Buying guide: Chandeliers

Location scouting
Chandeliers look great in almost any room. Keep in mind that if you have ceilings under nine feet tall, however, a chandelier may make them appear low. You might want to consider a pair of ornate wall sconces with chandelier-inspired crystal drops and filigreed metal work instead.

If you must hang a chandelier in a room with a less-than-lofty ceiling height, hang it high enough that it doesn’t become a safety issue (no bumped heads, please!), and if possible, mount it over a table so it doesn’t impede foot traffic.

Moisture can be an enemy to wiring and electrical systems. So if you’re in the market for a bathroom chandelier, a good rule of thumb is, if it's going within six feet of the tub or shower, only buy a model rated for "wet" or "shower location" use.

Crystals
The crystal pendants or drops on a chandelier can be replaced if chipped or missing. If you want to add some colour, try pink, topaz or pale blue accent crystals, especially in a child's room or nursery.

"Crystals" are usually made of glass, or, in more expensive pieces, lead crystal. Acrylic is another material, but less desirable as it often has a very "plastic" appearance.

Maintenance
You'll have to clean your chandelier about once a season to remove dust (and oil residue in the case of a kitchen chandelier). Keep this in mind when shopping. The more intricate the crystal swags and drops, the more painstaking your cleaning will be!

Image courtesy of Restoration Hardware

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