There is no better way to add instant glam & drama to a bathroom than adding a chandelier.
The bathroom is no longer just a functional space where we brush our teeth and shower. It’s a room that we spend valuable time in so give it the attention that it deserves. Make it a beautiful, glamorous space that lifts your mood in the morning.
The way we use bathrooms has completely changed. It’s rare now for a house to be built with a single shared bathroom. We now expect the luxury of a master ensuite, a separate bathroom for the kids and sometimes also a powder room or half bathroom for guests. It’s the space where you take your time getting ready for work in the morning, chatting to your partner or take a long bath at the end of the day.
In this post I’ve covered the main points to consider when choosing a chandelier for your space.
How do I choose a bathroom chandelier?
Size of the bathroom
Consider the size of your bathroom. A chandelier that’s too big for the space will make it feel crowded as will hanging it too low. There are smaller styles available so you can still have the wow factor without compromising on having that spacious feeling.
This mini chandelier from Amazon measures 9.05 inches (23cm) high and 9.84 inches (25cm) wide. Its semi-flush design is perfect for rooms with ceilings that aren’t high enough to hang a drop style chandelier.
Type of chandelier
Be cautious of chandeliers that are made of porous materials such as wood, wicker or fabric. These could become mouldy over time from steam if you have poor ventilation in the bathroom. Crystal (or crystal – look) chandeliers will handle the moisture much better and help refract light around the room but these wont suit everyone’s taste.
What are the different types of chandeliers?
In the article Are Chandeliers Old Fashioned I’ve listed some of the different types of chandeliers beyond the typical crystal-look chandelier. The list includes a white woven chandelier, a black and gold mid century modern chandelier, wood beaded light fixtures, a black wicker chandelier, boho beaded light fixtures and a modern chandelier in black.
How high should a bathroom chandelier be ?
When chandeliers are hung in a bathroom they either pull the space together as a central focal point or are hung over a feature that you want to accentuate like a bath tub.
The 2011 National Electric Code requires 8 feet between the top of the tub and the bottom of the chandelier.
When chandeliers are hung in any space they need to be low enough to receive attention. If hung too high they won’t be noticed but they shouldn’t be so low that someone could hit their head on it. The bottom of the chandelier should be no lower than the height of a door frame (80 inches, 2.04m) if hung in a space where people can walk under it.
If the chandelier is hung over a bath tub then the same rules go, if you stand up in the tub your head shouldn’t hit the chandelier. However when chandeliers are hung over furniture like a table or ottoman in a walk in robe it should be hung so that the bottom of the chandelier is above head height when seated.
Can you put a chandelier over the shower?
Yes but there are two points you need to consider. The same 8 foot (2.4m) clearance rule for tubs exists for showers, this measurement is taken from the shower base. Also, any light fitting installed above a shower needs to be rated for moisture. To protect the electrics from moisture the fixture is entirely enclosed by glass or has a special design that keeps wires completely protected from water.