In the interior of the living room, the chandelier occupies a special place. This is not just a lighting device, but the finishing touch to the design. Therefore, it is important to find the right product. In this article we will tell you how to choose a chandelier for a spacious hall or a modest living room. Let's consider all aspects: both technical characteristics and appearance, suitable for a certain style. We will also look at the designers' recommendations.
Types of chandeliers
There are several types of chandeliers depending on the type of mounting, glow power and style.
- Ceiling. They are attached through the base of the structure or on a special strip in the case of a suspended ceiling. The devices are called overhead and are well suited for low ceilings up to 2.5 m. These, for example, are available in several series of the German brand Schaffner, whose products are widely represented in Moscow.
- Hanging. Metal chains are attached to their base, and then the structure itself. This is also a suitable option for rooms with ceilings no more than 2.5 m.
- Wall-mounted. Models are installed on the wall and are most often called sconces. The store's catalog contains many lamps in the Art Nouveau style from the Favor, Lavero, Forro and other collections from Schaffner. These are pendant or bracket models, with a flat shade, open or closed bowl.
- LED. The last word in design and technology. Inside there are many LEDs, a semiconductor crystal and an optical system. The advantage of the design is that it consumes less electricity than chandeliers with conventional incandescent lamps. Moreover, the service life of such a model is 50 thousand hours, which is about 10 years of operation. It is represented by the Escudo, Castillo, Escudo and others series from the Schaffner brand.
Common mistakes when choosing
Most often, the purchase of a lamp becomes unsuccessful due to ignoring the following points:
- the lighting area is not taken into account;
- there is no accounting of where the shadows fall (for example, shadows fall on the work area in the kitchen or on the face in the bathroom);
- no dimmers are used;
- too much light, or not enough light, which in either case does not contribute to creating comfort;
- this model is out of fashion, does not fit into the style, is too small or large for the room;
- the ceiling height is not taken into account, the lamp hangs too low or high;
- the light bulbs heat the lampshade;
- the chandelier heats the suspended ceiling (tension structures are afraid of temperature, over 60 degrees);
- It gets dirty quickly and is difficult to clean.
All these mistakes can be avoided by using our recommendations.
How to calculate the size of a chandelier?
To calculate the required size, a special formula has been invented: width of the room (in meters) + length of the room (in meters) × 10 = suitable diameter of the lighting fixture (in centimeters).
For example, a room is 3 meters wide and 5 meters long. Then we find that a chandelier with a diameter of 80 cm will fit perfectly into the room.
But this is just one of the mathematical formulas that may not always fit real conditions. To make sure it is correct or, conversely, to look for a model of a different size, there is another formula. According to it, you need to add the width and length of the room, and then divide the resulting amount by 0.14. If we consider it using the same room as an example, it turns out that a smaller chandelier is needed - with a diameter of 57 cm.
How to choose a chandelier for every room
A large selection of lamps allows you to choose each model for a specific room. The requirements for lighting devices are different in each case. We offer recommendations on how to choose the right chandelier for each room. It is worth considering the type of material, shape, lighting power.
In the living room or hall
The hall or living room is, as a rule, the largest room in an apartment or house. Therefore, the chandelier here looks bright and large enough, as far as the room allows. An excellent option is crystal models, metal, plastic of the original shape. If the height of the ceilings allows, a lamp made of five horns on a chain looks beautiful. In a large and rectangular living room, it is not a bad idea to place two chandeliers of the same shape.
Multi-level lighting is most suitable for the hall, as it provides uniform, warm and soft light.
To the bedroom
The lamp for the bedroom is selected so that the light is soft, slightly dim.
Ceiling options made of plastic, metal, and glass are often preferred. Paper and textile lampshades will also emphasize the comfort and tranquility of the room and add romance.
However, the bedroom requires additional local lighting. For example, a floor lamp near the bed, a sconce on the wall, a lamp on the table.
