Chandeliers have been rightfully considered the most popular type of lighting fixtures used in the interior of residential premises for more than one century. However, the question of how to choose a chandelier can confuse any owner of the house, because the assortment presented in stores is too extensive. Therefore, you should know the criteria for choosing such fixtures for certain types of premises.
Classification of lamps and chandeliers
There are a large number of chandeliers on sale, made in different styles, colors and shapes. To understand which chandelier to choose, you should know their classification.
Views by construction type:
- Suspended, which are attached to a hook on the ceiling with a chain or string, the attachment point is decorated with a plate. The length of the cord can be changed at the request of the owners, the material used is varied (textiles, metal, glass, crystal, wood, etc.). Suspended lamps are single and multi-plafond, single and multi-level, with different directionsplafonds, which is convenient and comfortable for the eyes. If the ceiling coating is glossy, then it is better to choose ceiling lamps with a downward direction, there are also models with adjustable direction of ceiling lamps in different directions using spots.
- Ceiling lamp design, in which the chandelier is attached to the ceiling with a bar or "plate". Such models are made of one or more segments, and the shades are made of plastic or glass (the more transparent they are, the brighter the room). To enhance the amount of light, some chandeliers are equipped with reflectors like a mirror. Those who want to choose a ceiling chandelier should be aware of its drawback: the need to remove the shade to replace the light bulb.
Types of lighting in a chandelier
Modern chandeliers use different types of light sources:
- Incandescent bulbs - emit a comfortable warm light, but have low efficiency, burn out quickly and require frequent replacement.
- Energy-saving lamps - have a long service life. Available in 2 versions (cold and warm light).
- Halogen - bright and durable, energy efficient, directional light.
- Fluorescent - give a bright, but cold white light (it can tire the eyes), designs are often presented in the form of tube lamps or with a base. For those who decide how to choose a chandelier for the kitchen, this option is preferable.
- LED - small, light sources, give bright light of any shade, almost do not heat up, but are much more expensive than other models.
Criteria for choosing a chandelier in a room
Before you decide which chandelier to choose, you should consider the main criteria:
- appointment of the room (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.);
- room size, ceiling height;
- room shape (square, L-shaped, elongated);
- interior style and colors;
- additional light sources (table lamps, fireplace, sconces, floor lamps);
- maximum wiring capacity and power consumption;
- cartridge features.
Experts recommend not experimenting with colored chandeliers that emit light in a certain light range. Such lamps can change not only the color of the ceiling and walls, but also wallpaper, furniture, which will worsen the impression of the interior of the room. Main colors used: beige, white, steel.
Power selection
One of the most important indicators of a lamp when deciding which chandelier to choose in a room is its power. Lighting that is too bright affects the eyes and makes the people in the room more fatigued, while dim light contributes to drowsiness and does not look very attractive. Therefore, the choice of the power of the lamps and their number in the chandelier is an important issue.
Standard luminaire power is selected based on the calculation of 15 W per 1 m² of room area, which is relevant when using conventional incandescent lamps. LED lighting has a higher efficiency, so the calculation should be carried out from the norm of 1.5 kW / m². For a 20 m² living roomthe chandelier is set with a total power of 300 watts when using incandescent lamps and 30 watts for LEDs. For the kitchen, 120-150 kW is usually enough, for the bathroom - 100.
In a spacious room, experts recommend using a power switch or turning on the required number of bulbs.
Ceiling height and dimensions
The next important factor in how to choose the right chandelier for a room depends on the height of the room. Luminaire designs located just under the ceiling are ceiling chandeliers mounted on a rod, or of the "plate" type. At a low height, this type should be chosen, because a bulky design will greatly overload the interior and optically reduce the space in the room.
The second type of design is classic lamps suspended on a chain or a long base. They are used only for rooms with high ceilings (at least 3 m) and are ideal for decorating a living room, halls, and less often for a kitchen-studio.
The dimensions of the chandelier are also selected in such a way that they are combined with the space of the room. The color of the lamp or shades is selected based on the overall color scheme in the interior of the room.
Room styles and chandelier selection
When choosing a chandelier and other fixtures in the room, you should mainly stick to the general design style. There are many models on sale, made in classic and modern directions, ranging from Provence to high-tech styles andmodern.
Classification of chandeliers by style looks something like this:
- Classic - lamps have grace and an abundance of pendants and decor, contribute to the creation of a solemn atmosphere in the room, therefore, when deciding which chandelier to choose in the hall, they most often stop at crystal structures that can create fantastic play of light.
