Top 10 Best Sputnik Chandeliers – Reviews and Buying Guide {2021}

Unfortunately, when it comes to Sputnik chandeliers, one size or one model doesn’t fit all. Each one can complement a different style. It’s best to inform before making a decision. What are the different models of sputnik chandeliers, and what makes each one unique? All of that will be examined in more detail below. We spent 30+ hours researching dozens of moderately and high-end priced sputnik chandeliers, balancing the pros and cons of various models so you can choose the best option.

As a result of our research, we recommend BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass as the best option this year. The BONLICHT sputnik chandelier adds vintage and fresh character to any interior with its trendy look. And the sales price is very attractive comparing to the overall features.

Since its historical beginnings, the chandelier was a symbol of triumph and social position. The name itself was a synonym for luxury, elegance, power, and class. The word chandelier originates from the French word chandelle meaning candle. Initially, they were hung in dining rooms to provide light and serve as a striking focal point. Nowadays, designers bring chandeliers of different styles into entrance halls, offices, bathrooms, or any place you want.

You know, after the launch of the satellite Sputnik in 1957, everyone’s imagination was immersed into space travel – and more particularly, the design world. So naturally, the birth of Sputnik chandelier was like an introduction of the Atomic Age into your sweet home. This specific chandelier is made in a Mid-Century modern style and has so many variants that can give your lighting the exact home design refresh that you’re searching for.

Whether you’re in search of a new showpiece for your dining room or you are looking to add a luxurious touch to your kitchen or bedroom, the Sputnik chandelier is the perfect “atomic” solution! Used to provide light as well as to create a quite dramatic focal point, Sputnik chandeliers are available in materials such as glass, plastic, and metal. In addition, as these chandeliers continue to grow and change in size and extravagance, illumination has become a secondary emphasis.

Our Top Picks

1. Editor’s Choice: BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass
   “Modern, beautiful and easy to setup (you will not be disappointed).”
2. Best Contemporary: VINLUZ Sputnik Chandelier Contemporary
   “Clasic light that makes a statement and works great.”
3. Best Value: mirrea Vintage Metal Sputnik Chandelier
   “Easy to assemble, very bright and best one at this price point.”
4. Best with Crystal Accents: Robert Abbey Sputnik Pendant by Jonathan Adler
   “Lightweight, elegant, classy, sophisticated.”
5. Budget Pick: CLAXY Ecopower Antique Brass Sputnik Chandelier
   “Surprisingly stylish, high style with low price.”
6. Best Design: Dellemade Sputnik Chandelier Golden Pendant Light
   “When light bulbs diffuse the light perfectly.”
7. Best Industrial: Light Society Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Industrial Starburst Style
   “A bit tedious to assemble, looks stunning once it is up.”
8. Best Sphere Chandelier: George Oliver Calah Light Sputnik Sphere Chandelier
   “Very unique, will generates a lot of compliments from your guests.”
9. Best Splurge: Rivet Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Chandelier
   “High end style and quality, fairly easy to install.”
10. Best Pendant Fixture: Marabella LED Sputnik Chandelier Light Fixture
    “Luxury is always timeless (Sputnik for the win).”
11. Honorable Mention: Kuehl 24 Light Sputnik Chandelier with Bulbs and Decorative Glass Objects
    “Funky design which fills a large space.”

Best Sputnik Chandeliers to Light Up Your Night: Reviews and Features

While we’ve written in-depth buyers guides about the best bean bags chairs, porch swings, best kitchen islands and carts, and sleeper sofas, we move forward here on the best sputnick Chandelier you can find on the market. Guess what? Sputnik chandeliers are one of the newest lighting trends.

These exceptionally non-traditional chandeliers start again to captivate attention, providing a beautiful novel design and a unique shape. They look best with the minimalist and transitional styles because of their eye-catching design. These chandeliers would complement these styles so well so they become the center of attention. This would also create a fantastic balance in the room.

The next reviews cover all the information you need to know before purchasing the best sputnick chandelier. We count all the features that actually matter, the pros and cons, and come up with a favorite top 10 list (and more).

Editor’s Choice – Best of the Best

BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass

With it’s rustic, industrial and minimalist all in one cool design, the BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass is our first option. It’s the perfect light fixture to install in kitchens, dining rooms, foyers, hallways, bedrooms, coffee bars, lobbies, restaurants, and any space you like.

Bulbs surround a brushed brass finish metal ball in the center add character to any interior with its trendy look. Feature an industrial style round canopy and ring frame with metal supports. The arms are all come pre-wired, included all mounting hardware for quick and easy installation. Compatible with LED, Edison, incandescent, CFL and halogen bulbs. We recommend LED bulbs to save energy and because life is long.