To the nursery
The main requirement here is safety. And there should be enough light. In a children's room, as a rule, bright interior colors are used. So a chandelier can be made of plastic, textile, metal with a certain color and shape. In the form of a ball, butterflies, flowers, cartoon characters. It is better to use medium wattage LED bulbs. And additional lighting in the room is needed.
Which chandelier to choose for the corridor
Compact ceiling chandeliers are good for the corridor, as well as with additional lamps. Sometimes they do without chandeliers at all, giving preference to spotlights.
For kitchen
The lamp in the kitchen should be made of a material that is easy to clean from grease and is not afraid of moisture. Better metal or plastic options with movable horns so that you can change the direction of the light. A chandelier or a group of lamps on long cords, hanging down to the table, looks good in a modern interior. But then additional spot lighting is required in the area of the stove and desktop. A glass variation of the lighting fixture is also allowed, but you will have to wash it more often.
Lamps for halls and stairs
Ceiling lamps for halls and staircases are more often used. If the staircase or hall has a complex structure, then one lamp will not be enough. Or you will have to supplement the lighting with wall lights.
For more spacious rooms, you can use suspended options, but they must be mounted in a flight of stairs at the ceiling level.
It is better to choose lampshades that are closed at the top and bottom so that the light does not hit the eyes.
Spanning lights are also good for stairs. There are many interesting design proposals - in the form of a waterfall, a bunch of balls, cylinders.
Choosing a chandelier depending on the ceiling height
When choosing a chandelier, it is important to remember the height of the ceiling. There is another formula for this: divide the distance from floor to ceiling by 6. For example, the height of the room is 2.5 meters. Dividing this value by 6, we get 0.41 m or 41 cm. This should be the approximate height of the lighting fixture.
For rooms with higher ceilings, you should give preference to large chandeliers in order to evenly illuminate the entire area. If the room has the shape of a rectangle, then it would be logical to mount two small appliances or complement them with several laconic sconces.
For low ceilings, a ceiling lamp with a large beam angle and minimal height is suitable. A good option is the “saucer” shape.
Dimensions: ceiling height, room dimensions
The main types of chandeliers are ceiling and pendant. Hanging ones are considered classics. They are attached to the ceiling with a spring or chain. It looks sophisticated. And ceiling structures are attached directly to the ceiling. At the same time, there are many interesting forms of such lamps.
In the question of which chandelier to choose, you have to rely not only on your taste. The height of the ceiling and the dimensions of the room are of great importance. The rules to be followed are that:
- The distance from the chandelier to the floor should be at least 2-2.3 meters. This means that the ceiling height should be higher than 2.7 meters if we are talking about a suspended structure. Otherwise, you can catch your head on the chandelier or touch it with your arms raised up.
- With a ceiling height of 3 meters and above, a lamp hanging from a chain or spring will look great. The ceiling analogue will have to be selected more carefully so that it does not get lost against the background of high ceilings.
- For ceilings 2.5-2.7 meters high, ceiling options are more appropriate. The only exceptions can be those lamps that are suspended specifically low above the table, for example, a dining table - for local lighting.
However, these are just recommendations. There are exceptions to any rules, it all depends on individual wishes and the specific interior. The lamp must fit harmoniously into the overall space. In a large room, a small lamp looks ridiculous. Just like a large one in a tiny room, it will overload the interior.
According to most designers, the ideal parameters for ceiling lamps are to comply with the formula: add the length of the room and the width together and multiply by 10 cm. That is, if the room is 3 meters by 4, then the diameter of the chandelier will be 70 cm.
For long and narrow spaces, such as a hall or room, one lamp on the ceiling will not be enough. It is necessary to supplement the lighting with sconces, table lamps, spotlights or a floor lamp.
Power and types of lamps
The total power for a particular room is calculated using the formula: area × recommended power indicator. If the ceiling height is more than 3 m, then the result obtained is multiplied by at least 1.5, since high ceilings “eat up” a considerable amount of light.
If the power is determined, then the type of lamps can be selected. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is worth buying taking into account the operating conditions.
