The chandelier used to mark your arrival. Clad in crystal, it met you in the foyer of a well-appointed home, then dazzled you from a power position over the diningroom table. Rarely did you find a chandelier in a starter home. To see them illuminating any room other than one used for entry or dining, more unusual still. My, how times have changed.

Today chandeliers rate as a brilliant idea just about anywhere - from modest homes to magnificent mansions, contemporary digs to traditional houses. They dangle decorously in almost every room of the house. Credit our bigger-is-better building boom. Taller ceilings and increased volume in today's homes means chandeliers are less likely to crowd a room.

Colourful chandeliers create drama in the kitchen. Teeny ones provide elegance to powder rooms. Even walk-in closets go upscale when lit with a small chandelier. More commonly, kitchens and bathrooms have become the popular locations for chandeliers. People are treating their bedroom suites as more luxurious spaces with elaborate bathroom areas, so it is not unreasonable to consider chandeliers there, either. "Chandelettes," or mini chandeliers, add a new sense of intimacy to small rooms and to corner spaces and alcoves of larger ones.

"Minis are even being used as wall sconces in some instances - and they look fantastic," says lighting and furniture designer Sergio Orozco. These compact chandeliers slip easily into tight spaces.

Mixed Messages
Mixing of materials and styles within one fixture is now a common design trend. It is not unusual, for example, to find a rustic cast-iron fixture with crystals hanging from it, or different metals and types of glass all incorporated into one fixture. You can look for a chandelier that is inspired by the period reflected in the room you are putting it, but you don't have to. Many contemporary designs are a blend of traditional elements with modern materials -- glass and alabaster with polished chromoe or satin nickel, which makes them work with a variety of styles."

Mod Squad
The freshest face in chandeliers is clean and simple, designed to work in more contemporary spaces.

Dimly Lit
Whether they are ornate and multi-armed or simply feature a large-scale bowl, chandeliers need a dimmer so homeowners can control the intensity of light. They should always be controlled by a dimmer to add to the aesthetic appeal.

Match Point
Once a design preference has been identified, the chandelier should simply be another decorative element. The chandelier doesn't need to match the decor in a very rigid manner. If it works visually for the user, then it's fine.

Sizing up the situation
Chandeliers are designed to float in a room as an important part of the decor. Too large and this fixture will overpower the space. Too small and it will look out of place. "Placing a chandelier that is too small in a space is likely the biggest mistake because it's very noticeable," says Rey-Barreau. "Great designers, therefore, tend to make their decisions on fixtures that may appear slightly larger than might be appropriate. It's generally always best to make the mistake on a fixture being too big than too small." To make sure your chandelier is the right size for the room in which it will hang, consider the following:

How high is your ceiling? Taller ceilings demand larger fixtures.

What is the size and shape of your table? The chandelier should complement, not overpower, anything you plan to suspend it over.

How big is the room you are trying to illuminate? Again, be sure the chandelier is not too big or too small for the room.

What is the form and design of the chandelier? Light, airy fixtures tend to look larger.

Shopping for a Chandelier
Fashionable and functional, chandeliers should be incorporated into the home just as any decorative accessory or object of art would be chosen. A fine chandelier is an investment that will add to the value of your home. To find the right style chandelier for your home, simply begin with a colour or a material that is predominant in the decoration scheme of the room. What catches your eye in the room? What type of statement do you want to make? If the room is more traditional, choose chandeliers with more ornamentation and decorative details. If your home is modern, opt for less ornamentation and simpler details. If the choices are not clear, it's always best to rely on the help of a lighting consultant in a lighting showroom to help guide the decision.

Be Prepared
Visit lighting showrooms armed with a photo or sketch of space you are trying to light. "Fabrics, photos of furniture, or images of the house are of great help in this process," says Rey-Barreau. "And don't forget to ask the sales assistant for help."

Light it Right
Be sure to choose the correct lightbulbs for your particular chandelier. According to the experts, clear bulbs in chandeliers with exposed bulbs, or crystal glass enclosures will enhance sparkle. In chandeliers with linen shades, frosted bulbs cast a pleasing glow and won't create shadows. Buy a few extra lightbulbs for chandeliers at the time of purchase - you don't want a bulb go out right before a dinner party!

Weight There
Always consider the weight of the chandelier. Heavier chandeliers will need to be mounted more securely to the house's structure.

More is More
Don't let a chandelier stand alone in a room. A chandelier needs supplemental lighting around it. Don't sweat to find the one fixture that does everything. It is best to achieve a layer of light in the rooms with sconces, table and floor lamps.