Fully dimmable chandelier when used with dimmable bulbs and compatible dimmer switch. Suggested room/space size is 20-45 Sq. It is a perfect size to hang over an 8-ft dining table. Most important it installs easily and is flexible enough with the tilting ceiling mount and four separate equal sized down rods that give you a lot of flexibility in terms of height. The canopy features a durable swivel to mount on vaulted or sloped ceilings. You can adjust the hanging height as per your request.

There are 10 arms on the chandelier which spreads the light evenly over the room. You can play around with the length of the cord which extends up to 48 inches. BONLICHT lights are UL Listed products made of high-quality hardware. For the longer service life, please uses it in a dry environment.

If you are looking for a nice size chandelier that makes a beautiful statement and is a little easier on the budget, get BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass. It matches well in both a modern and classic interior with its minimalist design.

Best Contemporary

VINLUZ Sputnik Chandelier Contemporary

A seamless blend of vintage sophistication and contemporary clout, VINLUZ Sputnik Chandelier Contemporary offers a striking mix of design elements. This contemporary twist on the Sputnik features 8 lights attached to slim arms that radiate out from a central ball for a striking, starburst look. It’s the matchless chandelier light fixture to install in bedroom, living room, dining room, foyers and any room you like.

This chandelier includes four 10 inch hard stems to allow a variety of hanging heights with a clean, finished look. The lighting fixtures hanging canopy features a durable swivel to mount on vaulted or sloped ceilings. All the arms are pre-wired and pre-threaded for easy installation. Gently thread remaining wire and arms into the central ball and screwed. Thread the main wire through the extension rods, then install the fixture into a ceiling box.

You can adjust the hanging height as per your request so it can be showed multi displays according to your desired lighting view. Suggested space size is 15-50 Sqm. Fully dimmable when used with a dimmable bulb and compatible dimmer switch. Comes with E26 bulb bases (bulbs not included) which are compatible with LED, incandescent, CFL and halogen bulbs. Made of high-quality hardware, UL listed lamp socket and UL listed electric wire.

Looking to liven up the look of your space and add a touch of art living style to your ensemble? This lovely VINLUZ Sputnik Chandelier creates a robust yet airy effect for your home. VINLUZ light fixtures will give you a vintage industrial feeling, modern yet simple, classic and traditional at the same time.

Best Value

mirrea Vintage Metal Sputnik Chandelier

With 18 bulbs surround a black painted or chrome finish metal ball in the center, mirrea Vintage Metal Sputnik Chandelier add vintage character to any interior. With its trendy look, especially gorgeous for a living room, dining room, but also beautiful for a cafe bar. Industrial sputnik arm with lamp socket and bare shade reveal and maximize vintage Edison bulb light.

The wirings within light fixture are done in-house, all you need to do is pushing the wire into the center ball, and then screwing on the branch one by one. A little more installation details of the mounting bracket would have been fine. The white cotton gloves that came in the box keep the fingerprints off the bulbs when installing, well, a very nice touch from the seller. UL listed lamp socket and UL listed electric wire is used in this vintage chandelier.

This chandelier light works well with a dimmer switch if the bulb is filament bulb, please check the power rating of the dimmer switch before using together. 40W vintage Edison bulb is recommended because 40W at 18 bulbs is bright enough. Also, include a sloped adaptor in the package, so you can install it on an angled ceiling. Offer free standard shipping and replacement for a broken product in one year.

But overall, this thing is fantastic. mirrea Vintage Sputnik Chandelier design leaves virtually no shadows, and 18 bulbs will truly light up space. Plenty of warm glowing light, low cost to operate, and long life led bulbs.

Best with Crystal Accents

Robert Abbey Sputnik Pendant by Jonathan Adler

Decorated with crystal accents, the Robert Abbey Sputnik Pendant designed by Jonathan Adler is a piece of art that boasts modern functionality. Features numerous metal spokes shooting out from a central metal sphere, each accented by sparkling crystals or a glowing bulbs. Includes extension rods and direct wire for adjustable height, accommodating both large and small interior spaces. And it comes in small and large sizes (33.5 and 35-inches wide).

The crystal accents diffuse the light enough to ensure abundant illumination that will not hurt one’s eyes. It is sloped ceiling compatible, require 24 bulbs of 40 watt candelabra (E12) type – bulbs not included. Includes one 6-inches and three 12-inches downrods. It is also UL rated for dry locations.

