Though they're known for the romance and elegance they can add to a room, chandeliers are no longer exclusively for formal dining rooms. Chandeliers come in thousands of styles, from sleek and modern to ornate, and most marry function and beauty to become an impressively versatile centerpiece. Despite their reputation for being fancy accessories that float above the dining room table, newer versions of chandeliers are proving that there is a style for almost every shopper. Discover the wide variety of chandeliers and learn how to choose the right style for your home and your lighting preferences.
Many consumers may already be familiar with more traditional crystal or wrought iron versions that hang in home improvement stores, but modern chandelier styles are more often found in specialty stores, boutiques and on hip websites. Chandeliers made of branches, lighting formed by wrought-iron leaves and other styles that are inspired by nature are more suited to casual spaces rather than formal dining rooms. Every kind of style and artistic preference is now being represented in the chandelier, from fabric to metal to those comprised of wine glasses. Indeed, the new versions can be true extensions of the homeowner's personality.
While there's a multitude of chandelier styles, colors and materials, there are also various ways they can be installed to change their look and feel. Most often used as a light source, chandeliers can be hung higher or lower from a ceiling, which will modify the ambiance it creates. Furthermore, you can use softer or brighter lights in a chandelier, as well as dimming switches to find the perfect level of light for the occasion.
The bulbs you choose will certainly tailor the lighting effect, but the light projected by a chandelier will also depend on the number of "arms" the fixture has. More arms will result in more lighting, but fewer arms can add a softer glow that may be more suited to your space. A dimmer can help you control a more powerful light with more arms, which is often a good idea when the fixture is used as the primary light source in a large living room or a space with a cathedral ceiling.