How to Choose a Living Room Chandelier in the UK – Buying Guide
Much like with any home interior product, it's easy to pick the one you like the look of. Design is important, but there are a few technical points you should consider as well. Pay special attention to the benefits of different materials and bulb type!
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Choose Materials That Are Both Practical and Appealing
The most common materials you'll come across when browsing chandeliers are glass, metal, plastic and resin. Below, we're going to tell you the benefits of each one so you can find the best light for your space and your budget.
Glass and Acrylic Reflect Light and Create Striking Patterns
Chandeliers made from glass are a classic choice. Light is reflected and passes through the entire fitting, which creates a beautiful visual effect and casts patterns around the room. This is especially true for glass with a crystal finish because it has added lead, so it refracts more light and gives it a greater shine.
Frosted glass is another popular finish that has the benefit of helping to reduce glare. This type of glass is translucent rather than clear, so it will diffuse lightthat could cause discomfort or even eye strain. Look out for this style if you're sensitive to light.
Acrylic is an inexpensive alternative to glass that can have a crystal finish. It's lighter, stronger and more translucent than glass. The material is ideal for chandeliers, as it has less chance of breaking if it falls. It also lets more light through which could result in a brighter room.
Metal and Steel Are Long-Lasting Materials That Can Look Modern or Classic
Many lights have a metal base, typically iron or steel. Metals like these are strong and generally have a higher melting point, which is beneficial for lighting because the heat it generates won't affect the metal.
From an aesthetic perspective, metal chandeliers can be designed in both ultra-modern or traditional styles, with a popular look of late being black powder-coated steel.
Steel is an alloy made from iron that is again a very strong, durable and usually rust-proof material. It's a good choice for a base, as the chandelier will be hardwearing. Look for this material if you don't decorate or move homes often, as it'll last a long time.
Plastic and Resin Can Be Used to Create Decorative Pieces
There's also plastic or resin to consider. Resin is a versatile material that can be moulded to create unique designs that mimic stone and metal. This makes it a particularly good pick for a chandelier with an interesting or artistic shape.
A metal base is sometimes combined with a plastic shade for decorative purposes and to keep costs down. Plus, being made from plastic means a chandelier with be lightweight and, therefore, it'll be easier to put up and less likely to fall down.
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Select a Design Style That Complements Your Room
Chandeliers incorporate many types of design styles, from Art Deco to Sputnik. Find out what each of these styles is so you can choose a chandelier that matches your room decor – or adds something completely new to it!
Classic, Helix and Industrial Designs Look Simple and Minimalistic
The classic chandelier shape with curved, upward-facing arms can be dated back to the 15th century. Although this design has been given lots of modern updates, it still maintains a classic feel. Some will also still complement a minimalistic decor, as the designs are often sleek.
Other lights have an Art Deco design, which has a retro feel but still looks clean and unfussy. This is particularly prominent with the helix light that falls spiralling. These chandeliers often incorporate geometric shapes and lines, which is the main component of 1920's Art Deco.
Industrial designs, of course, are the most minimalistic with a modern vibe. This style also incorporates many unique shapes – some taking inspiration from Art Deco – which is ideal if you want a simple yet quirky design. These chandeliers will look particularly good in lofts or apartments.
If You Want Something Impressive or Unusual Look For Antler, Sputnik and Pendant Designs
Looking for something that stands out? You could opt for an antler chandelier, which, as the name suggests, has deer antlers winding up from its base that result in a modern yet rustic feel – perfect for a farmhouse living room or a space with a boho feel.
With multiple arms that resemble the Sputnik satellite of their namesake,Sputnik chandeliers are iconic and have a space-age, futuristic look. These are a great choice if you want to perk up a plain living room with something unusual.
If you'd like a classic design that's a little more flashy, opt for a pendant chandelier with a luxurious look. The style originated around the 19th century in France and can be seen in places like the Palace of Versailles. Therefore, it's associated with old-fashioned grandeur, and best for big spaces with a luxurious feel.
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Pay Attention to Drop Measurement so the Light Fits Your Space
Bumping your head on the chandelier when you walk underneath it is a real possibility if you don't pay attention to the drop! Listed in centimetres and spanning a range anywhere from 24 to over 200 cm, this measurementtells you how low the chandelier will hang.
Don't despair if you have a low ceiling, though. Most chandeliers (including the ones in our ranking) have an adjustable length. You'll be able to alter the rope to get the light to hang at a comfortable height.
Just remember to pay attention to the smallest drop listed – if it's available. This information will tell you the minimum length it can hang at based on the size of the chandelier, so you can check if it'll fit your space. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings, you'll want the longest drop possible.
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Consider a High Energy Efficiency Rating to Save Money
Like most lighting, chandeliers can come with an energy rating, which shows the efficiency of compatible bulbs. This is based on how much energy the product uses, and the higher the rating the product has, the better it is at saving energy.A+++ is the best it can be, while G is the lowest.
Energy-efficient products are better for the environment, as they help to cut our carbon footprint. The less energy we use, the fewer carbon emissions will be pumped into the atmosphere, making the world a better place for the future. Not to mention that it will also save you money!
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Pay Attention to the Number of Lights and Bulb Base
Sadly, most chandeliers don't come with bulbs, so work out how many bulbs you need and their base typebefore or while you place your order. E14 and E27 are the most common base types for chandeliers, although some require G9 or E12.
Some chandeliers docome with a reducer ring, which allows them to fit a range of common bulb bases. This will be particularly handy if you've already got a stash of bulbs to use up, or you want to experiment with different bulbs to get the lighting just right.
