×
Updated: Wed, 26/10/2016
Next time you are adding lighting to a scheme why not ask yourself “if this room could speak what would it say.”
I find this creative prompt especially useful when deciding on a statement piece of lighting that will set the agenda for the whole space – a Chandelier for example. The interior may say ‘wow’ or ‘elegance’, ‘grandeur’ etc.
Of course, not all rooms need a shout out statement. You have the other furnishings to consider too and the general theme of the interior to balance. But if your room wants to make a singular bold declaration – then a focal point in a chandelier is the ideal solution to make your room look incredible.
Crucially, chandeliers are all about the size of the statement.
Too small and it will appear paltry and it will be lost. Too large and they can shout too loud and seem vulgar? Certainly, we need to remember some ground rules in the specifying a lighting focal point, that strikes the correct design tone for the size of space.
For a useful guide we have picked the brains of leading US interior designer Kelly Wearstler who uses chandeliers in most of her high end interior projects. She also designs many of the ceiling lights within the Visual Comfort range which is available through the Orange Lighting website.
As a general rule of thumb, you can add the length and the width of a room together (works best in feet) and convert the result into inches to arrive at the ideal diameter for the feature light.
Example: So for a rough guide, a room is 8m x 5m what diameter pendant/chandelier are we looking for?
8m = approx 26 ft / 5m = 16 ft26 + 16 = 42 ….convert to 42 inches which is approx 1m diameter
The drop downlength is determined by allowing a minimum 12 inches gap overhead height – so seven feet should suffice. Placement over a dining area should permit a metre between the chandeliers lowest edge and the table surface to avoid head butts when serving.
A full four-tiered chandelier may suit the centre of a square Ballroom but do consider the proportions of a room before you specify your decorative centrepiece. In the case of corridors, bathrooms and hallways use a linear fixture that will complement the portions of the room.
Sometimes the desired size of the feature is not practical for the intended interior. Resist dramatic pieces if the fixture is likely to be upstaged by other furnishing or simply if the chandelier is so dramatic it needs a solo performance. Err on the side of ‘over-sizing’ – there is nothing worse than a diminutive chandelier.
Keep in mind the function of the light too. No doubt it is wonderful to waltz under a crystal chandelier that sends shards of prismatic light across the floor; not so ideal to dine under it or to conduct a conference session. Of course, secondary schemes can pick this detail up but bear in mind the type of light that the chandelier emits. Porcelain shades shed a romantic candle light that is ideal for dining, and artificial diffusers can provide a variety of light textures to suit the purpose of the room.
View our Visual Comfort range for design inspiration or call us and we will refer tour wealth of experience to find the perfect statement for your next interior project.
We ask if solar lighting is good enough now for designers to use confidently – with test example garden.
Let lighting design be simpler with the resources of Orange Lighting behind you. Successful design implementation is dependant upon the people around you.
Andrew Orange writes for Darc Magazine 2014, on the incredible material of porcelain that transforms any space by bathing it in a convivial honey like glow
Spare a few moments and learn from a designers top 5 tips on how to improve your kitchen’s lighting.
Learning how to use and choose in-ground uplighters will enhance any lighting scheme. Quick tips on how, where and what to specify for LED in ground uplights.
Trimless recessed LED lighting creates a seamless integration of light within the architecture. Trimless lights explained with tips on installation and uses.