Chandeliers refer to the ornate style of
light fixtures found in formal dining rooms
and entry halls. Their elegant, lacy sparkle
can beautiful the simplest of room. Because
chandeliers hang several feet below the ceiling,
they should only be used in rooms with high
ceilings or over tables.
Chandeliers are generally comprised
of many
small bulbs and a generous array
of sparkling
crystal arranged on or hanging
from the arms
that extend from the center piece.
Various
metals can be used for the arms,
the hanging
structure, and the finial --
brass, bronze,
iron, and polished aluminum are
just a few.
When buying a chandelier, here
are a few
tips to consider:
- chandeliers should provide an even glow to
the room, not harsh illumination. Remember,
that originally candles were used, and your
modern chandelier should mimic that glow.
- the individual lights should not be so bright
as to discourage looking at the chandelier.
Bright bulbs should be frosted or encased
in a shade or fixture to avoid direct exposure.
- make sure the ceiling attachment point has
sufficient bracing to support the weight
of the chandelier. Large crystal chandeliers
can be very heavy.
Buying a chandelier with multiple light settings
or installing the chandelier on a dimmer switch is a good way to conserve energy when the
full brightness is not needed. |
