How to choose the ideal chandelier for the room: tips and inspirations

A decorative item that emerged around the 17th century, the chandelier was meant to represent status, as only the nobles and kings had them. Majestic pieces used ostentation as a way to illuminate the grand dining tables. In its initial design, this element consisted of two pieces of wood with end plates, used to prevent candle wax from falling on people.

As revealed by architect Fernanda Sakabe, a partner at SZK Arquitetura, the chandelier has become an item of classic decoration, and can be made with various materials such as crystals, iron, wood, copper or stainless steel. With the possibility of being in almost every room of the house, "the use of the pendant or chandelier can be made in any space, depending on its purpose: lighting, decorating or just creating a special setting," he explains.

How to choose the right chandelier for your room

To define the best use of a chandelier, the architect reveals that it is necessary to think very carefully about the purpose of this lighting object. "Nowadays there are several variations of outstanding lighting, and the chandelier makes up only a small portion of these," he teaches.


If it is on the table, the professional emphasizes the need to think about its total size in relation to the furniture. "A good proportion is that the chandelier is not larger than half the size of the table," he advises. Here are some tips from the architect:

  • Room Size: According to Fernanda, a room with a small size should not use large chandeliers, as it will give the feeling that the environment is smaller than the real one. "Look for delicate and small pendants to cause a feeling of spaciousness in the environment," he advises.
  • Natural lighting: If the environment has good natural light, it is recommended to use the chandelier as a decorative object. "Now, if your environment is darker, with little natural light, invest in warmer color lamps to help brighten the space and ensure the feel of natural sunlight," he teaches.
  • Available budget: As the professional explains, currently the market has varieties and prices for all tastes and pockets. If you have a small budget, look for smaller but quality pendants. If the budget is more generous, it is worth investing in differentiated or designer pieces. "In addition to being unique pieces, the rest of the composition of the environment may be just the complement of this decorative element," he comments.
  • Decorative style of the rest of the environment: Remember: less is more! If your chandelier is large, imposing, invest in a more neutral decor that will not? Fight? with the style and striking presence of your chandelier? warns the architect. By choosing a more discreet piece, it is possible to work the decoration through the furniture and decorative objects that will compose the style of the environment.
  • Ideal installation height: Fernanda explains that the ideal time for its use will depend on the place where it will be installed. If installed on the dining table, it should be at a height of about 75 to 90 cm above the head of the people who will sit at the table. Its width should not be more than half the width of the furniture. If installed in a corner of the room, such as an auxiliary light, the height may vary depending on its function: on a coffee table, it may be 50 cm from the top height. If you have nothing underneath and it is not a walkway, use creativity, there is no rule! Now if the chandelier is used as the central light of the room, it should be at least 1.90 m from the floor?
  • Commercially available models: The pendant models available in the market are endless! With varied shapes, styles and materials, they can cover the most varied decorative styles and budgets?

60 living room chandeliers that will inspire your home decor

Can be installed in rooms of varying sizes, from the smallest to the largest, this decorative item enhances the look, ensuring more charm and style to the environment. Here's a selection of beautiful chandelier rooms and get inspired:

Read also: 72 rooms decorated in different styles to inspire you

1. Chandeliers can match with classic decoration

2. Or contrast by betting on modernity

3. It is possible to choose a material that is already present in the environment

4. Or bet on a new one, enhancing the look

5. Can be used as a highlight in the environment

6. Or as a complementary element

7. The all crystal model adds refinement to the environment

8. Making decoration even more luxurious

9. The use of mirrors in the decoration reflects its beauty.

10But it is not an essential element to highlight the item

11. Available in different models with different materials.

12. Can decorate a room with any decorative style.

13. Able to add a color dot

14. Ensuring a Sober Environment

15. The white model is wildcard, matching different styles

16. The wooden dome chandelier gives the environment a sober look

17. It is worth betting on simpler models without many details

18. Or dare, betting on different shapes, materials and compositions

19. They are beautiful accompanied by a good lighting project

20. Or as a single element to illuminate the space

21. Can add fantastic airs to classic decor

22. Or rusticity to contemporary decor

23. Being able to please those who seek something different

24. Or who doesn't want to escape the classic

25. A bold design makes the environment more beautiful

26. It's worth playing with different sizes

27. Use different formats

28. And merge different shades

29. How about running away from the standard model?

30. The unusual looking chandelier may be the missing element in your room.

31. If the crystal model is your favorite, that's fine too!

32. There are no rules or limits for this decorative item.

33. He doesn't have to match the kitchen chandelier

34. But it may be in harmony with space coatings

35. As the central lighting of the dining table

36. May be accompanied by LED strip on plaster molding

37. Can be positioned right in the center of the table, with

38. Or illuminating the entire room, with oversized size

39. The dome model has been gaining adherents

40. Like chandeliers of abstract shapes and differentiated materials

41. Lovers of classical decoration also have

42. With stylish and pompous options

43. Like those who love a more contemporary look

44. With modern design and unusual materials

45. How about merging different styles in one piece?

46. ​​Or even play with different shapes and materials?

47. Able to change the look of the environment, has a strong presence

48. Even with the simplest and most discreet models

49. Can be used in pairs with two equal models.

50. Or alone, giving style where it's installed

51. When using more than one model, it is possible to play with different formats

52. Or fix them at varying heights

53. Its color may harmonize with objects present in the environment.

54. Or the same material used in the living room furniture

55. Larger sizes are ideal for wider environments.

56. Smaller environments look better with more modest chandeliers

57. If the chandelier has subtle lighting, lamps can help brighten the room

58. Just like the trick of harnessing the natural light in windows

59. Yellow lights give smoother, more relaxed lighting

60. Creating a more cozy and beautiful environment

Another important issue that the architect highlights is the presence of the apparent cable. "Because the chandelier is a type of pendant lamp, we want to have an apparent cable length and should always be installed with space between the item and the ceiling," he concludes.

Regarding care and maintenance, Fernanda explains that the models in crystals require more attention than the others, and should be cleaned with dust mop every 15 days and with cloth once a month. "For other models, it is worth following the manufacturer's guidelines, but in general, a dry cloth or duster are enough to keep the parts as new," he says.

Bedroom Lighting Tips - HGTV (May 2024)


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