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Do I hate my chandelier?

3 years ago

I’ve been eyeing a globe chandelier from West Elm for some time now and finally got the courage to purchase. Now that it is in my home it seems so big and loud! I’m tempted to call our electrician and cancel so I can return.

Moved into our home about a year ago. It’s very traditional/traditional, but we definitely prefer more contemporary fixtures. Still learning how to blend these styles.

Included pictures below. Fixture isn’t assembled yet, multi sized globes. Took some pics with the lights out trying to get a better idea of what the fixture will truly look like.

I’ve been overthinking this so long I can’t figure out if I don’t like the fixture or if I’m just hyper focused on it because we don’t have a rug, wall art decor, in the room yet. Experts, help! Should we keep this?!

Comments (45)

  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    IMO it is too big for your small table and if you go ahead please change the buls to a white light not yellow I like led 4000K but 3500K is okay too. While you are thinking take those blinds off the windows IMO they look tacky . If you need to control the heat and UV do a nice solar shade that allows the view and disappears visually I kind of like the fixture but not the heavy looking black ceiling mount maybe if they make those as individual drops get an elecertician to do 3 boxes and do 3 drops at different heights instaed These are from Amazon


  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Ohhh, I think it could be very striking! But it is hard to say not seeing it up, and not being there in person.

    Have you seen it in others’ rooms? I went to the West Elm site and there are lots of photos from customers (I love that people share how things look in their homes). Scroll down to ”Styled in real life“ —

    https://www.westelm.com/products/sculptural-glass-7-light-globe-chandelier-metallic-44-5-w3552/?pkey=cchandeliers

    Maybe it’ll help, give an idea of scale in a variety of settings?

    Hope you’ll update if you use it!

    PS: Love your wall color.

  • 3 years ago

    For me, the globes seem a little big & glammy for the scale of the table and chairs - but west elm shows the look below so I think it’s just personal preference


    FWIW when i am uncertain about scale I have had luck blowing up balloons to the size of the fixture and stringing them up- takes a bit of work but it’s usually the only way I can be confident


    I wonder about having the smaller globes on the fixture - i prefer the milk glass bc I hate seeing bulbs but just personal preference


    keep us updated on what you decide :)




  • 3 years ago

    Also think about the design of the fixture ... its makes a bigger statement when you can see the whole length of it at a glance, which you can't in your dining room, because of the closed in layout and orientation.

    Had your whole dining room been turned 90 degrees the fixture might have looked better and more intentional.

    My first impression is to return it while you can.

  • 3 years ago

    Hummm these are all great thoughts. Thank you!

    I’ve definitely been struggling with the orientation of the room, and couldn’t figure out if that would be a blessing or a curse in this case.

    Posting a few more angles of the dining room, because it probably seems more closed in the pictures than it is in real life. It’s also the first room you see when you enter the house from the garage (where most close friends & family come in). The room has 9ft ceilings.

    The other option I was considering was from pottery barn: https://www.potterybarn.com/products/maisie-glass-globe-linear-chandelier/?catalogId=84&sku=1689432&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Lighting > Chandeliers&region_id=794310&cm_ite=1689432_14552546110&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7vHcu-P6gAMV0S7UAR2Pzgm-EAQYAiABEgILsfD_BwE

    Do we like this better? I’d LOVE suggestions if anyone has them. I’m really struggling with this.

  • 3 years ago

    Forgot the pics 🙃

  • 3 years ago

    It is a little too big for the table, but maybe not too big for the room. However, I don't think you are on the wrong track as far as installing something modern based on your table and chairs. If you are planning on getting a larger table and keeping the chairs you might be able to keep the light fixture. If you tell us the size of the fixture, the size of the room and the size of the table you will get more specific advice. Whatever you get, hang it about 36" above the table surface. The fixture that is there now looks too high (although it's hard to tell).

  • 3 years ago

    I don't know if you hate it but I do. :)


    I think you can do better. I do love those shades, though.


  • 3 years ago

    I like the West Elm more than the PB one - it has more personality :)


    FWIW also just know the clear glass globes can show quite a bit of dust, my DR has a pair of lanterns over the table and i changed the glass to antiqued bc the dust made me crazy (and I am not a neat freak lol)

  • 3 years ago

    Table is 72” x 40” x 30”. It expands to 92”. We’re toying with the idea of getting two more chairs. 3 of the current fit along a side when the table isn’t expanded.

    https://www.westelm.com/products/parker-expandable-dining-table-h10712/?catalogId=71&sku=6828269&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture > Dining Tables&region_id=794310&cm_ite=6828269_14464751978&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-JmXrfr6gAMVsjbUAR2PrgfQEAQYByABEgJ6uvD_BwE

    Room is 13 ft x 11 ft five or take.

