Chandeliers can be a tricky part of home decor. Purchasing one that fits the room is just the start; it must also be hung properly to ensure it provides exceptional lighting and is safe for everyone to walk under. If the chandelier is especially large or heavy, it can be dangerous for just one person to hang. This is why it’s important to hire a professional who can safely manage the project.
A chandelier is a multi-armed hanging light fixture that uses a variety of crystal pieces to illuminate the space. It can also be made from wood or metal and may use incandescent, fluorescent, or LED bulbs. A chandelier can be used in any room, but it is most often found in the dining room or living room. It can also be installed in a foyer or other popular area of the house.
One of the biggest challenges when installing a chandelier is to ensure that it is hung at the correct height. It should be high enough to provide adequate lighting, but not so high that people will bump their heads when walking around it. When shopping for a new chandelier, homeowners can consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the proper hanging height.
The chandelier’s chain should be at least three times longer than the hoop that it hangs from. This allows for a gathered appearance that is beautiful and functional. Adding fabric to the hanging wire and chain is another way to dress up a chandelier, and is particularly attractive at holiday times. The sleeve should be approximately six inches wider than the hoop and is easily removed when it’s time to switch to a different holiday look.
Chandelier chains are usually made of brass or copper and are tipped with a silver-plated finish. A silver finish helps to reflect the light better and reduce glare. Other finishes, such as bronze or rust-colored, can be used to create a more rustic look. Chandelier designers can also add colored glass or faceted crystal to the chain for added color and beauty.
Crystal is a type of glass that is a transparent material that can be clear or colored. It was originally made from lead, but now modern manufacturing can achieve the clarity and refraction of crystal without using any lead at all. The most common shape of crystal for a chandelier is a faceted cube. Other shapes include a bobeche, which is a dish-shaped crystal piece designed to catch wax dripping from candles.
It is possible to recycle a chandelier, but it must be disassembled first. The materials can then be reused in a second chandelier or sold at a second-hand store.
