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Would a Chandelier in the Bathroom be Totally Out of Place?

A white and black modern type bathroom with a chandelier.

Chandeliers are a unique fixture that adds a sense of class and opulence to a room – even in the bathroom. But a chandelier is not the right piece for every space. Here is a look at bathroom chandeliers and whether or not they would seem out of place in a particular area.

Would a Chandelier in the Bathroom be Totally Out of Place?

No, a tasteful chandelier in the bathroom can add a certain flair and sophistication that the room may lack on its own. But it all depends on the existing design and the size of the room. Chandeliers can be quite large. Trying to fit one into a smaller bathroom may be impractical and make the space feel a bit cramped.

According to the principal designers at Chicago-based interior design firm Lewis Giannoulias, chandeliers are only appropriate in bathrooms that are over 100 square feet. “You don’t want to squeeze too much into the space,” Cari Giannoulias says, “It’s just not a good idea and the chandelier will completely overpower the space”.

Plus, you have to make sure that the fixtures will work with the existing design of the room. Putting a crystal chandelier into a bathroom with a more contemporary design may not make the most sense. But it all depends on your personal taste.

Where to Put Your Bathroom Chandelier

A classic style white bathroom with chandelier.

Another thing to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to put a chandelier in the bathroom is where it’s going to be placed. You want to make sure that it’s in a position that won’t be cumbersome for those using the bathroom. But there may be only so many places you can actually install a chandelier in a particular space.

The building codes for bathrooms are different than in other rooms, like the dining room or living room. Electrical codes dictate where you can and cannot put a light fixture (like a chandelier). These are based on the placement of the pipes and other plumbing. The last thing you want is for a pipe to burst or start leaking and cause electrical problems as well. So, precautions must be taken when installing a chandelier in the bathroom.

Chandeliers are better in bathrooms with high ceilings. This keeps them far away from any potential hazards and out of the way of anyone using the bathroom. According to Peter Rossi, an interior designer and founder of ByRossi, bathroom chandeliers must be “at least three feet away from the shower, sink, or toilet. This is required for the safety and wellbeing of people in case it falls”.

So, depending on the size of the space, there may only be so many places a chandelier can be installed and still be in compliance with the National Eclectic Code. That’s why they’re better suited for larger spaces, so you have more options for placement that won’t jeopardize anyone’s safety.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Chandelier

A interior view of bathroom modern type.

Not all chandeliers are created equal. Some are large and extravagant while others are compact and subtle. The best thing to do is take stock of the size and décor of the room and find a piece that won’t look out of place.

The first thing you should do is measure the ceiling to determine the best dimensions for the space. Multiply the height of the room in feet by 2.5 to determine the minimum height in inches. Then multiply the height by 3 to determine the maximum height in inches. So, if your bathroom ceiling is 10 feet tall, your chandelier should be between 25” and 30” to fit comfortably into the space.

Also, keep in mind any restrictions created by electrical codes. For instance, all chandeliers must be at least 8 feet above a bathtub. So, if you only have 8’ ceilings, you may have to find a safer place to hang the light fixture. Also keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier must be at least 7 feet above any walkways, so no one bumps their heads. This is why it’s vital that your bathroom has high ceilings if you’re planning on installing a chandelier.

Once you have a good placement in mind, you should decide on what kind of style makes sense for the space. For instance, a full crystal chandelier may look gorgeous in some spaces and gaudy in others.

A few common styles of chandelier include:

  • Modern
  • Farmhouse
  • Flush mount
  • Mini chandeliers
  • Crystal
  • LED Light

If you’re not certain which style of light fixture will work best in your home, consider consulting an interior design specialist. They will not only help you find the perfect style; they may be able to make other suggestions that will improve the décor of your bathroom.

So, ultimately, no chandelier would not be totally out of place in the bathroom. But you have to take the time to find the right location and style for the space. Certain fixtures would not only look out of place, but they could also be a potential health hazard if not installed correctly. But as long as you do your homework and find a piece that fits, a chandelier is a perfect addition to many bathrooms.

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