    Thanks again - I appreciate you all so much!!

  • 3 years ago

    Everything in the room is very linear and rectangular, except for the chair backs. I think I would look for something round or oval to play off of the shape of the chairs. The lights you show all add another strong linear/rectangular element.

  • 3 years ago

    Just did a quick search., showing a rough idea of softer/rounded lines.

    https://www.lightingdirect.com/kichler-52224-pim-6-light-48-wide-linear-chandelier/p4002281



  • 3 years ago

    Ooooo I do love a crisp, straight edge!!! :)

    I do want to go with a black/iron/bronze fixture to pull in the metal on the chairs. Everything in the house is brushed nickel and it’s a little matchy-matchy for me.

  • 3 years ago

    this uber simple one from sister company rejuvenation is interesting - I always think the light through shades is so pretty in a DR (def install a dimmer) also like the different lengths avail -





  • 3 years ago

    @la_la Girl - that is pretty, but a little more traditional than I’m considering. That also might be another one that has the same prob as the one I’m considering - where it looks great when you’re looking at the long side of the table, but when your primary view is from the short side it might get lost…

  • 3 years ago

    Not a fan

  • 3 years ago

    I love the light that lalagirl suggested.
    But if you don’t I like the one you chose as well.

    I don’t think it’s the light fixture that’s bothering you. I think the table is too small and the curtains are a bit skimpy.

  • 3 years ago

    Extended the table. The room could clearly handle it. Moved the chairs to the sides.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Perhaps your electrician could do what our very nice one did. We were debating two very different ( styles & prices ) pendants ( 4 of them ) for our large island. He said : ” How about if I install one of each, live with them for the weekend & then decide?” Best advice ever. We ended up with the ones we initially had decided to send back. . P.S., I like the fixture. Only you can decide if it’s right for you.

  • 3 years ago

    I like the table extended. You do need a rug under it. Otherwise the entire area looks cold. The shades are fine on the windows. They are not tacky. My guess is they serve a purpose of blocking light and heat. Some of us live in parts of the country where we have too much light and lots of heat.

    I want to say that you are on the right track. The extended table will look best with a linear light fixture and not a round one. That is certain.

    Is this the right one? I don't think so. But I say that with some hesitation. While the shape is right, the question is the size. We know that the table is 92". How long is the fixture? I'm thinking that you can take a fixture that is as much as 44-56" long. That leaves between 18"-24" on each end of the table.

    Once we have established that the size is correct, are the globes from this fixture too big or too small?

    Lay the globes out on to the table as if they were hanging with the table at full extension. This will give you a better idea of the scale.

    They look large to me, but I wouldn't know for certain unless I saw them arranged as they would be hung.

  • 3 years ago

    @homechef59…. Looks like chandelier is 42..6” long….

  • 3 years ago

    I didn't care for the original light selected, and followed along reading. I think it definitely could work now that you put in the leaf and extra chairs. It seemed too large but I think it works nicely.

    My thoughts- I do agree that clear glass globes can be a pain with showing dust and streaks.... I think I might prefer the PB one but either way, now that the table can stand up to the lights, I like the ones you are considering....and I have actually been looking at similar ones to what La girl shared for my dining room ( yes, I still haven't found THE one) but in different sizing so for me, that's a beauty.

  • 3 years ago

    Too many rectangular shapes

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Out with the old in with the new--it's sooo fabulous!! Putting in light fixtures is really pretty simple. It's a half hour swap. Bet DH could do it!! My 28yr old daughter did her own.

  • 3 years ago

    I really like the new chandelier with the table extended.

  • 3 years ago

    I have the same chandelier from West Elm sitting in boxes waiting for the end of my kitchen and adjoining dining room remodel. I think it will look great in your space and would love to see a pic of it installed.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6397326/chandelier-help-sos#n=6

    Table looks better extended but your room is too far into square and rectangular shapes to now start using round ones overhead. Stick with straight lines for the decor. I would even suggest you hem your drapes so they don't pool at the floor. Keep the lines crisp. The arched linear fixture with shaded candlestics is pretty but look at the photo: it is hung in a room with an arched doorway, not a lot of square blocks like yours. You can put whatever art you want on the walls, but keep the decor consistent. See your other thread.

