Ceiling Crystal Lights

Ceiling lights are what most of us have in most of our rooms – they are out of the way, our wiring is set up for them, and they give good general illumination to most of your room. They can always use a boost from other sources though!

They tend to flatten shadows and cast a dim light. It helps to fit a dimmer, or hang them on an adjustable flex so you can change the height or clip them out of the way. They come in a myriad of styles, from the gorgeous oriental-themed paper lantern, to intricate chandeliers, to which you must be dedicated to be prepared to clean!

Structurally, crystal ceiling lights are usually much heavier than other ceiling light fixtures. Some may require special attachments to the ceiling, or even a specially reinforced ceiling. However, most do not require special supports and can be directly attached to the electrical box like any other fixture. Instead, they specify that the electrical box be specially reinforced, if your light is heavier than a standard one. This reinforcement can typically only be done at the time of the installation of the box. Subsequent installations of a crystal ceiling light may require extensive renovations.

Ceiling crystal lights vary widely in their styles, weights and designs. They vary in the quality of light they produce too. Moreover, hanging a new crystal ceiling light differs from installing a typical ceiling-mounted light fixture because crystal chandeliers are almost always heavier than your average fixtures.

Weight and size of crystal ceiling lights:

The weight of your new crystal ceiling light is important for one major reason: the ceiling junction box. The junction box contains all the wiring connections in the ceiling, and it must be strong enough to accommodate the weight of your new ceiling light. If your new crystal chandelier is around the same weight as the one you are replacing, the old junction box will most likely work. If the new crystal ceiling light is much heavier, however, you are going to have to replace the box with one that will adequately support the new weight. Or it will all come crashing down around you … literally! Get a qualified electrician to replace your junction box, or you might get more of a buzz from your new light than you bargained for!

When it comes to deciding what size chandelier you should install in your space, remember that a ceiling light should be about 12 inches narrower than the width of the table over which it hangs. This is only a general guide., though – if you happen to have a 2 and a half foot wide table, you need not get a celing light which is only 6 inches wide! The total wattage of all bulbs should be 200 to 400 to provide sufficient light. Consider these tips:

If your room is: 10’ by 10’ or less, then use a chandelier 17” to 20” in diameter

If your room is: approx. 12’ x 12’ then use a chandelier 26” or 27” in diameter

If your room is: approx. 14’ x 14’ then use a chandelier 24” to 36” in diameter

Installing your ceiling crystal light:

Most people install crystal ceiling lights in their dining rooms or entryways. Think of an entryway with a dazzling chandelier to welcome guests inside your home! They are a way of providing heaps of great light, without the pasty glare of fluorescent lights, or the utter impracticality of installing five light bulbs in every room! They are great for parties, great for dining rooms (especially those with large formal tables), and excellent for keeping people awake! Think about where you will see your chandelier or crystal ceiling light most when you hang it in your home, so you can appreciate it more often.