How to choose a chandelier in the hall

Choosing a chandelier in the hall is an important step on which the quality of lighting depends. A well-chosen model will decorate the interior and make the room more attractive. To find not only a beautiful, but also a functional model, it is necessary to take into account several recommendations.

An interesting chandelier is a complete detail of living room design.

Chandelier selection criteria

Chandelier - ceiling lamp with three or more lamps, providing shadowless lighting of the room. If the model is chosen correctly and the features of the room are taken into account, additional equipment is not necessary. Although sometimes it can be used to illuminate a part of the room or highlight a zone. It consists of the following parts:

1. The frame, which includes pendants or fittings, it all depends on the model.
2. The base, under which the wire connections and the ceiling mount of the chandelier are hidden.
3. The sockets .In which the lamps are screwed. Lamps themselves come in different types, matched to the socket.
4. Lamp covers to diffuse light, sometimes can be with a reflector to direct the light beam to a specific area.

Tubular frames are good in that all the wires are hidden inside the cavities.

For the record! LED chandeliers have no bulbs, but there are additional modules - control unit, controller, dimmer, etc.

Type of ceiling and its height

You should start with these parameters, the chandelier model and its dimensions depend on them. It is not difficult to calculate:

1. To determine the diameter, you need to add the length and width of the hall (for example, 5x3 m - 5+3=8). Divide the result by 10. You get 0,8 which is the maximum diameter of the chandelier for this room. It is necessary to substitute your figures and calculate everything.
2. To choose the height (it is counted from the base to the lowest part), you should consider the height of the ceiling. After installation, from the edge of the chandelier to the floor should not be less than 2 meters, and better by 10-15 cm more. That is, if the ceilings in the apartment are 2.55 m, you should not choose a lamp higher than 55 cm.

For low ceilings are usually chosen compact models.

It is also necessary to take into account the material of which the ceiling is made in the hall. It depends on this method of attachment, preparation for installation and other points:

1. For concrete slab there are no restrictions on the weight of the structure. But to drill a hole in it is the most difficult, you will need a perforator and a drill for the diameter of the dowels used.
2. If the ceiling is stretched, under it should be pre-fixed fastening platform or a bar, if using a mounting plate (for a cross bracket bars should be fastened in the same way). If you install a hook, you can recess part of the suspension under the leaf and thus raise the chandelier, but this can only be done in models in which the decorative cap that closes the adjacency to the ceiling, moving on the support.
3. There are no restrictions for wooden partitions. The plates must be screwed with self-tapping screws, and under the hook to drill a hole slightly smaller in diameter than the threaded part and simply screw it in by hand.
4. Plasterboard ceilings. If the chandelier will be held only on the ceiling material, you will need a special dowel, and the weight of the structure should not be more than 5 kg. But it is easier to determine in advance the place of attachment and install there a metal profile or a wooden bar, to which you can attach a product with any weight.

On concrete high ceilings you can hang massive heavy models.

A side note! If you hit a void in the reinforced concrete slab, there is no need to drill another hole. It is much easier to buy a special anchor for hollow structures, which opens up inside the cavity when screwed and securely holds the chandelier.

Dowel for hollow structures

Dimensions, shape and material

As for dimensions, the rules of calculation are above. But it is not forbidden to choose smaller options, as long as they are sufficient for lighting. You also need to remember:

1. Determining the size is worth considering what functions the chandelier will perform. If it is only lighting, then choose a small model with a minimum of decoration. If the design will be an element of decoration, it is better to choose a variant with decorations.
2. For low rooms are better suited ceiling products. In them, the lamps are fixed under the ceiling itself or at a small distance from it. The base can have different shapes - round, oval, square or shaped. This option will take up little space and provide good light even in a low living room.
3. If there is enough height, a suspended model will do. The suspension can be either rigid or flexible - in the form of a chain. In some models you can adjust the position, but most often the height is constant. There are both compact and bulky multi-tier models. The higher the ceilings - the larger the design can be.

The chandelier must be positioned so that you don't have to cling to it with your head when you move.

