Choosing and Hanging the Right Chandelier

Chandeliers make a welcome addition to a cabin. They warm up a cozy kitchen, and they do a good job of lighting up a roomy log living area. Choosing and installing a chandelier can seem like a daunting task, however. Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to installing the golden glow of a chandelier in your room.

To choose a chandelier, you want to start by picking a style that works for your room. In a cabin or log home, a classic look is a cut metal art chandelier with a wildlife or western theme. Or, if your kitchen has a more country look, a cottage-style chandelier in a white finish would work beautifully.

Once you’ve determined the style you want, choose the size that will work for you. This article recommends adding the room’s length and width and feet and finding a fixture that is the same width in inches. A 12-foot by 12-foot room, for example, would need a chandelier that measures 24” across. That’s a good rule of thumb to follow in making sure you don’t choose a chandelier that’s too small and gets swallowed up in a cabin great room, or a chandelier that overwhelms a small log home kitchen.

Another rule of thumb will help you choose the wattage that will give you enough light. Multiply the length and width of the room in feet, then multiply that number by 1.5 to determine the total wattage you’ll need to provide ample light for tasks. Having an idea of the number of watts you need will be a really good guide as you shop for chandeliers, since you’ll know what will look good in your room ahead of time.

So you’ve found the chandelier of your dreams. It’s the right style, the right size and the right wattage. How do you install it?

This post from This Old House will walk you through the whole process step by step. Make sure you have a helper! This is not a one-person job. And make sure you turn off the electricity to the room before you start. One tip: installing a dimmer switch will give you control over how much light your new chandelier puts out. You can turn it to full strength if you’re using your dining room table for a quilting session, or you can turn it down for a more ambient glow over dinner.

The right lighting makes a big difference in a room, and a chandelier can be both beautiful and functional, giving your room a luxurious look and plenty of light.