Incandescent lamps are low cost but have minimal energy efficiency. If the power is calculated incorrectly, the chandelier may melt or crack.
LED lamps are very economical and have a long service life. Among the disadvantages is that if the power and temperature of the light are chosen incorrectly, the light fluxes can be uncomfortable for vision. LEDs are also more expensive than other types.
Halogen lamps last a long time and provide powerful lighting. However, sometimes, especially in small rooms, it can be too bright and unpleasant to the eye.
Fluorescent lamps have good power and efficiency and last a long time. But due to the evenness and coldness of the light, the eyes can become tired. Also, the cost of lamps is quite high.
Table for calculating lighting according to SNiP and SanPiN
We determine the required amount of light in the rooms for a comfortable life
Each room requires its own level of illumination. It is traditionally measured in lux and denoted as lx - this indicator is a unit of luminous flux per 1 m² of area.
The tables of SNiP No. 23-05-95 and SanPiN No. 2.21/2.1.1.1278-03 indicate the minimum illumination levels that are recommended for residential and non-residential premises.
Room | Standard luminous flux per 1 m² according to SanPiN (lx) | Standard luminous flux per 1 m² according to SNiP (lx) | Our comments and recommendations |
Living rooms, living rooms and bedrooms | 150 | 150 | This light is enough for everyday life. For reading, needlework, selecting clothes, and thorough cleaning, you will need at least 350 lx of general light or additional lighting for individual and work areas. |
Kitchens and kitchen-dining rooms | 150 | 150 | This light is only enough for moving around the kitchen and eating. For cooking, additional illumination of the work area is required. We recommend 400 lx. |
Children's room | 200 | 200 | To illuminate the work area (lessons, games, activities), additional lighting is required (at least 400 lx). |
Bathrooms, showers, toilets and combined toilets | 50 | 50 | For general lighting, we recommend at least 200 lx, taking into account the fact that we use additional lighting above sinks, bathtubs and showers. We advise you to at least add additional lighting to the mirrors. Even mediocre cleaning requires more lighting than 50 lx, not to mention cosmetic procedures and high-quality cleaning of tiles and plumbing. |
Residential rooms of dormitories | 150 | — | The recommendations are similar to those we gave for living rooms, living rooms and bedrooms. |
Offices and libraries | 300 | 300 | This is quite bright lighting - it may be enough for work, and certainly enough to not get lost among the bookshelves. But for illuminating work with documents on tables, we would recommend 400 lx. |
Indoor corridors and halls | 50 | 50-75 | If there are no mirrors in the corridors, and they are used only for movement, then such lighting will be sufficient. |
Storerooms and utility rooms | 30 | 50 | If you want to read inscriptions and labels on cans, for example, then you will have to use flashlights. At 150 lx you can read the label without tripping. If you store large items in your pantries, the recommended brightness level will be sufficient. |
Dressing rooms | 75 | 75 | A brighter light is needed - as for work (300 lx), otherwise stains, wrinkles and shades of fabrics are difficult to see. |
Sauna, Changing rooms | 100 | 100 | In the sauna we recommend using adjustable light. For example, from 30 to 300 lx. For cleaning it is better to use a bright light of 300 lx, and for relaxation it should be possible to use the dimmest light (30 lx). For locker rooms, our recommendations are the same as for bathrooms. |
Pool | 100 | 100 | If we are talking specifically about the room where the swimming bowls themselves are located, then we agree with the recommendations. For both decorative and functional purposes, using lighting inside the bowl itself is beautiful, and you can find rings and other lost items. |
Gym | 150 | — | As a rule, in the gym, athletes look at themselves in mirrors, so it is better when the light is bright, for example, 300 lx. And if yoga and other spiritual practices are held in the hall, then it should be possible to create darkness, for example, 30-50 lx. |
Billiard room | 300 | — | We agree. |
Concierge room | 150 | — | Think about the health of the concierge - at least add additional lighting to the work area. |
Stairs | 20 | 20 | It's dusk. Whether to highlight or not is a matter of taste. |
Floor-to-floor non-apartment corridors | 20 | 0 | Same as stairs. |
Strollers, bicycles | 20 | — | Same as stairs. |
Heating points, pumping rooms, electrical switchboards, elevator machine rooms and ventilation chambers | 20 | — | To work, you will need additional bright light - 300 lx. |
Main passages of technical floors, undergrounds, cellars, attics | 20 | — | Same as stairs. |
Elevator shafts | 5 | — | |
Archive | — | 75 | Clearly not enough for reading. Check out our comments for libraries. |
Office where drawing work is carried out | — | 500 | Good, bright lighting. |
Conference hall, meeting room | — | 200 | We recommend 300 lx. |
Escalator, stairs | — | 50-100 |
Calculation of lighting for a room
The degree of illumination is initially influenced by the number of horns, the power of the light bulbs and their type. You also need to consider what room the chandelier is intended for. For example, the living room needs brighter lighting, while the bedroom needs dim lighting.