In the manufacture of chandeliers use different materials. This determines not only the appearance, but also the price. You should choose with the design of the living room in mind, because even the most luxurious model will look bad if the surroundings do not fit it. The main options:

1. Crystal and glass Chandeliers look beautiful and attract attention. They can be either simple or ornate, with lots of hanging decorations that sparkle when the lights are turned on. Quality models are expensive, they are difficult to take care of, as you need to periodically wash all the small parts. Good for both classic and modern living rooms, it all depends on the execution.
2. Metal options are also diverse, they are made of steel, copper, bronze, brass and other materials. In appearance can vary greatly, so it is not difficult to choose a model for any hall. Often products use a decorative coating - chrome, gilding, patina, etc. Chandeliers can be both massive and airy - made of fine details.
3. Wooden products are used more and more often in recent years. It is a traditional option, it is often used to emphasize the stylistics of the room and create comfort. Wood is a natural material, each species has its own texture, so the same model, made of different materials, looks different.
4. Textiles is used in the manufacture of plafonds and in decorating structures. This is an interesting solution, which is suitable for creating a cozy environment, will fit best in classical interiors. The disadvantage can be called the propensity to contamination, it is worth processing all textile parts with special dust-repellent compositions.
5. Paper chandeliers are not the most reliable, but they look original and suitable for living rooms. There are a lot of expensive designer models, but there are also cheap ones. They are not inferior to other types of light, but the paper can fail much faster than fabric or other material due to the fact that they do not tolerate constant overheating.
6. Plastic options are increasingly common due to the fact that every year there are new materials with high resistance to temperature changes. Their main advantage is low weight and reliability. At the same time there are plastic chandeliers both from the inexpensive segment, and high-quality designer models that cost a lot and are not inferior in appearance to other materials.

Crystal chandeliers look luxurious, but they weigh a lot and are expensive.

For the record! For paper and textile lamps, it is better to use LED lamps. They almost do not heat up when they work, so the materials do not overheat and do not turn yellow.

Room Style

It is better to buy a chandelier in a ready-made environment, when the repair is done, there is all the furniture and you can select the lighting, understanding how it will fit into the living room. For simplicity, you can take into account the stylistics, it depends on it, which equipment is most suitable:

1. In a modern hall, models with chrome details look good. Suitable plafonds made of transparent or frosted glass or plastic. Give preference to clear geometric lines and models that emphasize modern surroundings.
   Ceiling chrome chandelier for low rooms.
2. For the classics suit traditional chandeliers with an abundance of decor, curved horns and massive details. You can use glass and crystal, textile and metal. It all depends on the setting, because there are different classics.
   Crystal chandeliers look luxurious, but they weigh a lot and are expensive.
3. For Provence and similar styles suit well light chandeliers with textile backgrounds. There are also good options with crystal decorations, made in this style. It is better to give preference to smooth lines and ornate models.
   Modern model in the form of a tree branch.
4. For loft, modern minimalist models are used, which can be made simply in the form of hanging lamps or framed with wire lampshades. Widely used metal, various pipes and other structures that look as if they were adapted to the lamp.
   For loft, you can choose very unusual solutions that are sure to attract attention.
5. For modern, boho and fusion, simple solutions with colored plafonds of glass or plastic will do. But we must take into account the peculiarities of the environment and we have a lot of options, so the choice is not limited.
6. Under the ethno pick up chandeliers made of wood, paper or fabric. There can be many directions, so be guided by the specific living room and its features.
   Wooden chandelier with pendant bulbs.

When choosing a color, most often choose one of the shades used in the decoration of the room, it is a traditional technique. But it is possible to make the chandelier an accent of color that stands out and attracts attention. This solution looks especially good in modern environments.

