Dining room lighting should be both beautiful and practical. This requires a mix of general, task, and accent lighting that can set the mood for a number of functions, including a family get-together, a romantic dinner, and other activities such as homework, hobbies, or surfing the Internet on your iPad.

Uttermost’s Vetraio 9 Light Chandelier (21005) designed by Carolyn Kinder, $789.00. Heavy hand made glass is held in classic European iron works giving these pieces a contemporary quality, with strong traditional appeal as well.

A chandelier is often the focal point of a dining room. Suspended over the dining table, it serves as a decorative element that enhances the beauty of your furnishings. If equipped with a downlight, the chandelier provides task lighting for the table and accent lighting for a centerpiece. The addition of a dimmer control lets you alter the intensity of light to suit the mood and activity. When the light is dimmed, a soft, glowing atmosphere similar to candlelight is created.

Arteriors Home 89623 – Sherman 6 Light Aged Iron Chandelier, $840. An aged iron finish lends high-end warmth to the contemporary shape of this versatile chandelier. Detailed with perforations, the triangular shades swivel, allowing light to be directed to where it’s needed.

Chandeliers are also used in bedrooms, walk-in closets, foyers, or over a living room grouping or a grand piano. How’d you like to have a closet like the one pictured below?

Closet by Ramos Design Build Corporation – Tampa, FL

Chandelier FAQs - These are the most frequently asked questions regarding chandeliers:

How do I know the correct size of a chandelier for a dining table?
While there are many factors that go into choosing the correct size, a general guideline is to choose a chandelier that has a diameter equal to 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the dining table. The general appearance of the chandelier must be taken into account, too; that is, if it is a light airy piece, you’d want to go slightly larger than you would otherwise.

How high should a chandelier be hung over a dining table?
Generally there should be 30″ between the bottom of the chandelier and the top of the table in a room with an 8′ ceiling. If the ceiling is higher, the distance between the bottom of the fixture and the table should increase slightly. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add one inch. In a 10′ ceiling, the chandelier should hang approximately 32″ above the table. Remember that the chandelier should provide light for the table, but not be so low as to block anyone’s line of vision when they are sitting at the table.

What guidelines should I follow in choosing a chandelier for a foyer or other room?
Add the room dimensions together. If the room is 14′ by 16′, add 14 + 16. The answer is 30, which means that your chandelier should be approximately 30″ in diameter. Again, remember that other factors such as the height of the ceiling may influence the proper size.

Can I put shades on my chandelier?
See our recent blog post that discusses what you should know before putting chandelier shades on your fixture.