Robert Abbey works with Jonathan Adler to create stylish products with lasting value, like architectural pendants and classic wall sconces. With this amazing Sputnik pendant, they realize a futuristic and retro, funky and elegant product to brighten any modern home.

Budget Pick

CLAXY Ecopower Antique Brass Sputnik Chandelier

You’ll find yourself captivated by the possibilities of this chandelier fixture. CLAXY Ecopower Antique Brass Sputnik Chandelier it is constructed of quality and sturdy steel. The design is funky but eclectic, in 3 finishes which makes it perfect for all style homes – modern or mid-century. Perfect ambient light or accent to your home.

This sputnik ceiling chandelier features eight E26 based socket which is compatible with a variety of bulb types: LED, CFL, incandescent, and so on. Fully dimmable with a compatible dimmer switch to create ambiance. Notice that the bulbs are not included. If you want a mid-century look it works with globe bulbs, and if you want more industrial style you could use the Edison bulbs. The light direction cannot pivot, so if you want to install on a sloped ceiling, the light direction will not downward.

For energy efficiency, LED Edison style bulb is recommended. The light supports up to 60×8 watts maximum and it is ETL listed. You can install the fixture where you prefer, but make sure that it used in dry locations. All hardware parts included for easy installation. CLAXY Sputnick Chandelier comes with 2 years warranty against material and workmanship defective.

Best Design

Dellemade Sputnik Chandelier Golden Pendant Light

Modern sputnik chandelier with cute bubble glass shade – that a complete description of Dellemade Sputnik Chandelier Golden Pendant Light. Ideal for bedroom, living room, dining room, kids room or any residential places. A chandelier or plug-in pendant lamp very convenient to place anywhere you want to light up.

Uses twelve G4-base bulbs, 60W max (LED bulbs included). Dimmable only when used with dimmable bulbs and compatible dimmer switch. Works with most medium base bulbs up to 60W, compatible with smart bulbs. On/Off switch in line with standard American plug. Lightweight, each branch already wired, just need to screw into the center ball to finish assembly. The cord is a little short, so you can try an extension that meets it halfway up the wall.

This lamp comes with extra glass orbs, is carefully wrapped in the package but the orbs are super fragile. The Dellemade Sputnic Chandelier is sturdy without being heavy and the bulbs diffuse the light perfectly.

Best Industrial

Light Society Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Industrial Starburst Style

Retro home finish chandelier meets classic European design and shines brightly with 12 to 18 lights – that’s the Light Society Sputnik Chandelier Pendant Industrial Starburst Style. Applicable in different places – perfect for living room, foyer, bars, hotels or restaurants. You can install this pendant light on either flat or sloped ceiling.

It is possible to hang this light on a slanted ceiling with a sloped ceiling adapter found here. Additional rods can be acquired by sending a message to Light Society manufacturer. The fixture is compatible with most dimmers on the market. The key concern when using a dimmer is making sure the BULBS you want to use are compatible with the dimmer you want to use.

All of the arms are already pre-wired, you just need to secure the arms to the ball fixture. The chandelier has a variety of down rod lengths so it’s easy to get just the perfect height. It is a high-quality light fixture, a little difficult to put together because the space you have inside the sphere is tight, but once done all works perfectly. Light Society Sputnik Chandelier it is definitely a focal statement piece.

Best Sphere Chandelier

George Oliver Calah Light Sputnik Sphere Chandelier

Illuminate your room with this sophisticated sphere chandelier. George Oliver Calah Light Sputnik Sphere Chandelier is crafted of metal in a polished finish, featuring 12 rods extending from a small metal sphere in every direction like a starburst. Emits ambient light to brighten up your space. Clear glass globe shades sit at the end of each arm. The finish goes really nicely in the kitchen or any living. Defined by its iconic sputnik silhouette, it always starts a conversation and brightens the whole room.

This modern chandelier is very bright with its 12*40W bulbs but it is not dimmable. LED bulbs are not recommended for this chandelier. The light of this chandelier is fabulous (light ambient) and you’ll love it. The chandelier is also sloped ceiling compatible. The maximum hanging height of this item is 60 inches.

The chandelier comes with one (1) 6-inch and three (3) 12-inch downrods. It is reasonably easy to hang and the glass shades are removable. And it can be can be mounted on a vaulted or angled ceiling. This Sputnik Sphere Chandelier from George Oliver is eye-catching and definitely generates a lot of compliments.

Best Splurge

Rivet Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Chandelier

The overall style of the Rivet Mid-Century Modern Sputnic Chandelier is clean and minimalist, with a strong retro aesthetic. The fixture itself has a brass colored appearance and is very handsome. Hand-blown glass orbs on metal arms add a charming retro style along with illumination to any style room. Perfect for mid-century modern, contemporary, and modern decors.

