Chandeliers Mix & Max Design Styles
Style today can be eclectic giving each room a unique feel--chandeliers lend themselves especially well to this end. Chandeliers can become the focal point of any room.
A contemporary or transitional chandelier can change the look of a traditional space. A traditional chandelier in a contemporary setting can give the room a more comfortable look. This blending of elements can make the room.
When mixing styles try to stay with the same finishes or complementary finishes. A brushed nickel finish on other lights or elements in a room can work well with an antique nickel finish chandelier. Or if you have all traditional styles you such as antique nickel pendants in a kitchen you may want to use a bronze chandelier in the eat-in-area for contrast.
It is also best for chandeliers to have more presence (big and bold) if the room can handle it.
Chandelier size and height really depends on the height and size of the room and the table size--this is really a personal preference. A rough guideline is 1/3 the table size length or 6 to 12 inches narrow than the width of the table.
Here are some tips from Hinkley Lighting on Sizing:
MEASUREMENT guidelines To size a chandelier for your dining room, or to be the focal point of your space, measure the length and width of the room and add those figures together. The sum, converted to inches, will equal the diameter that you can use as a guideline when selecting the size of your chandelier.
Example: 14'+20'=34' Converted to inches=34" Correct Size Chandelier=34"Diameter
If the resulting measurement (room length + width, converted to inches) seems inappropriate due to the size of your table, size your chandelier three quarters the width of your table.
In most cases, the bottom of your chandelier should sit approximately 30"–32" above the table top.
sizing a chandelier FOR YOUR FOYER
When determining whether to hang a flush, semi-flush, or multi-tiered chandelier in your foyer, be advised that the bottom of the fixture should be at least 7' from the floor.
For two-story foyers, if there is a window above the front door, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside.
If your foyer is extra-large, you may also want to add sconces. Sconces should be installed 60" from the floor and 6'–8' apart.
To make sure your chandelier is the right size for the room in which it will hang, consider the following: How high is your ceiling? Taller ceilings demand larger fixtures. What is the size and shape of your table? Island? The chandelier should complement, not overpower, anything you plan to suspend it over. How big is the room you are trying to illuminate? Again, be sure the chandelier is not too big or too small for the room. What is the form and design of the chandelier? Light, airy fixtures tend to look larger.