Buying guide for Best mini chandeliers
Lighting is a key element in any room, and if you’re trying to max out the ambience and elegance, you can’t do much better than a chandelier. But if space is an issue in the room, you’ll want to consider a mini chandelier.
Mini chandeliers include all the design elements of regular chandeliers, only in a package that is considerably more compact. These light fixtures are perfect for a wide range of rooms, from creating the perfect first impression in an entryway to brightening up a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom.
If you’re in the market for a mini chandelier, you’re going to want to arm yourself with the information you need to select the right one, and this buying guide can help. From construction and assembly to special features, we detail what you should keep in mind when shopping for a mini chandelier. We also dive into what you can expect at various price points. For our picks for the five best mini chandeliers, see the matrix above.
Key considerations
Construction
While they generally won’t take a ton of abuse, mini chandeliers should still be rugged enough to hold up over time. The frame itself should be made of metal, from the mounting base to the arms (if either is applicable). The sockets tend to be the weak link here. Be sure that they are strong enough to hold up when you go to change a bulb.
Crystals for mini chandeliers can range from glass or acrylic to stronger materials such as polycarbonate. Glass may provide a better overall “crystal” effect in the light, but it’s much more fragile and also heavier than acrylic.
Design
A single glance at a mini chandelier should reveal the obvious: these light fixtures are built for show. You buy one of these with the understanding that it will be a focal point of whatever room it is hung in. As such, design is key.
Mini chandeliers are available in a variety of designs, from multi-bulb traditional fixtures in the classic candelabra style to more modern or contemporary mini chandeliers that feature a single central bulb. Sparkly crystals and beaded support lines are almost mandatory with this type of light.
Size and weight
If the “mini” isn’t a dead giveaway, it should be. This type of fixture is designed for small spaces. Most mini chandeliers range from 7 to 11 inches in width and length, with a height that ranges from 6.5 to 17 inches. Flush-mounted fixtures usually hang considerably lower than chandeliers that are mounted on an extension. Those that hang from chains will provide you with greater versatility when determining how low the chandelier should be.
The weight of a mini chandelier usually isn’t a huge issue. They typically run from 3 to 5 pounds, which shouldn’t lead to any support problems. More elaborate metal mini chandeliers with glass crystals may weigh more and require some form of reinforced brace to safely install them.
Assembly and installation
Know what you are wading into in terms of assembling and hanging a mini chandelier. Some of these ship fully assembled, so you basically only need to mount them to your ceiling and wire or plug them in. Others feature dozens of pieces that you will need to put together by hand, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience. You may also want to hire a professional if you don’t have any experience installing light fixtures.
Having dozens of crystals hanging from a mini chandelier can be visually appealing, but it can also be extremely time-consuming when it comes to assembling the chandelier by hand.
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Features
Power source
Mini chandeliers are either powered via a plug on the end of a cord or a set of wires that need to be hardwired.
If you have a cord and plug attached to your mini chandelier, you won’t need to worry about hardwiring it into your electrical system. You will need an available outlet to plug it into, however. Know how long the cord is and whether length will be an issue with the outlet you will use.
Other mini chandeliers need to be hardwired into your electrical system. This will provide you with a cleaner install, with no wires showing, but will require more skill or an electrician.
Light bulbs
Know the number of light bulbs the mini chandelier takes and what kind they are. These generally range from one standard bulb to three or four candelabra bulbs. If you plan to use the mini chandelier as a primary lighting source, also ascertain how much light the mini chandelier will put out. Bulbs are generally not included with mini chandeliers.
Hardware and extra crystals
A mini chandelier should ship with all the hardware and detailed instructions for assembly and installation. Read the instructions fully before you start the installation to verify that you have all the nuts, bolts, mounting brackets, and other hardware you will need.
Some of these fixtures also ship with spare parts, such as extra crystals, which can be helpful to have as a backup. This is particularly important if the crystals are made from glass.
Did You Know?
Derived from candelabras, chandeliers were first used in medieval times with candles, of course, instead of bulbs.
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Mini chandelier prices
Mini chandeliers start out at around $15 and can go up to $100 or more. The majority of these fixtures are in the $30 to $60 range, however.
At a lower price, you can expect to find simpler fixtures, usually flush-mounted. Less expensive mini chandeliers tend to be more compact, featuring a simpler build and crystals made from cheaper materials such as acrylic. You’ll also find chandelier shells that do not include a light but fit over existing lights.
For $50 and up, you will find mini chandeliers that offer a better build and often use real glass crystals. They tend to have a more elegant design as well, often with candelabra arms.
While pendant lights also hang from the ceiling, they are different from mini chandeliers in that they usually have fewer bulbs and tend to be far less ornamental.
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Tips
- For an extra-elegant flare, consider mounting your mini chandelier with a ceiling medallion.
- If you are worried about crystals breaking either during shipping or when installing your chandelier, consider going with polycarbonate crystals. These are made from the same material used in bulletproof windows and are both durable and lightweight.
- Mini chandeliers typically do not ship with bulbs, so prepare to spend a bit extra if you’re budgeting for one.
- To truly ratchet up the ambience of a mini chandelier, check whether it can be wired into a light dimmer switch.
- To clean your chandelier, try using compressed air or a microfiber cloth to wipe down the crystals. Avoid touching the crystals with your bare hands as this can leave an oily residue that can be difficult to remove.
- For safety purposes, only buy a light fixture that has been UL listed or certified.
- To save on electricity when running a mini chandelier, try to find one that works with compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs.
FAQ
Q. How can I be sure that I am buying the right size mini chandelier?
A. While some of this will be aesthetics, there are a few factors to consider when sizing a mini chandelier. The first is to carefully measure the space where you plan to hang the chandelier. Then consider the fixture’s actual measurements and visualize it within the room. The mini chandelier should fit not only width- and length-wise, but most importantly it should hang with enough clearance so that those walking in the room aren’t constantly brushing against it.
Q. Can I install a mini chandelier outside on a porch?
A. If you wish to install one of these fixtures where it might be exposed to rain or other damp conditions, you’re going to need a mini chandelier specifically built for this purpose. And we’re not just talking about porches and other exterior spaces, such as covered decks and patios, but also bathrooms, where humidity can be a real factor. If your aim is to install your mini chandelier in one of these areas, check the fixture’s specifications carefully to verify that it is UL listed for damp conditions.
Q. Can I install a mini chandelier myself?
A. This depends on several factors, not the least of which is your comfort level working with electricity. Installations can vary considerably, not only from fixture to fixture but also from room to room. If the mini chandelier ships with a plug and you plan to hang it as a swag lamp – without the need to hardwire it in – then you should have no problems installing it yourself.
The majority of mini chandeliers will need to be hardwired into your electrical system, however, and this is where a bit of expertise is essential. If you’re just switching out an existing overhead fixture for the mini chandelier, the task should not be too difficult. Kill the power and swap them out using the existing electrical box and the provided directions.
If you are installing a fixture in a location that does not have an electrical box, then you are going to need to add one, in addition to a wall switch to turn the chandelier on and off. At this point, you’re probably better off calling in a licensed electrician to handle the job.
