For several centuries, chandeliers have rightfully been considered the most popular type of lighting devices that are used in the interior of residential premises. 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 selection criteria for such lamps for certain types of rooms.
Classification of fixtures and chandeliers
On sale there are a large number of chandeliers made in different styles, colors and shapes. To understand which chandelier to choose, you should know their classification.
Types by type of construction:
- Hanging, which are attached to the hook on the ceiling with a chain or string, the mounting location is decorated with a die. The length of the cord can be changed at the request of the owners, the material used is diverse (textiles, metal, glass, crystal, wood, etc.). Pendant lights are single and multi-lantern, single and multi-level, with different directions of the lights, which is convenient and comfortable for the eyes. If the ceiling is glossy, it is better to choose the ceiling with a downward direction, there are models with adjustable direction of the ceiling in different directions with the help of spots.
- The ceiling design of the lamp, in which the chandelier is attached to the ceiling with a bracket or "plate". Such models are made of one or more segments, and the plafonds are made of plastic or glass (the greater their transparency, the brighter the room). To amplify the amount of light, some chandeliers are equipped with reflectors like mirrors. Those who want to choose a ceiling chandelier should know its drawback: the need to remove the ceiling to replace the light bulb.
Types of lighting in the chandelier
In modern chandeliers, various types of light sources are used:
- Incandescent lamps - emit a comfortable warm light, but have low efficiency, quickly burn out and require frequent replacement.
- Energy-saving lamps - have a long service life. There are 2 options (cold and warm light).
- Halogen - bright and durable, energy-saving, give directional light.
- Luminescent - give a bright but cold white light (it can bore 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 lighting of any shade, hardly heat up, but much more expensive than other models.
Criteria for choosing a chandelier in a room
Before deciding which chandelier to choose, the main criteria should be considered:
- the purpose 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 power and power consumption;
- cartridge features.
Experts recommend not experimenting with colored chandeliers that emit lighting 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. The 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. Too bright lighting negatively affects the eyes and increases the fatigue of people in the room, and 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.
As a standard, the luminaire power is selected based on the calculation of 15 W per 1 m² of room area, which is important when using conventional incandescent lamps. LED lighting has a higher coefficient of efficiency, so the calculation should be carried out from the norm of 1.5 kW / m². For a living room of 20 m², the chandelier is placed with a total power of 300 W when using incandescent lamps and 30 W for LEDs. 120-150 kW are usually enough for a kitchen, 100 for a bathroom.
In a spacious room, experts recommend using a power switch or turning on the right amount of light bulbs.
Ceiling Height and Dimensions
The next important factor on how to choose the right chandelier in the room depends on the height of the room. The designs of the luminaires located under the very ceiling are ceiling chandeliers fixed to a bar, or of a “plate” type. At a low height, this kind of view should be chosen, because the bulky design will greatly overload the interior and optically reduce the space in the room.
The second type of design is classic fixtures 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 the living room, halls, less often - for the kitchen studio.
The dimensions of the chandelier are also selected so 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.
Styles in the design of the room and the selection of the chandelier
When choosing a chandelier and other lamps in the room, you should adhere mainly to the general design style. On sale are many models made in classic and modern directions, from Provence to hi-tech and modern.
The style classification of chandeliers 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 on which chandelier to choose in the room, they most often stop at crystal structures that can create fantastic overflows of light.
- The 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 Art Nouveau glass versions of fixtures are preferred, which have an original shape and perfectly complement the modern interior, as well as custom-shaped chandeliers with an original design and a complex decorative composition in a minimalist style, with strict geometric shapes.
- Japanese style is a trendy modern trend. These lamps are distinguished by the correct lines and strict decor, the material used is vegetable (bamboo, wood, rice paper).
- Vintage - antique stylization. Lamps are used from metal, glass or crystal, they are distinguished by complex patterns and intricate forms of fittings used, the use of non-traditional forms (polygons, dome-cells, etc.). Plafonds use concise, but with colored glass inserts.
- Eco-style is a modern direction that requires a harmonious combination with the interior of the room. The designs of the lamps are made of wood (or imitation under it), decorated with natural elements (cones, straw, leaves, feathers, animal horns), look perfect in the design of country style and Provence.
- Eclecticism is a direction with a focus on the external effect. Such lamps are made in several floors and in different styles.
Chandelier in the living room and hall
In a room for hosting guests, friends, and family events, lighting is an important criterion. When deciding on how to choose a chandelier in the living room, very often they make a mistake when too bright and solemn light can overshadow the design of the room. The main rule in such a room is that a chandelier and other lamps should be harmoniously combined 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 pompous, a lot of forged and hanging elements, decoration with patterns or rhinestones are welcome. With a low ceiling location, ceiling structures are preferred, in which the elegance is created due to the original design and beautiful decor.