When choosing, you should be guided by the following power ranges:
- Bathroom from 4 to 6 squares - 80–100 W;
- Kitchen from 7 to 10 square meters - 120–150 W;
- Living room about 15 square meters - 200–300 W;
- Bedroom from 6 to 9 square meters - 100 W.
What living room parameters influence the choice of chandelier?
Without taking into account the characteristics of the room, it will not be possible to find a suitable model. It’s better to think everything through and only then buy a chandelier. Let's look at the main points that you should pay attention to.
Ceiling height
Two points depend on this indicator. The first is more obvious: the distance from the attachment point to the bottom of the structure. To ensure that the chandelier does not put pressure on your head and allows you to pass freely under it, there must be at least 190 cm at the bottom. This number is subtracted from the height of the living room and the maximum size of the lamp is obtained.
The second point that must be taken into account in order to choose the right chandelier for the living room is the lighting power. This indicator depends not only on the area. For high ceilings (from 3 meters) it is increased by 1.5 times. This will make the lighting bright enough. Below we will look in detail at how to correctly select the power of light bulbs and the number of shades.
Hall area
Length and width directly affect the size of the chandelier and the intensity of lighting. The small device gets lost in the room and looks ridiculous. The brightness is not enough and shadows form in the corners. And an overly large chandelier will visually make the living room smaller and cramped.
The number of horns is also related to size. A spacious hall will need a device with 5 or 7 shades, and in a private house with a second light - even more. In a small living room with a low ceiling, such as those found, for example, in Khrushchev-era apartment buildings, it is enough to hang a lamp with 1 or 3 shades.
The shape of the room can be square (or close to it) and elongated. In the first case, a regular round chandelier will do. In the second, they often prefer two or three smaller models located in one row. A combination of central lighting with additional lighting near short walls is also suitable.
The role of the chandelier
If the main purpose is decorative, the device does not have to fully provide the required level of illumination. In this case, first of all, choose a beautiful chandelier. It is worth paying attention to unique designer models; they look very impressive and original, however, the price of such products is much more expensive.
For complete lighting, the chandelier is combined with spotlights, sconces, table and floor lamps, which are placed in separate areas. For example, for reading, above the table for receiving guests, etc. Spotlights are built into the ceiling. It is advisable to select all devices in a similar style, but not necessarily from the same collection.
A chandelier that serves as the main light source can also be beautiful. But it must be selected first of all, taking into account the required power and other technical parameters.
Interior styling
Even the best lamp may not suit the living room and become an alien element, making the room inharmonious and tasteless. It is important to choose a chandelier to match the interior. For example, an ultra-modern one will not look good in a classic living room, and vice versa.
To decide which chandelier is best to choose for the hall, be sure to take into account the design style. Pay attention to the combination of shape, material and color. For some, a large number of decorations and curls are typical, for others - simple geometric shapes.