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6397326/chandelier-help-sos#n=6

  • 3 years ago

    looking again,I think the one you have ordered and on hand will look great!


    It's more sleek and modern than MY taste, so I would not use it, but of course, it's not about me. lol I think it will work well in your room especially with the bigger table.

    Hang it and post a photo of it.

  • 3 years ago

    Don't put a rug under a dining table.

  • 3 years ago

    I like it .. it's a statement


  • 3 years ago

    Pulled an old rug up from the basement to get an idea for size/placement. Globes are also in their positions on the table - just waiting to rise.

    Blinds will stay for now - might update down the line. We have close neighbors and like some privacy.

    Thank you all so much. You all have no idea how much I’ve needed/appreciated the discussion.

  • 3 years ago

    Looks good!

    I have blinds on all windows and like how they look and function. They fit your style fine, imo.

  • 3 years ago

    Your blinds and drapes are fine. I like the extended table. If you want a rug you can use one, but if not, adding art to the walls instead will warm up the room and keep the floors clear. The original fixture you're considering is a colder more modern look, but I don't mind it being oversized and if you used deeper warm colors in the rug it could work. A simpler option could be better especially if you're adding artwork to the walls.

  • 3 years ago

    It’s up! Bulbs are a challenge - and recommendations?

  • 3 years ago

    Any* recommendations?

    Basics are finally in place in this room, which is now ready (and in desperate need) of color (new rug, centerpiece, wall decor/art, plant(s), etc.).

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    The fixture looks fantastic! Glad you kept it.

    I really like the rug you have in there now.

    Art will make a huge difference in bringing some life in. What types of art do you like? I’d take my time looking for pieces that resonate with you — go to art festivals, museums for prints, look on Etsy, individual artist sites, Ebay, antique malls (ours has lots of vintage mod art), etc.

    For a centerpiece, one idea is a large ceramic bowl, such as a white ruffled one.







    I like to have candlesticks on my table, lots of choices for your room if you’d like. I’m thinking of ultra-modern, sleek silver ones, or lovely, vintage silver holders … to bring in something different.

    Or you could find a pretty sculpture, vase, etc.

    Will this table be used daily? Is the room open to your living room, and if so, can you show that angle? It’ll help to see how you’ve decorated in there.

    Again, take your time and have fun looking for decor you love for this room. :)

    ETA: Looking through inspiration photos might help … some here on Houzz, and look on Instagram, Pinterest, magazine sites, etc.

    https://www.houzz.com/photos/phbr3-bp~t_722~s_2103~a_46-335--88-8

  • 3 years ago

    Beautiful room and great chandelier. I'd suggest adding some color to give to perk it up a bit. A painting will add color and i'd mimic one of the colors from it onto the table. Your draperies aren't bad, but you could also change out for one with more color to it. I would consider changing out the rods to something weightier. Just some thoughts as your room is beautiful without changing anything.


  • 2 years ago

    More pics from today. What kind of bulbs would you put in this thing?

  • 2 years ago

    Two more pics from today!

  • 2 years ago

    I am late to the party but I really like how the fixture turned out in the room. I do think having the extra length and the rug makes a big difference. Well done!

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    A Zost, do you still have the paperwork that came with the fixture? The suggested bulb info should be on it.

    ETA: Just saw bulb info on the West Elm site, too.

    I suggest installing a dimmer, whatever you decide.

  • 2 years ago

    I think it looks great!


    Where are your dining chairs from?

  • 2 years ago

    What an idea - looking at the site or fixture information for bulbs. Will see what they say. Agree we need a dimmer - and that’s something we don’t currently have.

    Chairs are from West Elm. The Jack Metal Frame dining chair in Dove Chanille Tweed.

    https://www.westelm.com/products/jack-metal-frame-dining-chair-h6377/?catalogId=71&sku=386994&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Furniture > Dining Chairs&region_id=794310&cm_ite=386994_14464751978&gclid=CjwKCAjwr_CnBhA0EiwAci5siuJ2Nnr084KVL88SNQdMEp-vBv76XAVhLeXHB_SpCbn8rEN2EEAiGRoC4ZQQAvD_BwE

  • 2 years ago

    Oh wow the fixture looks great! love the impact it makes - agree that a dimmer is key in a DR

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