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All About Chandeliers

CHANDELIER / MINI CHANDELIER – A multi-arm, decorative, often ornate ceiling light fixture that holds a number of bulbs
 
Merriam Webster defines chandeliers as a branched, often ornate, lighting fixture suspended from a ceiling.
 

The correct chandelier or mini chandelier will transform a room.  Chandeliers can create a gentle cascade of light perfect for a quiet dinner party or shine brightly on a lively family dinner.  And the right chandelier can be an eye-catching focal point, even when it is not lit. From modern and contemporary chandeliers, to traditional mini chandeliers, and everything in between, The Supply House has something for everyone. 

Chandeliers are frequently used in dining rooms and in the foyer but with the new variety of sizes and styles, chandeliers and mini chandeliers are showing up all over the house. The Supply House's extensive line of mini-chandeliers offer the glamorous look of a chandelier over your vanity or desk, in your breakfast nook, as a bed side light. Anywhere you can imagine!

 
The word chandelier is from the old French meaning “candle holder”.   Obviously a lot has changed since then. While the basic form has stayed the same, the advent of electricity has allowed for more creativity in both design and placement. Chandeliers are generally a great source of general illumination. and with the use of a dimmer switch can create just the mood and atmosphere you are looking for.  Whether it be a gentle cascade of light over a romantic dinner party or a bright and lively family dinner. In fact, many chandeliers are also designed with a down light so they also work great as task lighting for activities such as doing homework or paying bills at the table.
  

 
 
Chandeliers are available in a wide variety of styles, from simplemodern chandeliers to more ornate traditional chandeliers.  Manufacturers such as Kichler has more unique styles available such as Arts and Craft, Lodge and Country, Mediterranean and even Tiffany style and Art Glass chandeliers. Today’s chandeliers have moved beyond the functional need of simply providing illumination and have become a beautiful focal point day or night.
 

 
Historically, chandeliers have usually been found in the dining room.  New designs such as mini-chandeliers (Chandelettes from Kichler) and forward thinking design trends have moved the chandelier out of the dining room and into the rest of the house.  These days you can find chandeliers and mini-chandeliers in the foyer, kitchens, bedrooms and even the vanity or bathroom. Of course, today's large great rooms are often highlighted with a beautiful chandelier.  Not content to stay indoors, Kichler also has numerous outdoor chandeliers available as well.  These chandeliers are perfect for the new outdoor living spaces designers are using to expand our homes.
 
Q – How do I determine the proper chandelier width for a foyer?
A – This is pretty easy.  Just add together the length and width dimensions of the foyer area.  What you get is the proper diameter for most any chandelier you’ll need there.

Example:  The area is 12 feet by 16 feet.  Added together this equals 28 feet.  Therefore, the foyer chandelier’s diameter should be approximately 28” in width.

Q – What about the height of the chandelier?
A – This depends on the height of your foyer ceiling.  Always keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least 7 feet from the floor.  That may mean you need a flushmount (mounts directly against the ceiling), a semi-flush (also known as close-to-ceiling fixture, which hangs a few inches below the ceiling) or, if you have a tall ceiling, you may need a 2-tier or 3-tier chandelier.

If there is a window above the front doors, center the chandelier so it can be seen from outside.  If the foyer is extra large, you may also want to include wall sconces in the foyer.  Install them against the wall approximately 60” from the floor, 6 – 8 feet apart.

Q – How do I determine the proper size chandelier for over a dining room table?
A – Here, as in the foyer, the dimensions of the room dictate the width (diameter) of the chandelier.  If that doesn’t appear to fit because of the size of your table, use ½ the table width for the chandelier’s diameter.
The bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than 30 inches above the tabletop.

Q – When should I use a dimmer switch?
A – Although dimmers can be used in every room, we put this question here, because the dining room will be the location of many varying activities.  Intimate dinner party?  Dim the lights.  Children working at the table on their homework?  Bring up the wattage!

Q – Will a chandelier be enough light?
A – Here again, you should make sure the chandelier has enough wattage (Multiply the length times the width of the room.  Then, multiply that number times 1.5.  That gives you the amount of wattage you need to light the room properly for general illumination.
 
Example:  A room is 12 ft. x 16 ft. (12 x 16 = 192).  Then multiply 192 x 1.5 = 288 watts.  That means an 8-light chandelier using 40-watt bulbs would give 320 watts, which is even more light than needed.).
 
If you’re not comfortable with the amount of light, you can add sconces, portable lamps or recessed lights to add more light and ambience.
 
As an authorized distributor, retailer, and sales representative of many manufacturers we can assist you with selecting the perfect chandelier to reflect your style, application, and budget. We also offer online shopping so you may purchase any of our products online directly or from our Northwest Indiana lighting showroom.