Choose a background or contrasting color. In the latter case, it is important that it matches with something else in the room.
Materials for chandeliers - which is better?
The degree of illumination is also influenced by the shape of the chandelier and the material from which the lampshades are made. If the horns of the lighting fixture point upward, then there may not be enough light in the room. This often happens when using sconces. Lampshades made of dark glass or colored plastic dim the brightness of light fluxes.
Glass and crystal models transmit light well, look elegant and are most often used in a classic style. Metal chandeliers usually decorate rooms in loft, modern, and high-tech styles. Textile models fit well into boho, ethnic and classic styles. They are best equipped with LED lamps.
Chandelier style
It is necessary to select lighting fixtures based on the interior style of the room. Modern apartment design can develop in several directions: classic, ethno, modern, high-tech and other styles. Based on the specifics, a choice is made in favor of one or another chandelier model. The product should repeat some elements of the room.
Recently, it has become fashionable to mix styles in the interior. In this case, the main thing is not to go further and try to organize everything harmoniously.
A classic chandelier will fit well into a modern interior
Black and white chandeliers
The color scheme depends on the decoration of the room, where the lamp can become a bright accent or fit into the general color tones.
- A black chandelier in the interior looks whimsical and will complement the light walls and high white ceiling. It can decorate the interior in the style of minimalism, hi-tech, classic, gothic, it depends on the design.
In the photo, a black chandelier in the shape of a spider decorates the eclectic interior of a country house.
- A white chandelier in the interior is a classic choice when combining colors, because white color goes with all shades and fits into any interior. It is also important to choose the material and method of fastening.
Forged
Forged chandeliers in the interior today look unexpected and are a work of handmade art. Depending on the softness of the lines and curves, they can be gentle or light, strict and majestic. They will perfectly decorate a solid office and a luxurious living room. Combined with wood and stone in the interior, they are also suitable for modern spaces to create an eclectic feel.
Crystal
A crystal chandelier in the interior is suitable for creating a cozy atmosphere; it evokes a pleasant classic feeling. The crystal refracts light and creates a game; thanks to modern technologies, it can be of any color. The chandelier can be crystal with the addition of colored stones, suitable for living rooms and bedrooms with high ceilings. The most popular are Czech and Italian crystals. In turn, it requires proper care for the constant play of the spokes.
In the photo, the crystal chandelier fits into the decor of a classic bedroom. Gilded details, wall panels and a two-level ceiling with white stucco create a sophisticated look.
Classic
Classic versions are the most represented on the lighting market and have a lot of decor options. Classic is characterized by flowing lines, versatility, glass and crystal, often imitating the shape of candlesticks and candlesticks, reminiscent of their origin. They are appropriate in any style and do not go out of style, so they are a win-win choice and a good investment.
In the photo, a pendant chandelier and a wall lamp in a classic style form a single composition in a luxurious beige living room. Gold color, glass, corduroy, stucco and gloss are appropriate only in spacious rooms.
Provence
Rustic chandeliers are somewhat similar to classic ones, except for the luxurious elements. The modules look classic, but do not contain. The main material for making chandeliers in the Provencal style is ceramics, the shape of the lampshades is trapezoid. The device may contain wooden and textile elements. A slight worn effect will give a feeling of French style.
To briefly describe what this chandelier looks like, imagine several table lamps with a trapezoidal shade, then combine them into one composition. Thanks to the lampshades, the lamps emit a soft and soft light, ideal for creating a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Pop Art
The distant 50s of the last century - this era is characterized by the pop art style. The meaning of the design direction is to make something original out of something simple. Bright creative people of that time showed themselves to be as creative as possible, combining unusual shapes and bright colors. Bright backgrounds, colorful posters with flashy slogans - all this is urban pop art, which is often loved by energetic young people who are not afraid of experiments.
Chandeliers in this style look no less shocking, but in the appropriate interior they look quite organic. They can be made from anything, even paper. You can also do it yourself, surprising your guests with some handmade item. The main feature is that the chandelier should be unusual and even extravagant.