- Floral style is represented by models decorated with floral motifs (stems, leaves, flower-shaped shades, ornaments, etc.). It is made of forged or other elements, with lamps in the form of candles.
- In modern style, glass lamps are preferred, which have an original shape and perfectly complement a modern interior, as well as non-standard shaped chandeliers with an original design and complex decorative composition in a minimalist style, strict geometric shapes.
- Japanese style is a trendy modern trend. These lamps are distinguished by regular lines and strict decor, the material used is vegetable (bamboo, wood, rice paper).
- Vintage - antique styling. Lamps are used from metal, glass or crystal, they are distinguished by complex patterns and intricate shapes of the fittings used, the use of non-traditional forms (polygons, dome-cells, etc.). Plafonds use laconic, but with colored glass inserts.
- Eco-style is a modern trend that requires a harmonious combination with the interior of the room. Luminaire designs are made of wood (or imitation wood),decorated with natural elements (cones, straw, leaves, feathers, animal horns), look perfect in country and Provence style design.
- Eclecticism is a direction with an emphasis on external effect. Such lamps are made in several floors and in different styles.
Chandelier in the living room and hall
In a room for receiving guests, friends and family events, lighting is an important criterion. When deciding how to choose a chandelier for the living room, a mistake is often made when too bright and solemn light can overshadow the design of the room. The main rule in such a room is that the chandelier and other lamps should be in harmony with each other and fit into the size of the room.
When choosing a lamp in a living room with a high ceiling, multi-tiered and pomposity, a lot of forged and hanging elements, decoration with patterns or rhinestones are welcome. With a low ceiling location, ceiling structures are preferable, in which elegance is created through original design and beautiful decor.
To correctly decide which chandelier to choose in the hall, you should follow certain rules:
- Lights should match the overall design of the room.
- The size of the chandelier is selected based on the size of the room, according to the formula: width + length (m) at a 10-fold increase will be the diameter of the chandelier in cm.
- The lamp should harmoniously fit into the color scheme of the interior, with excessive brightness it will distract attention.
- In the living room likeas a rule, experts advise hanging a fairly massive chandelier, in which there are 5-6 lamps that can be turned on in groups or together.
- Experiments are welcome.
Bedroom chandelier
This room is designed for relaxation and sleep, so the lighting should be soft, warm and not irritate the eyes. Modern models of bedroom lamps and chandeliers are usually made in simple forms from traditional materials: crystal, glass, plastic, bronze, chromed metal or wood.
Lamps should match the style of the bed and bedspread, cornices and curtains. The color scheme is represented by calm halftones. Designers advise buying lamps for the bedroom as a set, which includes: a ceiling chandelier, wall sconces or bedside lamps. Such a set can be chosen for any interior, both classic and modern.
Deciding which chandelier to choose in the bedroom, expert advice will help:
- The most common option is to use the classic style with lamps in the form of candles, and lamps with paper shades are also popular.
- Another option is a chandelier with a beautiful lampshade (made of fabric or paper) that will absorb some of the light and give a subdued light.
- The number of lamps in the chandelier is no more than 2-3, since a lot of light is not needed here.
- For ease of switching on, it is recommended to provide the function of regulating several lighting modes, and the remote control will help you choose them withoutgetting out of bed.
- In addition to the main chandelier, other light sources should also be installed: a sconce near the bed, a floor lamp in the corner, etc.
- In the bedroom, it is appropriate to use shades of colored or frosted glass, which with their soft light will create an atmosphere of intimacy and relaxation.
- A chandelier that is too low or too massive will visually underestimate the height of the room, so such models can only be used for a spacious bedroom with a high ceiling.
Lamps in the kitchen
When deciding which chandelier to choose for the kitchen, it should be borne in mind that in this room the lighting should be in different places (above the stove, above the table for eating, above the cutting surface and cabinets), that is, sources light should be dispersed throughout the space. You should also take into account the high humidity in the room, in which particles of fat or soot can fall on any household appliances and fixtures, including.
The main criteria for the kitchen are practicality and ease of maintenance, so designs with curly elements where dirt can accumulate are not suitable here, just like fabric lampshades.
The average total light power in the kitchen is 120-150 watts. The shape and design of the chandelier are matched to the style of the interior. For the classics, a lamp made of colored or transparent white glass with pendants, or crystal ones, is suitable. You can also hang an ordinary chandelier with fabric shades, but it should be located away from the cooking area, otherwise the shades willbecome dirty and lose their outward beauty.
