this reason, choosing the right chandelier is of utmost importance in completing the overall look of your space.  

Introducing the use of light in a room can instantly transform the mood, just as it can the perceived size. When considering the interior design aspect principles of 'Placement and Type' you realise the importance of these aspects and how they work with colour, room size, natural light, furniture selection and home decor.  When all of these items come together, you are able to create a seamless combination of functionality and style.

So...when choosing the perfect Chandelier or Pendant for your space, there are 3 simple things the Senior Stylists at CAFE Lighting & Living want you to consider:


Aesthetic, Installation Height, Functionality

Image from our 2020 CAFE Lighting & Living Maddox Collection


Aesthetic 

Let's start with an analogy, a pair of shoes has the ability to completely alter the look of an outfit. Shoes are just shoes, right? yes but they also wield a large amount of influential power. Imagine a woman in a bridal gown with sneakers, or a man in jeans with sandals. In these cases, the shoes influence the overall vibe and look of the outfit.

If we think of it that way, the same can then be said for lighting in interior styling. Chandeliers and Pendants are used by expert interior designers/stylists specifically as a statement piece to complete the overall look of a space. 

With so many options, from Traditional to Geometric, Brass to Rustic on the market, one size Chandelier does not necessarily fit all. So, how do you choose the right aesthetic for your space? Our Senior Stylist Stephanie recommends starting with "Sourcing a light that you love to look at! Your space is a reflection of your personality and style, so choosing the right chandelier is first and foremost about your taste!"

Other things to consider include your interior style, colour palette, the size of your space, room placement and the time period of your home or the product itself.

 Here are some examples of the new designer Chandelier & Pendant ranges at CAFE Lighting & Living:


   

Pictured from top right, Maddox Pendant - Large, Bilgola Pendant - Black, Celeste Pendant, Cohen Chandelier - Black, Maddox Pendant - Linear, Paloma 2 Tier Brass

The Paloma Linear Chandelier is in-tune with the sleek tabletop of the Leeton Rectangular Dining Room Table and angular décor. Paired with the elegant grey finishes and pure black accents of the space, this sparkling pendant light creates a seamless combination of functionality and style. But mostly, it’s ultra-sophisticated.

Installation Height

A chandelier should provide a flattering look to your room. That is why you should always consider installation height and the size of the chandelier before purchasing your favourite piece. 


Image from our 2020 CAFE Lighting & Living Classic Collection

According to the BCA, the legal minimum ceiling height is
different per habitual room ranging from 2m to 2.4m high


the standard recommendations:

1. For rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings, hang the chandelier 7 feet (213.36cm) above the ground to allow enough head clearance. 
   
   2. For rooms with taller ceilings hang fixtures around 8 feet high
   
   3. If you have a two-story foyer or entry way, the bottom of the fixture should hang at the same level as the second floor.
   
   4. Make sure to place the chandelier in the middle of the room or above a bed or coffee table.
   
   5. In dining rooms, the bottom of the fixture should hang between 76 - 96cm above the top of the dining table

 

When hanging dining room chandeliers, the bottom of the fixture should hang between 30 and 36 inches above the top of the dining table - assuming you have an 8-foot ceiling. If the ceiling is higher, the recommended standard is to raise the chandelier 3 inches for each additional foot of ceiling height.

Helpful hint: Sometimes the aesthetic and/or size of the chandelier itself may affect the height from which you should hang it. If you have an elaborate chandelier that takes up a lot of visual space, you might want to hang it a couple of inches higher than the standard height to incorporate some negative space. 

Functionality    

Let us take a moment to appreciate the role of drop-down ceiling lights in a room. 
The use of lighting can add to or subtract from the overall colours of a room or from surfaces the light is meant to enhance. In colour theory, a room with dark walls feels smaller and less spacious while walls painted in lighter colours do the opposite. The
light reflected from a Chandelier creates the illusion of more space, when reflected off the right wall.

When hanging a chandelier above a dining table, the function to consider is lighting the dining table.
When lighting a foyer or entry hall, pendants can create a sense of grandeur, sometimes contributing to the facade by
a well placed window.

Images of the 2020 CAFE Lighting & Living Paloma Collection 

When choosing the right pendant lighting, aesthetic, installation height and functionality are key. If you check off those boxes and you love the piece you've chosen. You are definately on the right track to a well lit, beautifully functional room.

 For more Styling Inspiration & Helpful Tips:

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