Loft
The more incomprehensible, the better - this is the motto of the loft style. What otherwise looks ridiculous looks perfect in this interior. Loft-style chandeliers are often made from ordinary electric lamps without lampshades, assembled into a single composition and suspended on wires.
Anything from wooden trays to cocktail pipes are used for further decoration. The main thing is not to confuse loft with bad taste - everything should look organic and timely.
The main feature of the style is the harmonious combination of standard elements with original ones. If regular lamps are used as light sources, the rest of the design should look more creative. Conversely, if the chandelier is simply a ceiling suspended from the ceiling, that ceiling should be as unique as possible.
Lines
Perhaps the most minimalist design in the collection. Such a model is unlikely to attract attention immediately upon entering the room, but it certainly will not go unnoticed. Warm metal products and more matte graphics in black and white are trendy.
Rings
The form itself is in fashion. There can be one or several rings intersecting with each other. Any design is relevant: either a cold metallic shade or decorated with glass and crystals.
Transparent shades
Another trend of recent seasons is glass shades. Neat models are often found in the design of a combined kitchen-living room space. They are easy to combine with other equipment.
Modern style
Chandeliers in modern interiors tend towards minimalism and practicality. A simple ornament or geometry, without suspension, in a neutral staircase creates a laconic image of the room.
Sea style
Marine style means a product in shades of blue. Such models in different variations are suitable for decorating a bedroom. They look perfect in rooms decorated in a marine theme or in a minimalist style.
Modern
Many people often confuse the Art Nouveau style with something ultra-modern, since this word is translated as “new,” but this is not entirely true. This style is at least three hundred years old, and this is very useful. A modern chandelier should be simple and austere, without unnecessary frills and the slightest hint of luxury.
Art Nouveau is not limited to certain forms and materials. Designers often use combinations of classics with additional designs. For example, to turn a chandelier from a classic into a modern one, it is enough to place it in a ball woven with threads or screws and wrap it in a cocoon of threads. The color scheme of the style is restrained, sometimes contrasting, less often bright.
Eco style and country
The use of natural materials in interior design continues to expand. This direction is also relevant in the production of lighting devices.
Impeccable table lamp design
Table lamp that can be placed in any position
This year, most likely, new and bold solutions will be proposed. The trend of the season is to mix several materials in one product. For example: a decorative lampshade made of natural fabric is attached to a metal chain. This can be not only rattan, which was previously traditionally used for the manufacture of lighting fixtures, but also twine, ordinary canvas.
Beautiful floor lamp on a wooden leg with a classic design
In 2022, designers recommend adding a little eclecticism to your home interior. Strict adherence to style is no longer as relevant as before, which means that a chandelier, sconce or floor lamp made of raw fabric can fit well in minimalism, and even more so in a loft.
A simple wooden wheel hanging from the ceiling on rough chains looks great. These fashionable chandeliers for 2022 go well with wrought iron sconces, candelabra, and floor lamps.
Rustic Chandeliers
Elegant and unusual ceiling chandelier design
Lamps in the good old country style still resemble kerosene lamps suspended from the ceiling. In accordance with today's realities, there may be several of them.
Modern lamps look original in the form of rough, untreated panels coated with matte paint and will decorate the interior in eco-style. Such chandeliers and sconces can enliven not only the kitchen, but also the dining room.
High tech
High-tech in the interior is characterized by chrome surfaces, simple geometry and minimalism. Glossy surfaces of steel, nickel, cubism and clarity are suitable for lighting in the kitchen, hallway.
Unusual options
Recently, chandeliers of an unusual type, so beloved by modern designers, have been replacing them. This is especially noticeable in thematic interior design:
- In the kitchen, chandeliers can be made into cutlery.
- Products for a summer house or garage are built in the form of a lighting product, the shade of which is replaced by a hat or a car model.
- Various bottles, tree branches, etc. are used to illuminate the gazebo.