The fixture has very unique glass orbs (7 of them on the fixture), each featuring a frosted white inner glass globe surrounded by a larger attached outer globe of clear glass. The actual light bulbs, which are included, are very small. They are quite bright and provide very potent illumination. The rods are really customizable to get the perfect length.

Rivet Modern Sputnic Chandelier it looks cool and even better when dimmed down. Easy to install, high-end look, the fixture is made of good quality material. The glass orb has a very cool design with another orb inside it. The actual bulb is small. Pay attention to the type of bulb that is compatible with this light. Combine simplicity and sophistication to deliver a chic, modern industrial flair to your home.

Best Pendant Fixture

Marabella LED Sputnik Chandelier Light Fixture

Style is more than choosing colors, finishes, and shapes. It’s also about maximizing living spaces and personal expression. And the great quality and design don’t have to cost a fortune. This is where Marabella LED Sputnik Chandelier Light Fixture come to the stage. The six-light Marabella Chandelier is a contemporary fixture that is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, foyers and above bistro tables.

Three 22 inch rotating arms let you customize the look of the Marabella LED Chandelier. Semi-flush mounts industrial or retro pendant light let you choose with the adjustable length stems. It also features a 5-inch canopy with a durable swivel that will allow you to mount this light fixture on sloped or vaulted ceilings. This sputnik style light fixture comes with LED filament Edison style bulbs (G30 globe style). These bulbs have 400 lumens with a 2700K color temperature and are dimmable when used with compatible ELV dimmer.

This beautiful LED chandelier measures 30 inches wide by 36 inches high, with 36-inch minimum hanging height, and 70-inch maximum hanging height. Comes with many poles to extend the overall length of the chandelier, it is UL listed, hardwired, but does not have a switch. The Marabella LED Sputnic Chandelier is generously sized and offer good light. This fixture will be the talk of your home when someone walks in.

Honorable Mention

Kuehl 24 Light Chandelier with Bulbs and Decorative Objects

Looking for a distinctive sunburst silhouette that’s sure to grab glances from guests? Kuehl 24 Light Sputnick Chandelier with Bulbs and Decorative Glass Objects from Mercer41 is a perfect pick! Featuring a blend of different bulbs and decorative glass objects, this mixed-material light fixture is sure to catch the eye. Measuring 33.8 inches in diameter, it’s great for larger dining and living rooms.

This bold accent light is crafted from metal, spotting a starburst silhouette comprised of thin rods and accommodates 24 bulbs at 60W maximum power. The bulbs are not included with the chandelier. The maximum hanging height of the fixture is 81.5 inches including the canopy. The chain can be extended, the length of the chain is 39.5 inches. It is not recommended to hang the chandelier two stories high. This chandelier is also sloped ceiling compatible.

The Kuehl 24 Light Sputnic Chandelier can be used outdoors as long as it has ceiling/roofing to protect it from the rain. It is UL listed and as it’s dimmable, it lets you adjust your ambiance light. It might not look so good in the picture but wait until you see it lift up – it’s absolutely exquisite!

The Definitive Buying Guide For a Sputnik Chandelier

(How to Choose Chandelier Lights That Create Enchanting Interiors)

Whether you are looking for a lightning fixture to adorn your men cave, set the tone in your dining room, or add character to the living room, chandeliers are the classic choice for making a bold impression. In addition to style and materials, there are a variety of other factors to consider when selecting your ideal Sputnik chandelier – including size, light output, type of light source, dimming options, and more.

Before You Buy It – 5 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself

1. Which room should I place my chandelier in?
2. What size lighting fixture should I buy?
3. How many lumens do I need from the chandelier?
4. Which type of bulbs do I want?
5. Can be connected to a dimmer?

How To Size A Chandelier

Finding the right size for a chandelier depends on where you are going to use it. First, let’s determine the chandelier height you’ll need. Start by measuring the height of your room. As you may imagine, the higher the ceiling, the taller the chandelier. Multiply your ceiling height by 2.5-3 to get the recommended measurement in inches. So if the ceiling is 8 feet high, the fixture should have a height of between 20 and 24 inches.

If you’re going to use the chandelier as general room lighting, your chandelier diameter should be treated as inches. Measure the length and width of the room in feet, then add them together to find the ideal width of your chandelier in inches. Example: an 8 foot by 12-foot room can be well-served by a 20-inch wide fixture.

