Wolberg Lighting Design and Electrical Supply How to Properly Hang a Chandelie

A chain hung chandelier light can be both stylish and functional. The long chain where the light is suspended from can easily be shortened by removing the excess chain links depending on your preference and needs. Here is the process on how to install a chain hung chandelier:

Before beginning turn off power to the chandelier on the breaker panel.

Assemble the fixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Determine your desired height for the chandelier. Lay-out the lamp and chain in a straight line, measure the total length, and remove the excess chain links using pliers.
Weave the lamp’s wires through the links. Make sure the wires are approximately 8 inches longer than the chain. Cut the excess length off the wires when necessary. Strip the ends of the wires to expose half an inch of bare copper.
Install the crossbar or mounting bracket to the electrical box. Screw the top of the collar loop into the center of the crossbar.
Thread the wires through the collar loop and canopy. Attach the top link of the chain on to the collar loop and close the open link with pliers.
Push the wires of the chandelier through the center of the collar loop until they emerge towards the electrical box. Connect the bare ends of the wires together by matching the colors. Secure the twisted connections by twisting them together with wire nuts.
Tuck the wires into the back of the electrical box, then thread the canopy over the collar loop. Secure it tight with the collar ring. Install the light bulbs when needed
Turn on the circuit breaker to bring power to the fixture.

So you’ve decided on a chandelier and placed an order. What now? For starters, remember that lighting from a chandelier, no matter what the setting, should make a room, people, home furnishings and prized possessions look their very best. So it’s important to hang the chandelier in the right spot and at the proper height for maximum impact.

A chandelier in a dining room setting should be positioned in the center of the dining table and room proportions.
Avoid purchasing chandeliers that are larger than the width of your table, as people may bump into it when getting up. A handy rule of thumb is that a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges.
Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.
Keep in mind that lighting from a chandelier that beams directly onto a person from above can cast unflattering facial shadows. The heat from bulbs directly overhead can also be uncomfortable.
Avoid high wattage bulbs. They will increase the heat and cause excessive table glare.
Try adding shades to chandelier candelabra bulbs or a wall dimmer to help you control the light and set a more flattering mood.
When a chandelier has no central downlight, you can enhance the dining room table setting and centerpiece by using recessed adjustable fixtures with narrow beam bulbs. Aim these bulbs at a dining table centerpiece to create additional visual interest in conjunction with the chandelier.
In an open lobby or larger foyer setting, a chandelier can provide an important transition from outdoor to interior spaces and set the mood for your entire home. Hang the chandelier high enough to illuminate stairways or side passages; about knee-level of the upstairs landing is a good standard.
Chandeliers in a lobby setting can be wider or taller than dining room pieces so that they comfortably fill a space without appearing too small. You should also allow for at least 6 1⁄2 feet of clearance from the floor.
Pendant chandeliers for kitchen islands and dinette tables demand a little different approach. Depending on their arrangement and number, position the pendant 30″ to 34″ inches up from the table surface.
Dress up the hanging wire or chain of a chandelier by covering it in a narrow sleeve of fabric. Fabric should be three times longer than the chain to achieve a gathered appearance. A great idea for holiday looks!