Buying the right chandelier for your home dining room

DEAR MI-LING: I need a new chandelier for our dining room. Is there a proper formula for buying the right size? The room is 12 feet by 11½ feet with a 10-foot ceiling.

Thank you. 

Lois

DEAR LOIS: There are a couple of things that you need to take into consideration when selecting your chandelier.

First, to protect your investment, purchase a crystal chandelier or, if you decide on an iron or metal base, choose one that allows you the option of changing out the shades. This will give you more decorating choices during the holiday season and it's not as likely to go out of style so quickly.

I spoke with interior designer Leslie VanDerwiele at the Lifestyles Lighting Center in Edmond, Oklahoma. If you have an 8-foot ceiling, you should drop the light about 30 inches from the bottom of the base of the light to the center of the table. If your ceilings are 10 to 12 feet, you can drop 32 inches from the base to the center of the table,” she said.

That is the rule of thumb. However, I hung my chandelier 42 inches from the base to the table so that I could take advantage of taller center pieces. I like to decorate my table when I'm not utilizing the space because it adds drama to the room. My ceiling is 15 feet tall. If your home is filled with NBA basketball players like Shaquille O'Neal or Yao Ming you might have to make yet another adjustment. Seriously, take into consideration the height of your family. You don't want the light to block out your view of the table or a beautiful painting or mirror. Another point to consider is if the bulbs are shining directly down on the table. You might want to raise the light so you won't get a glare.

Chandeliers are all about ambiance. For task lighting install a couple of canned lights around the perimeter of the room. When your electrician is installing the chandelier have him hang the light from a stud or reinforce the area. And don't forget to add a dimmer switch. To complete the look display a beautiful lamp on a credenza.

Now go out and create your own unique comfort zone!

| More...