How to choose the ideal chandelier for the living room: tips and inspirations

Decorative item that appeared around the 17th century, the chandelier had the function of representing status, since only nobles and kings had them. Majestic pieces, they used ostentation as a way to light up the grandiose dining tables. In its initial design, this element consisted of two pieces of wood with plates at the end, used to prevent candle wax from falling on people.

As revealed by the architect Fernanda Sakabe, a partner at the SZK Arquitetura office, the chandelier has become an item of classic decoration, and can be made with different materials such as crystals, iron, wood, copper or stainless steel. With the possibility of being in practically every room in the house, “the use of the pendant or chandelier can be done in any space, depending on its purpose: to illuminate, decorate or just create a special scenario”, she explains.

How to choose the ideal chandelier for your living room

To define the best way to use a chandelier, the architect reveals that it is necessary to think very carefully about what the purpose of this lighting object will be. “Today there are several variations of pendant lighting, and the chandelier makes up only a small portion of these”, she teaches.

If it is on the table, the professional emphasizes the need to think about its total size in relation to the furniture. “A good proportion is that the chandelier is no bigger than half the size of the table”, she guides. Here are some tips from the architect:

• Room size: according to Fernanda, a small room should not use large chandeliers, as it will give the feeling that the environment is smaller than the real thing. “Look for delicate and small pendants to cause a feeling of spaciousness in the environment”, she guides.
• Natural lighting: if the environment has good natural lighting, it is recommended to use the chandelier as a decorative object. “Now, if your environment is darker, with little natural light, invest in warmer colored lamps to help light up the space and ensure the sensation of natural sunlight”, he teaches.
• Available budget: as the professional explains, the market currently has varieties and prices for all tastes and pockets. If you’re on a tight budget, look for smaller but quality pendants. If the budget is more generous, it is worth investing in differentiated or designer pieces. “In addition to being unique pieces, the rest of the composition of the environment can only be the complement of this decorative element”, he comments.
• Decorative style of the rest of the environment: “remember: less is more! If your chandelier is large, imposing, invest in a more neutral decoration, which does not ‘fight’ with the style and striking presence of your chandelier”, warns the architect. When opting for a more discreet piece, it is possible to work the decoration through the furniture and decorative objects that will compose the style of the environment.
• Ideal height for installation: Fernanda explains that the ideal height for its use will depend on the place where it will be installed. If installed on the dining table, it should be at a height of about 75 to 90 cm above the head of the people who will be sitting at the table. Its width should not be greater than half the width of the furniture. If installed in a corner of the room, as an auxiliary light, the height may vary depending on its function: on a side table, it can be 50 cm from the height of the top. “If there’s nothing underneath and it’s not a passing area, it’s worth using creativity, there’s no rule! Now if the chandelier is used as the central light of the environment, it must be at least 1.90 m from the floor”, she guides.
• Models available on the market: “The pendant models available on the market are endless! With varied formats, styles and materials, they can cover the most varied decorative styles and budgets”, he summarizes.

60 living room chandeliers that will inspire your home decor

Can be installed in rooms of different sizes, from the smallest to the largest, this decorative item enhances the look, ensuring more charm and style to the environment. Check out a selection of beautiful rooms with chandeliers below and get inspired:

1. Chandeliers can match classic decor

2. Or else to contrast, betting on modernity

3. It is possible to choose a material that is already present in the environment

4. Or bet on a new one, enhancing the look

5. Can be used as a highlight in the environment

6. Yellow lights provide softer and more relaxing lighting

7. The all-crystal model adds refinement to the environment

8. Making the decoration even more luxurious

9. The use of mirrors in the decoration reflects its beauty

10. But it is not an essential element to highlight the item

11. Available in different models, with different materials

12. It is able to decorate a room with any decorative style

13. Able to add a color point

14. Ensuring a more sober environment

15. The white model is a wildcard, matching different styles

16. If the chandelier has subtle lighting, lampshades can help brighten the room.

17. It is worth betting on simpler models, without too many details

18. Or dare, betting on different shapes, materials and compositions

19. They look beautiful accompanied by a good lighting project

20. Or as a single element to light up the space

21. It can add a fantastic touch to the classic decor

22. Or rusticity to contemporary decor

23. Being able to please those looking for something different

24. Or who doesn’t want to run away from the classic

25. A bold design makes the environment more beautiful

26. It’s worth playing with different sizes

27. Use different formats

28. And mix different tones

29. How about getting away from the standard model?

30. The chandelier with an unusual look can be the missing element for your living room

31. Creating a more cozy and beautiful environment

32. There are no rules or limits for this decorative item

33. It doesn’t need to match the kitchen chandelier

34. But it can be harmonized with the coatings used in the space

35. As central lighting for the dining table

36. Can be accompanied by the LED strip on the plaster molding

37. Can be positioned right in the center of the table, highlighting

38. Or lighting up the whole environment, with a large size

39. As well as the trick of taking advantage of natural light from windows

40. As well as the chandeliers with abstract shapes and different materials

41. Lovers of classic decor also have a chance

42. With options full of style and pomp

43. As well as those who love a more contemporary look

44. With modern design and unusual materials

45. How about mixing different styles in one piece?

46. ​​Or even playing with different shapes and materials?

47. Able to change the look of the environment, it has a strong presence

48. Smaller environments are more beautiful with more modest chandeliers

49. Can be used in pairs, with two identical models

50. Or alone, giving style wherever it is installed

51. When using more than one model, it is possible to play with different formats

52. Or even fix them at different heights

53. Its color can harmonize with objects present in the environment

54. Or the same material used in the living room furniture

55. Larger sizes are ideal for larger environments

Another important issue that the architect highlights is the presence of the apparent cable. “Due to the chandelier being a type of pendant lamp, we want to have an apparent length of cable, and it must always be installed with space between the item and the ceiling”, he concludes.

Regarding care and maintenance, Fernanda explains that the crystal models demand more attention than the others, and should be cleaned with a duster every 15 days and with a cloth once a month. “In relation to the other models, it is worth following the manufacturer’s guidelines, but in general, a dry cloth or duster is enough to keep the parts as new”, she says.