Chandeliers

For a well-proportioned living room chandelier, add the length and width of the room in feet: the result is an indicative diameter in inches. A 16 × 13 ft (5 × 4 m) living room calls for a chandelier of about 28 in (70 cm), an 11.5 × 10 ft (3.5 × 3 m) bedroom a 20 in (50 cm) model. Above a table, the chandelier should not exceed half to two thirds of the tabletop's width. A large chandelier for a high ceiling can go beyond that, as long as it comes down into the room.

Where people walk, keep at least 7 ft (2.1 m) between the floor and the bottom of the chandelier. With a standard ceiling of about 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m), that leaves 16 in (40 cm) for the fixture and its cord: a compact or flat model works better. Under a high ceiling, from about 9 ft (2.8 m), the chandelier can be fuller and hang lower. Above a table, the rule changes because no one walks underneath: 30 to 35 in (75 to 90 cm) above the tabletop, slightly higher than a simple pendant, since a chandelier radiates sideways. In a stairwell, adjust the height so it reads well from the upper floor.

Crystal drops. It breaks light into reflections across the walls. An elegant chandelier that also works in a simple setting: white walls, hardwood floors, clean-lined furniture. The contrast places it among modern chandeliers rather than period pieces, more than it would in a crowded living room.

Feathers. White goose feathers wrap the bulb in a hazy glow. Light despite its volume, it makes a soft bedroom chandelier or warms a corner of the living room.

Rattan look. A compact boho chandelier, 12.5 in (32 cm), in three tiers of braided paper cord that draw woven shadows on the ceiling. Ideal in a bedroom or living room in natural tones: linen, light wood and terracotta.

Wicker. Hand-woven, from 16 to 24 in (40 to 60 cm), it gives structure to a simply furnished living room. In its large size, it dresses a long dining table.

A chandelier with several lights adds up the lumens: five bulbs of 400 lumens give 2,000 lumens, enough to light a living room of about 160 to 215 sq ft (15 to 20 m²). Choose 2700 K for a warm mood. A dimmer is almost essential: full power for a dinner, dimmed for an evening. In that case, choose LED bulbs marked dimmable. Check the bulb base on the product page before buying bulbs: chandeliers often use smaller bases than pendants.

A crystal chandelier weighs more than a pendant of the same size. Check its weight on the product page and make sure the ceiling hook is anchored in solid support: a joist, concrete or a dedicated drywall fixing. Switch off the power at the breaker before installing and, for a heavy model, get help or call an electrician. For care, clean the crystal drops one by one with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, lights off and cool. Dust rattan and wicker with a brush, and feathers with a puff of cool air from a distance.