To correctly decide which chandelier to choose in the hall, you should adhere to certain rules:
- Lamps must be combined in style with 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) in 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, as a rule, experts advise hanging a chandelier massive enough, in which there are 5-6 lamps that can be turned on in groups or together.
- Experiments are welcome.
Chandelier for the bedroom
This room is intended for rest and sleep, so the lighting should be soft, warm and not irritate the eyes. Modern models of lamps and chandeliers for the bedroom are usually made in simple forms from traditional materials: crystal, glass, plastic, bronze, chromed metal or wood.
Lamps should be combined in style with a bed and a bedspread, cornices and curtains. The color scheme is represented by calm halftones. Designers advise the bedroom to purchase lamps in the kit, which includes: a ceiling chandelier, wall sconces or lamps on the bedside tables. Such a kit can be selected for any interior, both classic and modern.
To decide 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, as well as popular lamps with paper lampshade.
- Another option is a chandelier with a beautiful lampshade (made of fabric or paper), which will absorb part of the light flux and give dim lighting.
- The number of lamps in the chandelier is no more than 2-3, since it does not need a lot of light.
- For convenience of inclusion, it is recommended to provide a function for regulating several lighting modes, and a remote control will help them to choose without getting 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 low or too massive chandelier will visually lower the height of the room, so these 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, the light sources should be dispersed throughout the whole space. You should also take into account the increased humidity in the room, in which particles of grease or soot can fall on any household appliances and lamps, including.
The main criteria for the kitchen are practicality and ease of maintenance, therefore designs with curly elements where dirt can accumulate will not work here, just like fabric lampshades.
The total light power on average in the kitchen is 120-150 watts. The shape and design of the chandelier are matched to the style of the interior. For classics, a lamp made of colored or transparent white glass with pendants, you can crystal. You can also hang a regular chandelier with fabric shades, however, it should be located away from the place of cooking, otherwise the shades will become dirty and lose their external beauty.
In the interior in a modern style, experts advise staying on a design structure decorated with graceful cylindrical, spherical or conical shapes. Deciding which chandelier to choose for the kitchen (the photo of such lamps you can see in the article) made in the Italian style is quite simple - the forged design with candle lamps will look perfect. When choosing the Japanese direction, fixtures in the form of flashlights or from wood are relevant.
Lamps for a nursery
A room for a child is a separate space in which parents strive to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. When deciding what to choose a chandelier in a nursery, the criterion of its safety should be taken into account. The materials from which it is made must be hypoallergenic, mainly 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 textile, decorated with colorful shades or drawings with fairy-tale characters. If you hang a lamp with glass or crystal fragments, the child may accidentally break them and injure themselves. Also, for safety reasons, it is not recommended to place the chandelier directly above the crib.
When choosing the design of the lamp should proceed from the overall 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.
On sale are many chandeliers of an interesting and original design, made in the form of the sun, plane, flowers, boats, kites.
What 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 may deteriorate or deform due to its proximity to the light source. The main rule is such a structure of the chandelier body, in which the necessary thermal insulation is provided. This will help to eliminate the heating of the ceiling.
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 can be ugly or burn out.
We offer some tips on which chandelier to choose for a stretch ceiling:
- The flow 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, it is necessary 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 length of the suspension for the chandelier will be hidden under the cover, which must be considered when buying.
When choosing a chandelier, you should know that it is impossible to put structures with a patch panel on the stretch ceiling, which are usually attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws. 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 small distance from the PVC sheet;
- LED - have high efficiency and do not heat up, emit a luminous flux directed in one hemisphere.
When deciding how to choose an LED chandelier, one should know that, according to experts, low-voltage lamps that require the installation of a special power supply are most practical, but it cannot be mounted in an empty space above the ceiling panel due to possible overheating.
It is allowed to suspend chandeliers with incandescent and halogen lamps so that the distance from the horn is at least 30-40 cm to the ceiling (with lamp power not higher than 60 W).
Design Secrets
When asked which chandelier to choose for a stretch ceiling, some rules and recommendations of experienced designers should be considered:
- The size of the lamp should be chosen so that the beauty of the ceiling does not go away and is not overshadowed by a large, multi-tiered or cascading design.
- If the PVC fabric has light shades, then the chandelier is chosen in a contrasting color.
- On a black stretch ceiling, a snow-white chandelier or made in metal looks great.
- When combining a glossy panel with a lamp of an original and bizarre shape, a unique reflective effect is created.
- Against the background of 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-power bulbs, reflection will contribute to creating an in-depth effect and double the number of light sources.
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