Read also

How to assemble and connect a chandelier

 

Type of bulbs

It is not only necessary to choose light bulbs according to type, but also by wattage. Normal illumination for halls is 20 watts per square meterIf incandescent bulbs are used. For halogen lamps the figures are about the same, for fluorescent lamps they should be divided by about 5, and for LED lamps by 8. The number of horns on the chandelier depends on this. As for the varieties, each has pros and cons:

1. Incandescent bulbs Cheap and this is their main advantage. At the same time, they consume a lot of electricity, get very hot and have a short lifespan. But if you want an interestingly shaped version with a fancy glowing coil, it can still only be a filament lamp. They come in a variety of sockets and brightnesses.
2. Halogen lamps are filled with a special gas inside, which makes the light much brighter. But they are little superior to filament models in terms of electricity consumption, and they are also very warm when in operation. They are better than the first type, but as it is used less and less often.
3. Fluorescent variants shine brighter, it is possible to choose a color temperature. Power consumption is on average 5 times less than incandescent bulbs, and the resource is 5-10 times greater. Products give imperceptible flicker at work, which fatigues the eye, with time the brightness may decrease. Mercury vapor is used inside, which creates a danger of damage, and disposal should only be in special containers.
4. LED lamps are the most durable, with an average life of 10 years with active use. It is possible to select brightness, color temperature, which will provide normal lighting. There is no flicker, the diodes burn evenly and at the same time are safe, since they almost do not heat up during operation. Plastic is used for manufacturing, the lamps do not break when dropped.

LED options do not require the installation of bulbs and look unusual.

Note! In LED models, it is convenient that you can adjust the brightness with a dimmer.

What's in fashion now

Every year trends change, so some chandeliers go out of fashion and others come back. The process is cyclical and very often what was popular 10-15 years ago becomes relevant again. As for this year, we can distinguish several major trends:

1. The combination of different materials in one product. By contrasting textures, interesting effects are created, so designers often use this method and take two main materials and several additional ones. Especially often they combine metal and glass or plastic, wood and fabric. You should choose according to the situation, if you come across an interesting solution, think about whether it is suitable.
   Ultra-modern lamp in the form of a honeycomb.
2. Clear lines and strict geometry models. This is a common trend that will develop in the coming years. More suited to modern surroundings. In addition, a variant can be used not with diffused light, but with directional light, to illuminate only a separate area of the living room and accentuate it.
   LED chandelier on a wooden base.
3. Black color chandeliers. Dark frame - a real trend, which is widely used by designers, such a lamp catches the eye against a light ceiling and attracts attention. The quality of light is not affected by the dark frame in any way. These options fit well in different types of interiors, the main thing is to find the optimal stylistic solution.
   Chandeliers made of Swarovski stones stand out.
4. Using two or more chandeliers instead of one. Now it is not customary to hang a large lamp in the middle, if you can put two smaller ones. Usually use the same models, the solution is especially good for elongated rooms.

Two chandeliers in the living room - a modern solution that looks original.

When choosing, pay attention to the quality of assembly and reliability of parts. Often new models are not very durable, so they do not last long.

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Modern chandeliers and ceiling lamps in the interior

 

The video will talk about fashionable chandeliers and light in the interior.

What can replace the chandelier

It is allowed not to put a chandelier in the hall at all, if there is good lighting without it. And you can equip the living room so that most of the time just do not turn on the main light to save energy. In this case, you should use these options:

1. Spot lights., evenly spaced on the surface of the ceiling. Suitable for suspended ceilings and selected so that the light is sufficient over the entire area. For concrete ceilings are suitable overhead options, but they can not look very good, as a large number of lights on the ceiling - not the best solution. You can illuminate a part of the room or highlight a separate zone.
   Spotlights often complement the chandelier.
2. Track systems. A square or rectangular rail is attached, on which you can put lights in any place and move them if necessary. In addition, if desired, the lamps themselves can be exchanged for other lamps, the rail does not need to be moved. The light can be directed anywhere, it can be adjusted.
   Track systems with moving lights are a great solution for the modern living room.
3. LED strips. They are hidden in niches or above the translucent canvas of the stretch ceiling. With a properly defined lighting power will be enough for a normal living room without the installation of a chandelier. It is best to use white diodes, as they burn brighter than colored options and provide a suitable color temperature.
   Light lines from tape - the original solution for a stretch ceiling.
4. A combination of different options. It can be spotlights and LED strip, or track and wall models. There is no limit, you should choose something that will provide a good quality of light and will eliminate the need to install a chandelier.

Track systems with moving lights are a great solution for the modern living room.

Choose a chandelier in the hall is not difficult, if you take into account all the recommendations from the review and pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to the size of the product, its quality and type of lamps used. It is worth considering and current trends to decorate the room with style.