Living Room

Anchor the seating without crowding it.

A living room chandelier is usually centred over the main seating group rather than the room, and sized a little under what the room could carry so it does not compete with the furniture. For a 16 by 20 ft room a 30- to 36-inch piece is comfortable; with ceilings under 9 ft, a semi-flush or a short chandelier keeps head room over a coffee table.

Sconces at the fireplace and a pair of lamps complete the scheme; the chandelier is then one of several sources and can be dimmed well down in the evening.

Brass, alabaster and modern pieces are the most common choices here; a crystal chandelier works in a formal living room with a high ceiling.