Chandeliers have a long history of gracing some of the world’s most breathtaking homes. Chandeliers are a decorating delight, but they can be a wonderful investment, too. Many famous artists create chandeliers that are really works of art, and investing in them is just the same as investing in a piece of artwork for the walls of your home. Here’s what to look for when you invest in a chandelier.
How to select the right chandelier
Chanelier placement: Usually, chandeliers hang over tables, but they also may be the focal point for a dramatic entryway or just about any room in the house.
Jubilee Light Waterfall Chandelier $318
Double check the height of the chandelier: Make sure to hang the chandelier at the proper height, especially if it’s above a table. Too low, and your guests could hit their heads as they sit down, and too high won’t allow the proper lighting for your table.
Be aware of glare: If it’s an extremely bright chandelier, you may have to hang it higher so you don’t have glare on the table. If you do have a lot of glare and you can add small shades to the chandelier, put them on to diffuse the glare.
$2,298
Chandeliers might not light an entire room: If you’re lighting a large room with your chandelier, don’t expect it to provide all the light, it might be too bright and distracting. Instead, choose a less substantial chandelier and supplement it with other light fixtures throughout the room.
Match the chandelier’s style with the rest of the room: Pick a chandelier with timeless style so it won’t look outdated, and make sure it matches the decor of the rest of the room. A very formal crystal chandelier in a comfortable den will look out of place with the rest of the furnishings.
Pottery Barn Camilla 3-Arm Chandelier, $199 (potterybarn.com)
Chandelier cleaning: Make sure you ask about cleaning your chandelier; some types of chandeliers require special cleaning supplies to keep them looking their best, and you should be able to find them at your local lighting shop.
Custom designed chandeliers
Once you know what kind of chandelier you want for your room, you can commission an artist to create it for you.
How to pick an artist to create your chandelier: Look for an artist who is used to working with the materials you choose for your chandelier (for example, if you want a glass chandelier, choose an artist who works with glass and whose style you admire).
from artist Hans van Bentem, prices vary
Chandeliers make wonderful custom design elements: They can custom design a piece that will fit into your home perfectly, and a well-designed piece can even add to the value of your home when you decide to sell. Chandeliers are wonderful design options that add a touch of style to your home, and with today’s decor, you can find a chandelier to fit in any room, from shabby chic to tasteful elegance.
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