02/17/2025
Want to swing from your chandeliers?
1)Hang heights are CRITICAL.
There are suggestions online (use AI) for all placements (over a table, countertops or open space) but ultimately, every fixture and every room has its own story to tell.
Always consider the scale of the room/ceiling/hallway/table/island as it relates to your fixtures. Some companies offer templates. If they do, BUY THEM! If not, you can get creative and use cardboard cut into the size.
2) Help from a friend!
Always get help and have some fun! A friend, or even better, your electrician can hold the fixtures up for you to experience it in the space.
A little movement up, down and to the right and left can have a huge effect.
Make sure the installer leaves extra cord so if you change your mind on the height, there is room to bring the fixture lower.
3) Perspective
All views need to be thoughtfully planned. Will the fixture block a view out a window or across the table? Where does the bottom of the fixture line up?
Walk around the fixture, look at it from underneath, sides, tops before giving the thumbs up to the electrician. Are lightbulbs exposed in a way that will annoy or distract you? For example a fixture over a bed should not have exposed bulbs when you look up at it when you are lying down!
4)Weight
Fixtures can be very heavy. Especially with crystals and metal.
Make sure your ceiling can support the weight of the fixture!
Your contractor can often help modify the ceiling structurally and the electrician can also weigh in. (no pun intended!)
5) Bulbs baby!
There are endless options for bulbs. Understanding the lumens/brightness of a bulb can make or break the experience the fixture creates.
Lumens = brightness
Wattage = power
Read the requirements before you purchase the fixture. Always play by the rules. You do not want a fire or create damage to your fixture to have a brighter light.
Can you use an LED bulb? Is it dimmable? Wattage?
6)Finishes
Looking at the different materials and how they blend with the finishes in the rest of the space is really IMPORTANT.
Buy fixtures that are returnable, check return windows and shipping costs.
No late night purchases!