In the interior in a modern style, experts advise to stay on the designer design, decorated with elegant cylindrical, spherical or cone-shaped shapes. Deciding which chandelier to choose for the kitchen (you can see a photo of such lamps in the article), made in the Italian style, is quite simple - a forged design with candle lamps will look perfect. When choosing a Japanese direction, lamps in the form of lanterns or wood are relevant.
Lamps for children's room
A baby's room is a separate space in which parents strive to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. When deciding which chandelier to choose in a children's room, one should take into account the criterion of its safety. The materials from which it is made must be hypoallergenic, mostly natural and of high quality.
Manufacturers produce special models for children, brighter and more original, which can only be installed in the nursery. Most often, they use models made of colored plastic or textiles, decorated with multi-colored shades or drawings with fairy-tale characters. If you hang a lamp with glass or crystal fragments, then the child can accidentally break them and get hurt. Also, for safety reasons, it is not recommended to place the chandelier directly above the children's bed.
When choosing the design of the lamp, one should proceed from the general color scheme of the room. Experts advise using a bright and interesting design for children.or neutral. For girls, lampshades with painted princesses, cartoon characters are used, for boys - with cars, bears, etc.
There are a lot of interesting and original design chandeliers on sale, made in the shape of the sun, airplane, flowers, boats, kites.
Which chandelier to choose for a stretch ceiling
When installing lighting fixtures on a stretch ceiling, one should take into account the material of its decoration, which can deteriorate or deform due to its proximity to the light source. The main rule is such a structure of the body of the chandelier, which provides the necessary thermal insulation. This will help keep the ceiling from heating up.
In addition, due to the use of synthetic material on the ceiling, the luminaire must have a certain design and arrangement of shades. PVC film does not withstand heating above +60 °C, if this level is exceeded, it may ugly deformation or burn through.
We offer some tips on which chandelier to choose for a stretch ceiling:
- The stream of light should be directed away from the ceiling.
- It is recommended to use closed models, in which the light is directed to the sides or down.
- When installing the lamp, you need to make a distance from the ceiling to the lamps so that the plastic does not heat up.
- Massive and complex structures in a room with a stretch ceiling will make it visually lower (this does not apply to ceilings with a height of more than 3 m).
- Part of the suspension length forchandeliers will be hidden under the coating, which must be considered when buying.
When choosing a chandelier, you should be aware that structures with an overlay panel, which are usually attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws, cannot be placed on a stretch ceiling. Therefore, only the hanging option is suitable.
The following types of lamps are well suited for such a chandelier:
- energy-saving, which do not heat up and can be located at a short distance from the PVC sheet;
- LED - have high efficiency and do not heat up, emit a luminous flux directed into one hemisphere.
When deciding how to choose an LED chandelier, you should know that, according to experts, the most practical are low-voltage lamps that require the installation of a special power supply, but it cannot be mounted in an empty space above the ceiling panel due to possible overheating.
Chandeliers with incandescent and halogen lamps are allowed to be hung in such a way that the distance from the horn is at least 30-40 cm to the ceiling (with lamp power not exceeding 60 W).
Designer Secrets
When asked which chandelier to choose for a stretch ceiling, you should consider some rules and recommendations from experienced designers:
- The size of the luminaire should be chosen so that the beauty of the ceiling is not lost or overshadowed by a large, stacked or cascading design.
- If the PVC fabric has light shades, then the chandelier is chosen in a contrasting color.
- Great on a black stretch ceilinglooks like a snow-white chandelier or made to look like metal.
- Combining a glossy panel with a lamp of an original and bizarre shape creates a unique reflective effect.
- Against a glossy ceiling, the lamp can create unwanted glare, which is not always appropriate in a room where a cozy atmosphere is needed (bedroom, children's room).
- When installing a chandelier with many low wattage bulbs, the reflection will create a depth effect and double the number of light sources.
- For stretch ceilings do not use shades with reflection or prisms.
- You should think in advance about the possible reflection of the wrong side of the shades, which can be reflected ugly on the mirror surface of PVC.
When deciding how to choose a chandelier for a stretch ceiling, it is better to contact specialists when buying or look at a ready-made catalog of special designs for this type of ceiling covering. They provide images of already installed fixtures in the interior of the room.
Designers' recommendations on how to choose a chandelier for various rooms in the apartment will allow each homeowner to choose options and models of lamps, based not only on personal preferences, but also taking into account the advice of professionals. This will help to fabulously transform any room and get a lot of pleasure from a pleasant atmosphere and comfort with the help of light.