In principle, there is no limit to imagination. You just need to be creative and hardworking. It will help to make creativity and photographs presented below as visual examples.
Chandelier and interior style
For a classic style, elegant crystal chandeliers, as well as glass or metal models, are suitable. Options with fabric lampshades are also possible.
Chandeliers with chrome elements and frosted or glossy glass inserts will help make the modern style more characteristic and elegant. Both LED and products with clear geometric patterns look original.
Modernism will be made more interesting by LED lights, as well as chandeliers made of colored glass or with plastic parts. Devices with a metal frame, as well as hanging options, fit well into the loft.
Designer chandeliers in the living room interior
Proper lighting emphasizes the beauty of the room, makes communication with family or receiving guests comfortable and enjoyable. To get one, you need to calculate the size and power, and then decide on the style and design. Designer models are chosen when the chandelier is an accent in the interior and should attract attention. Such products have an unusual and original design, but their cost can be very high.
Chandeliers for suspended ceilings
Since the material of suspended ceilings reacts to increased temperature (at 80 degrees the coating changes color), it is important to consider several rules when choosing and installing a chandelier on suspended ceilings:
- The horns should be down or pointing to the side. The distance to the ceiling should be at least 20 cm.
- It is worth abandoning a complex fastening system that can damage the ceiling.
- If the ceiling is glossy, then lamps with diffused light that will not reflect the ceiling are desirable.
- It is advisable to hide power converters for LED and halogen lamps in niches, where they will be easier to repair if necessary.
- If you need to install chandeliers with horns looking up, or models without shades and reflectors, it is worth purchasing LED and energy-saving light bulbs. The distance to the ceiling in this case can be from 40 cm.
- The power of halogen lamps should be minimal (35 W), because they heat up almost immediately.
Design ideas
To zone the living room, you can hang two ceiling chandeliers and thereby highlight each functional area. Installing multiple lighting fixtures is more suitable for spacious rooms.
The fireplace in the hall can influence the choice of light source. For example, in combination with a classic portal, a forged product with candles, stylized as a candelabra, will look advantageous.
An original solution is to decorate a chandelier using a mirror. A mirror panel installed at the base of the product will interestingly reflect and increase the light in the living room.
Stylish chandeliers on a rod look no less impressive. Thanks to this additional element, convenient height adjustment of the structure is provided. If you lower the lamp, you will be able to highlight and highlight a certain object in the room; when raised, the lamp will allow you to achieve comfortable diffused lighting in the room.
Models with stained glass shades, which are made using multi-colored pieces of glass, also deserve special attention.
The photo shows three chandeliers on the ceiling in the interior of a large hall.
Unusual chandeliers in the shape of a sphere woven from branches and other designer lamps with natural symbolism are popular. For example, the design uses a frame base covered with butterflies, or the product itself is made in the shape of an octopus, jellyfish and other inhabitants of the animal world.
What else to consider when choosing a chandelier?
To simplify the choice of a suitable chandelier, you should follow the advice of professionals:
- There should be no backlash on the chandelier - the connections and fasteners must be strong and durable. If the chandelier is made of plastic, then it should not have a strong odor. Before purchasing, it is worth checking the diameter of the wires: ideally it should be 1.5 square meters. mm.
- If the surface of the ceiling is not smooth enough, then it is advisable that the light from the lamps should look down and not emphasize the imperfections of the surface.
- If the fastening is carried out on a plasterboard ceiling, then the weight of the structure cannot be more than 5 kg.
- It is worth giving preference to chandeliers with bulbs with a standard E27 socket. Then, if necessary, it will be easy to replace them.
- The most technologically advanced models can be controlled remotely using a remote control, clap, or connected to a smart home system.
If all the rules are followed, even a beginner will find it easy to choose the ideal option for any room by choosing size, color, style and other parameters.
Chandelier color
Based on the principle of color, the entire variety of lampshades in a modern interior can be divided into two categories:
- flat earth;
- colored.
