Chandelier for the house: types and features, how to choose

Chandelier is designed not only to create diffused or directed light. It is an important element of design in the room. The room, where a chandelier is installed, has a completely different look.

A chandelier has an uncomplicated design. It consists of a decorative base, which hides the fixing of wires and is mounted at the junction with the ceiling. Also among the components should be distinguished frame, lamp socket and plafond, scattering or directing light.

Chandelier can be equipped with a remote for remote switching, motion sensors and rotating mechanisms. This increases the comfort of using the lighting fixture.

Types of chandeliers

Chandeliers are differentiated by the method of attachment:

• Hanging or hooked. Suspend on a hook, which is located on the ceiling (in the overlap). The shades are located on rods or chains and hang down freely. Hook chandeliers are suitable for rooms with high ceilings.
• Ceiling or surface-mounted. These are firmly mounted to the ceiling on a special bar. Often, the shades can be rotated. Overhead chandeliers are suitable for rooms with low ceilings.

In the past, head lamps were made of crystal, glass, metal or plastic. Now to the classic materials added a lot of options. The plafond can be made of paper, wood, textile, yarn, leather, copper, bronze, etc.

Features of the materials of the plafonds:

• Glass - keep their shape, do not burn out, various designs are available, safe for health. Minus - fragility, it is important to be careful when installing and operating.
• Leather, textile, wooden - look unusual. However, you need to install a special bulb, which is not strongly heated, so that the plafond material is not spoiled.
• Plastic - a rich color palette is available, but they can emit unsafe substances into the air. It is necessary to carefully read the composition of the plafond.

Chandelier material is chosen in accordance with the overall style of the room. For high-tech will not suit the wooden ethno-plafond, and in the classics will not fit Edison lamp on a string.

Types of plafond design:

• Open - form a bright directional beam. Suitable for living rooms, work areas, kitchens.
• Closed - the lamp is located inside the plafond. The light is diffused through the plafond material. Good for bedrooms because they give soft light.

In terms of shape, the plafonds are round, square, in the form of a horn, an abstract figure. You can find a model to your taste and under the design of the room.

How to choose a chandelier

Pay attention to such characteristics:

• Type of mounting. If the ceilings are high, you can install a suspended chandelier, if low - overhead.
• Diameter of the dome. Standard or unusual, heat resistant or not. Under it will need to choose the bulbs.
• Different modes of lighting and adjusting the brightness of the bulb are convenient options that can save energy and create the desired lighting. Some people install an extra small chandelier or sconce in the hallway in front of the bathroom, and set it to minimum light at night. It is also useful to dim the lights in the bedroom in the evening.
• Design and color. Chandelier can harmonize with the main shades of the room or be a bright accent.

Choosing a chandelier, pay attention to what the metal elements are made of. If the parts are made of stainless steel, they will always be attractive. Copper and bronze products need periodic cleaning. Especially if the style does not involve a vintage tarnish on the metal. Cheap plated materials do not last long: the coating deteriorates and the chandelier loses its appeal.