After three years of searching for the right chandelier for the dining room, I finally happened across a perfect solution. Thanks to one of many Restoration Hardware clearance centers, I was able to buy it at 70% off at an after-Christmas sale! We rushed it home and I convinced my DH to help me install it right away. After about six attempts we finally got it in right, and it was certainly worth the effort.
A quick lesson on the finer points of selecting and placing a chandelier:
- Keep ceiling heights in mind. This sounds painfully obvious, but you would be surprised how many chandeliers won't work in a home with standard 8' ceilings. It's very important to check the fixture's height before you purchase a light that hangs 18" above your floor. That's just awkward.
- Think about how the light will disperse from the fixture. My new chandelier's predecessor was a really great looking light from Ikea. I loved how the inner tube glowed, and its overall effect. It reminded me slightly of a (much more expensive) Holly Hunt fixture I've been in love with for many years. The fixture was great, but the light it emitted was depressing and subdued, with an extreme down-light feel (think The Godfather). It made the entire dining room seem dingy and depressing. Look for a light that offers a good balance of up light (lighting that goes up to and bounces off the ceiling) and down light.
- Put that light at the right height. While erring on the side of caution, most people hanging their dining room chandeliers too high, making it look floaty and disjointed from the dining table. A good rule of thumb to use is to hang the chandelier at 60 to 66" above the finished floor. This puts your chandelier around 30-36" above the top of your dining table, resulting in a more connected feel, and providing light that is flattering to you and the food at your table.
- Remember, you can take it with you! A treasured light fixture can stay with you forever. This is even true in rentals. Have your beloved fixture installed and keep the old fixture tucked away. When it's time to move have the old one switched back in, and bring your lovely with you to your next home!
What experiences have you had in finding the perfect light fixture? Share in the comments below!
