Lovely Lighting- By Designer Lea Placek

How important is the proper type of lighting in a space? In one word...VERY! The wrong size lighting fixture or too small of a table lamp can throw an entire room's balance off.  I am obsessed with lovely lighting! Whether clean and contemporary, dramatic, or glamorous,  I love it all! Lighting is the "jewelry" of the room, and when chosen appropriately, it will literally make your room sparkle!

Definitely in my next home! So insanely gorgeous!

The best use of a colored chandelier I've ever seen!

Recently a client asked me a few questions in regards to choosing the correct size chandelier for her Dressing Room.  Here are the "rules of thumb" I have for general chandelier selections and hanging...

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.

Bettina Pendant-Currey and CoThis is a lot of crystal in a very small package. This classically styled pendant is the perfect piece to bring a touch of elegance to a very small space.
(Perfect for a woman's small dressing room)

How do I know the correct size of a chandelier for a dining table?
A general guideline is to choose a chandelier that has a diameter equal to one-half the width of the table. The general appearance of the chandelier must be taken into account, too; that is, if it is a light airy piece it may be slightly larger than the standard.

How low 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. 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.

How high should I hang a wall sconce?
Generally, sconces should be placed on a wall 60" from the floor.

And now some lovely lighting examples...These are truly works of Art!

Urban Chic

Dramatic chandelier 

Serena Chandelier
The Serena Chandelier is a pretty sassy lighting fixture with its glass balls of Aqua glass and its Silver Granello finish. It's a classic form in unexpected materials so it can be imagined in many traditional settings as well as the right contemporary spot.

Tartufo Chandelier
Most unusual design is created from the most simple of shapes. Hammered metal circles are attached to each other to form an orb. Understated arms with a graceful upward swoop are dropped inside the orb to hold the four simple candles. The Antique Silver Leaf finish lends a glimmer and glow to this unique design.

Paramour Chandelier-Currey and Co
Simple crystal chandelier in smoked gold finish

"You could have the best interior decoration in the world but unless you have made provisions to light it; it could disappear into oblivion. Poor lighting selection can wash out color and texture, and make the room look less than ordinary"

sources: Currey and Company and Lighting.Interiordezine.com