How to choose the chandelier

A chandelier is not just an aesthetic accessory – it's the true star of any room! Its presence can instantly draw attention and transform the entire space.

Choosing the right chandelier requires careful consideration of various aspects, from functionality and size to the style that fits your interior. In this article, we'll guide you step by step on how to pick a chandelier that's not only beautiful but also practical.

1. Functionality: How to Ensure Adequate Lighting

Want perfect lighting? Keep a few key factors in mind! The size of the room, ceiling height, and selecting the right bulbs all play an essential role. When everything is balanced, your chandelier will light up the space just the way you envision!

Light Intensity and Hanging Height

Light Intensity: Will the chandelier provide sufficient lighting for the specific room? For a dining room or living room, you'll need more light than in a bedroom, for example. You definitely don't want to be guessing what's on your plate during dinner. Keep in mind that the intensity of the lighting should correspond to the size of the room and the activities that take place there.

Hanging Height: The chandelier should hang high enough not to obstruct movement, but also low enough to properly illuminate the space. The ideal height above a dining table is 75–90 cm from the table's surface. In a living room, the recommended clearance height (the distance from the bottom of the chandelier to the floor) is 220 cm.

Type and Temperature of Light

Type of Light Sources: LED, halogen, or traditional bulb? LED technology is energy-efficient and offers various light color temperatures. Warmer light is suitable for living rooms or bedrooms, creating a cozy atmosphere, while cooler light is ideal for workspaces, promoting concentration.

Light Temperature: The light temperature (measured in Kelvin) influences the ambiance. Warm light (around 2700–3000K) is perfect for relaxation, while cool light (above 5000K) has an energizing effect and is suitable for offices or kitchens.

2. Dimensions: How to Adjust the Chandelier to the Room Size

The right size chandelier is key to a well-balanced interior. A small chandelier can get lost in the room, while one that's too large may overwhelm the space visually. So, how do you find the perfect size?

In general, the chandelier's diameter should be about 1/12th of the room's size. For example, in a room measuring 12 m², the chandelier should have a diameter of around 60 cm. You can also estimate the number of arms and the diameter of the chandelier if it will be the sole source of light. If you plan to use additional lighting, both the number of arms and the chandelier's diameter can be smaller.

Number of Chandelier Arms (Bulbs) ?

Number of Chandelier Arms (Bulbs) = Room Size in m² × Recommended Watts per m² ÷ 40

Why is the calculation divided by 40? This is because 40 watts is the standard output of a classic tungsten light bulb with a small E14 base. However, today, a 40W bulb can be replaced by a 28W halogen bulb or a 4W LED bulb.

Recommended watts per m² by room:

• Living room: 20 W/m²
• Kitchen: 15–20 W/m²
• Kitchen countertop: 30 W/m²
• Bedroom and hallway: 10–15 W/m²

To give you a better idea, let's look at an example:

You have a living room measuring 6×6 m, and you're looking for a suitable chandelier. The room's size is 6×6 m, which equals 36 m². Multiply this by the recommended watts for a living room, which is 20 W. Now, just divide the result by 40. The final result is 18. So, your chandelier should ideally have 18 arms.

Chandelier Diameter

Chandelier diameter in cm = 8 × (room width + room length in meters)

Example: If your living room is 4 meters long and 6 meters wide, the sum of these values is 10. Multiply that by 8, and the ideal chandelier diameter in this case is 80 cm.

If you'd rather not do the calculations yourself, feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to advise you on choosing the perfect chandelier and create a visualization based on your requirements.

3. How to Choose a Chandelier That Fits Your Style

A chandelier is a dominant element that can instantly attract attention and enhance the room's atmosphere. To ensure it fits perfectly into your interior, it's essential that it matches the style and materials already present in the room. Therefore, when choosing a chandelier, focus not only on aesthetics but also on how harmoniously it complements the overall character of the space.

Modern and Urban Interior Style

A modern interior is characterized by minimalism, clean lines, and thoughtfully designed simplicity. In such spaces, chandeliers with elegant, understated designs, often made of metal or glass, are ideal.

Urban style stands out with its playfulness and creativity, offering bold combinations of materials and shapes. The perfect choice could be either traditional crystal chandeliers or modern pieces with daring designs.

Glamour, Country, and Provencal Styles

The glamour and chateau style is the embodiment of luxury and grandeur. Crystal chandeliers are the perfect choice here, elevating the interior to a higher level of sophistication.

The country style brings warmth and comfort to the home. Natural materials like wood and textiles create a cozy atmosphere, where chandeliers are often soft and rustic, enhancing the inviting feel of the space.

Provencal style brings the charm of the French countryside into the home with soft colors and natural materials. For this style, we recommend lighting fixtures with a romantic touch, featuring delicate decorative details, a patina finish, and elegant curves.

Industrial and Scandinavian Styles

Industrial style showcases raw, unrefined materials like metal, concrete, and wood. Chandeliers in this style are inspired by industrial environments, with designs reminiscent of old factory lighting, bringing a strong, bold character to the interior.

Scandinavian style favors natural materials and simple geometric shapes. Smooth glass chandeliers or white metal fixtures fit perfectly into this clean and functional design.

4. Checklist: What Not to Forget When Choosing a Chandelier

To wrap things up, we've prepared a short checklist to help you choose the perfect chandelier:

Does the chandelier provide the right light intensity for your room?
Is the chandelier's size appropriate for the room's dimensions?
Is the hanging height sufficient for comfortable use?
Does the chandelier complement the rest of the furnishings and the overall style of the interior?
Have you considered the materials and light temperature that best suit your needs?

Looking for inspiration? Check out our gallery!

We've curated a carefully selected collection of lighting fixtures placed in various interior styles – from modern minimalist spaces to rustic kitchens, elegant dining rooms, and classic living rooms. Explore how different types of lighting can transform the mood of a room, and let yourself be inspired by combinations that give your home the perfect touch of flair. Whether you prefer timeless designs or an extravagant piece, our gallery will help you find the right style!