The second option (colored lamps) is appropriate in children's rooms or even in the kitchen (country style, pop art). This approach will fill the room with spontaneity, lightness, and playfulness.
Designers recommend choosing the color of the chandelier so that its shade is the second most important in the overall interior palette
But a chandelier can also act as the main color accent
But plain chandeliers are a universal choice for any room, which will give the interior phlegmaticity, solidity and emotional equanimity. In fact, chandeliers in the same color scheme are almost invisible (they don’t catch the eye like bright multi-colored ones). Unless you choose an absolute contrast between the color of the lampshade and the general background of the room. But, at the same time, thanks to such a chandelier, the renovation of the room will be harmonious and complete.
The color balance of a chandelier can be confidently improved using the selected light source. For example, yellow light from ordinary incandescent lamps will fill a room with warmth and comfort, while a chandelier will add decor and epic calm. Light from ordinary incandescent lamps has the most beneficial effect on human eyes and does not cause cramps or excessive stress.
The black chandelier looks extravagant and harmonizes with the light interior and high white ceiling
The white chandelier goes with all shades and suits any interior.
Energy-saving lamps will become an economical alternative to incandescent lamps. According to the luminous flux, there are cold white and warm yellow, so the general background of light perception can be the same as that of an incandescent lamp.
Halogen, fluorescent, reflector and LED lamps are the result of technical innovation. This lighting option will fill the room with clean, invigorating white (or colored) light. They are very different in appearance and color content (a full palette of colors and shades is presented). Such modern motifs and manufacturability of these light sources are perfect for an office, corridor, or bathroom.
No style
Living rooms without a specific style are very common at the moment. The furniture can be classic or several styles at once, the walls are decorated in the style
Provence, the windows are hung with modern stylish blinds and so on. How to choose a chandelier in this case?
- The first option is to use classic chandeliers. For example, with candles or a completely simple chandelier without many different details. There are options that are suitable for any interior, it’s worth taking a closer look at them. Such chandeliers will definitely not spoil the composition.
- The second option is to select an individual chandelier for the interior. Look for one that will combine several styles, similar details, select similarities in the colors used in the decoration of the room.
Or vice versa, for a room with bright blue curtains, green furniture, white wallpaper, you should use a chandelier either to match the color of the curtains or the color of the furniture.
Recommendations for placement
Installation of chandeliers should be done taking into account a number of recommendations. It is not necessary to place the lamp strictly in the center of the room. If there are sources of additional lighting, this issue must be resolved for each of them.
It is possible to hang two chandeliers at the same time - they can be the same, different only in size, made in the same style and color scheme. In a small living room, it is recommended to hang one chandelier in the center. A large room should be zoned as desired, focusing on the main light source. It’s better to think through all the options in advance so that you can enjoy the comfort of your living room in the evenings.
What lamp power is needed for a certain room?
Power is an important selection criterion, since the lack of light negatively affects the general condition, causing despondency and drowsiness. An overabundance makes the room less comfortable, introduces an imbalance in the perception of the situation and is annoying.
To determine the optimal value, perform a simple calculation. For ordinary incandescent lamps, the norm is 15 W per 1 m2. The power of a chandelier for a bedroom with an area of 10 m2 is 150 W. For LEDs with higher efficiency, the resulting value must be divided by 10. For a room of 10 m2, the norm is 15 W.
Also remember that light walls reflect light much better than dark ones, so for a room with an interior in dark colors it is advisable to select a more powerful device.
Recommendations for placement
Installation of chandeliers should be done taking into account a number of recommendations. It is not necessary to place the lamp strictly in the center of the room. If there are sources of additional lighting, this issue must be resolved for each of them.
It is possible to hang two chandeliers at the same time - they can be the same, different only in size, made in the same style and color scheme. In a small living room, it is recommended to hang one chandelier in the center. A large room should be zoned as desired, focusing on the main light source. It’s better to think through all the options in advance so that you can enjoy the comfort of your living room in the evenings.