Chandeliers adorn your space with sparkle, beauty, and illumination. But to get the most out of your fixture, you need to choose one that is correctly sized for your room. Thankfully, there is an easy formula to follow; simply add your room’s length and width and divide by two, then convert the sum to inches. That gives you the approximate diameter of your chandelier, and, once installed, it should be no more than 24″ from the nearest wall.
For safety, and for the best light output, your chandelier should hang about 5 to 7 feet from the floor or table. If your room has a vaulted ceiling, hang the chandelier lower so the fixture is closer to eye level. If you’re unsure of where to mount the chandelier, consider using a ceiling hook or a longer downrod to bring it down to a more comfortable height.
Choosing a suitable location for your chandelier isn’t always an easy task, but it’s a critical one. If possible, hang it near a window or another architectural feature that it will highlight and draw attention to. You also need to make sure the chandelier is able to hold its weight and won’t pull down on the ceiling.
If you’re installing a new fixture over an existing one, make sure the power is off before removing the old fixture. It’s also a good idea to read and reread the directions for your new fixture, as well as the instructions that came with the junction box that you’ll be using to support it.
Most chandeliers have a long chain or rod that connects the bottom of the hanging piece to its mounting bracket. If you want to shorten the chain, use a pair of heavy pliers to open one of the chains’ links at the chosen point and remove the excess length. If the chain has more than you need, decide how much shorter you’d like it to be, then use a pair of pliers to open the remaining links at the same point and trim them down to that length.
Once the new chandelier is in place, you’ll need to run a pair of wires from it to those inside the junction box, and attach the canopy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to saw a hole in the ceiling to accommodate this new support.
Once you’ve done this, restore the power and test out your chandelier to ensure that it works. Once you’re happy with how it looks, screw in your light bulbs and enjoy your new ambiance. If you install a dimmer switch, you can control the amount of light in your space to change the mood. If you’re not happy with your results, deactivate the power again and try again, but this time, use a larger hole in the ceiling for the supporting brace. If the hole still isn’t big enough, you may need to hire a professional to saw and repair your ceiling.
