How do I Choose the Best Glass Chandelier?

If you are considering adding light fixtures to your home, you should know that a glass chandelier can serve as a way to both light up a room and add some style. There are various types of chandeliers available, so learning how to choose the best one can be helpful. The first thing to decide is chandelier size, which should largely be influenced by the size of the room in which you plan to put it. Glass color is also important to think about, as it can change the hue of the light drastically. You should also consider whether you want your glass chandelier to be smooth or feature a unique texture.

Room size is important when selecting a chandelier since you do not want it to either overpower the space, but at the same time desire that is stand out. It is a good idea to take the measurements of the room before shopping for this lighting fixture. One typical guideline to follow is that if you are hanging the glass chandelier in the center of a room, you should allow for about 6.5 feet (2 m) from the bottom of the light fixture to the floor. If you plan on hanging it above a table, the chandelier's diameter should be about half of the table's width, and the lowest point of the chandelier should be well above eye level. Clearly, taking measurements of both the room and the glass chandelier before you shop should help you choose the best one.

Some chandeliers feature clear glass, which means that the light should not be affected by the glass around it. Whether you choose white or yellow light bulbs, the actual color should shine through. On the other hand, many light fixtures come with yellow or brown glass, usually referred to as amber and umber, respectively. This shade often makes the light a little darker than usual, while white glass can lighten it up. Some types of glass also feature shading, referred to as sunset or sunrise glass depending on whether the darker color is at the bottom or the top.

Glass texture is another option that you can consider when choosing a glass chandelier. You may opt for glass that has tiny bubbles inside, usually resulting in small spots of lighter shades when the light bulb is on. You can also choose ribbed glass, which features parallel lines throughout the material in a regular pattern, or sculpted glass, featuring unique ridges in an irregular pattern. Of course, you can also opt for smooth glass, but this kind does not have to be boring. This type of glass can feature a shiny coating, a marbled look, opaque frost, or a pattern that resembles feathers or swirls.