Design Tips:How To Choose Wrought Iron Chandeliers

16Nov/091

Design Tips:How To Choose Wrought Iron Chandeliers

Wrought iron chandeliers are classic pieces that do not come and go with the latest trends. Wrought Iron has been around for a long time because of its durability, and can be mixed with many design styles.

A chandelier greatly enhances the appearance of any room. A few things you should take into consideration before choosing the best fixture includes the following:

Size
What is the size of the room where the chandelier will hang? The bigger is usually the better option, but not so large that it will over power the room. You want the perfect balance. The fixture needs to be hung at least 4 feet away from the walls.

If you are hanging the chandelier over a table in a dining room, the rule of thumb is to choose a fixture that is 12 inches smaller than the width or diameter of the table. You want to hang the chandelier between 30"-36" above the table, so that it is not in the line of site of the people sitting at the table.

Wrought iron is heavier than most fixture material. Take this into consideration when choosing a fixture, as the ceiling electrical box will need to support the added weight.

Style
What is the style of the room where the wrought iron chandelier will hang? One of the benefits of wrought iron is its versatility. A simpler style chandelier, such as a square or rectangular base with candle style lamp shades is best combined with a contemporary or transitional look; while a grander fixture with heavy scrolls or multi-tiers is best in a more traditional look. Wrought iron is a timeless fixture material that will stay in style for years to come.

Maintenance
Wrought iron is an ideal fixture material because of its hassle free maintenance. For weekly cleaning, dust with a clean, soft cloth or the dusting tool on your vacuum. For a more thorough cleaning, clean with a cloth soaked in a mild detergent and water solution, baking soda and water (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart of water), or an all-purpose cleaner solution; rinse and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

For added protection to wrought iron, apply a thin coat of paste or liquid wax with a clean cloth. Do not hang in a damp area or wrought iron can rust over time.