Chandeliers by GLOBO Lighting
A chandelier forms the centrepiece of a room, whether above the dining table or in the living area. Its effect comes from light and material. Crystals refract the light and cast small reflections onto the ceiling and walls, while metal and glass give it elegance and an atmosphere of its own. Whether the light suits the room in the long run depends above all on its size and hanging height.
What is the difference between a chandelier and an ordinary hanging light?
A chandelier is a multi-armed hanging light, often with glass or crystal decoration. With a simple light, the light itself is the focus; with a chandelier, it is the design. It is a light source and a piece of furnishing at the same time.
What types of chandeliers are there?
The range extends from classic to modern. Which chandelier suits you depends on your interior style:
- Classic chandeliers have several arms, and their curved arms are reminiscent of candles. They come with rich crystal drops and many ornaments. They suit period buildings and a traditional interior.
- Modern chandeliers rely on clear lines and open metal shapes in gold, brass, silver or chrome. In contemporary living styles, they bring calm elegance.
- Chandeliers with hanging elements made of glass or in a crystal look combine both styles: the shape is reduced, the sparkle remains.
For all styles: a chandelier with lampshades gives softer, subdued light, while an open model without shades shines brighter and more directly.
What size should a chandelier be?
The size depends on the room. A chandelier that is too small looks lost, one that is too large overwhelms the room. As a rule of thumb, add the length and width of the room in metres and read the result as a diameter in decimetres. A living room of 5 by 4 metres can take a chandelier of about 90 cm in diameter.
A separate rule applies above the dining table: the diameter should be smaller than the narrow side of the table. For a table 100 cm wide, choose a chandelier under 100 cm. Long tables suit oval or elongated chandeliers that follow the shape of the table. With a low ceiling, flat models are the better choice so that the room does not feel oppressive.
How high should a chandelier hang?
The hanging height depends on whether someone sits or walks beneath the light. At the dining table, a distance of about 60 to 80 centimetres between the tabletop and the lower edge has proven effective. This keeps the view across the table clear, and the light arrives where it is needed. Freely in the room or in the hallway, the lower edge should be at least 2.10 metres above the floor. In high period rooms, the light may hang lower and structure the room visually. The overall height is given in the product information, so compare it with your ceiling height. If the suspension is too long, you can shorten it by concealing part of the cable in the suspension. It can only be lengthened by a qualified electrician who extends the cable properly.
How many lights does a chandelier need?
The number of light points determines brightness and light output. For small rooms or a cosy mood, chandeliers with three to five lights are enough. Larger living spaces and the dining area need more light for good illumination, where chandeliers with six to twelve lights make sense. If the furnishings are dark, the light can be more lavish and multi-light, because dark surfaces reflect less.
Which bulbs are suitable for chandeliers?
Chandeliers once burned candles, later light bulbs. Today LED is the usual choice. Unlike light bulbs, LEDs hardly get warm and have a long service life. They are available in various light colours. For living rooms and dining rooms, warm white light around 3,000 Kelvin is recommended, which creates a homely atmosphere. Cool white light colours feel more functional. Which colour temperature suits which room is explained in our guide Colour temperature and light colour.
Depending on the model, our chandeliers have an E14, E27 or G9 socket. Whether the light is dimmable depends on the bulb. With a dimmable bulb, it can be controlled with a dimmer; a non-dimmable one flickers. For built-in LEDs, the information is in the product data. Some lights can be controlled with a radio remote control. For choosing the right lamp, you will find the details with each model. LEDs are also available as smart lights, which lets you integrate your chandelier into your smart home.
Does a chandelier always have to be made of crystal?
No. Crystal refracts light the most and creates the typical sparkle. Several of our chandeliers carry K9 crystal or glass crystal drops; you will find a selection under Crystal lights. We explain the difference between K5 and K9 quality in a separate article. Glass prisms are just as effective. A metal frame can also look like a sculpture. Choose material and colour to match your style of living.
Where does a chandelier look best?
In the living area, it often hangs above the table and becomes the eye-catcher there. In the dining room, the table is the classic place. In the living room, it provides general light and atmosphere, in the bedroom calm, warm white light. You will find more lights for the dining area under Living & dining room.
With a low ceiling or if you prefer a simpler lamp, a pendant light is the alternative. For light that covers a wide area, a ceiling light is suitable.
How do you clean a chandelier properly?
Dust and dirt reduce shine and light output. Regular cleaning maintains the effect of your chandelier. Switch the light off beforehand:
- First let the bulbs cool down and unscrew them if necessary.
- Wipe glass and metal with a soft, dry cloth.
- Treat crystals with a slightly damp cloth or a crystal cleaning spray. Remove delicate hanging elements individually for this.
- Let everything dry thoroughly before you switch the chandelier on again.
A thorough clean once or twice a year is usually enough.