For rooms with lower ceilings, get a chandelier that isn’t too large. Higher ceilings can handle bigger fixtures. A chandelier with a complex design will look bigger than it actually is, so keep this in mind too.

If the chandelier is for a dining room, then you should take into consideration the size of the dining room table. In this case, the fixture should be approximately half the width of the table. In some cases, the ceilings might be relatively low, while the room is very large. In such a case, consider installing 2 chandeliers in the room.

Chandelier Bulbs

Chandeliers are a lightning source and mostly are compatible with a specific type of bulbs. Flame-shaped bulbs are a popular option for traditional chandeliers, though modern chandeliers may accommodate a wider variety of bulb types. Each bulb type carries unique advantages and disadvantages.

Things like color temperature, lumens, and wattage play a key factor in your room’s lighting. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescents (CFLs) help lower energy bills. Both have lower wattage, hence, provide the same light output as higher wattage incandescent bulbs. Look for a warm white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, a bright white color temperature for kitchens and bathrooms, and a daylight color temperature for reading books and studies.

Incandescent
Pros: inexpensive, emit a soft light tone
Cons: use the most energy of all, get hot, and burn often

Fluorescent
Pros: use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, emit little heat, last 10x more
Cons: expensive and not dimmable, includes a small amount of mercury liquid

LED
Pros: energy saving, very long lives (up to 100,000 hours), is not made with any hazardous chemicals
Cons: high-priced, possible compatibility problems with existing dimmers when retrofitting, sensitive in terms of temperature

Flame-shaped bulbs imitate the look of a small candle flame. These bulbs were originally used as replacements for candles in the early 20th century and today can bring a vintage aesthetic.

Edison bulbs add an unique look which is unmatched. They are dimmable, have a bigger selection of styles, sizes, and filament design, and are designed to distribute light in all directions for general illumination. As a downside, they are not as bright as standard incandescent bulbs and can use up to three times the energy of a standard incandescent.

Dimmers are a popular complement to chandeliers. It lets you turn the brightness up or down by adjusting the voltage supplied to a light source, so you can enjoy more flexible options than simply turning the light on or off. Some dimmers can be automatically programmed to change at certain times of day, you could adjust them manually or using touch screens and wireless remote controls.

How To Light Your Room: Ambient vs Task vs Accent

When you want to enlighten your room, you want to consider all of these three types of lighting – ambient, task, and accent. Here’s what does each of these means.

Ambient – usually means the light that is already present in a scene, like natural light. In our case scenario, mean artificial lights that came from canned lights in the ceiling. A more strict definition refers to the light that is diffused equally throughout an environment with no dominant direction. It is the first layer you’ll want in your room.

Task – lights a particular area and makes the completion of a task easier as opposed to ambient lighting that illuminates a general area. Task lighting is meant to help you see when you’re doing projects in which you need a finer light, such as, reading, cooking, writing, sewing, and many other things. When you have good task lighting general lighting can be reduced.

Accent – is for those that want to create a focal point for their most cherished areas or objects. People use accenting for wall washing, artwork, bookcase displays, pieces of furniture, collections, and the general architecture of their homes. The sky is the limit when it comes to using accent lighting.

While a sputnic chandelier is a real statement piece, it shouldn’t be the only source of light in a room. Accent lights on either side of the chandelier or over key furniture pieces (couches, tables, vanities) help provide adequate room lighting. These chandeliers will work fine as a lighting source in small spaces. The bigger they are (more arms and bulbs), the more they will light the room.

LED Sputnik Chandeliers

The LED bulbs are the newest trend and for some very great reasons! LED chandelier lights are eco-friendly and everlasting. An LED bulb can last 11 years at 100% use and 22 years at only 50% use. They can last 50,000 to 100,000 operating hours compared to only 1,500 hours for Incandescent lights. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient, so you can’t forget about the benefits of cost-efficiency.

According to Consumer Federation of America (CFA) in their LED Cost Analysis Survey, by using these modern lights, the user will only spend a cheap $17.25 for 10 years compared to an expensive $76.80 for Halogen and $78.80 for Incandescent. While Incandescent bulbs release about 90% of their energy as heat, LED lights use between 75-80% less energy, saving consumers $1,000 or more in a decade.

“By using LED light bulbs, consumers not only save money, but they also curb electricity use, potentially reducing the need for expensive new power plants,” said Mel Hall-Crawford, CFA’s Director of Energy Programs.” LED bulbs are a win-win-win for consumers, electric utilities, and the environment,” she added.

Unlike any incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs do not have mercury inside and are 95% recyclable. So they are friendly with the environment, but it is vital to recycle them correctly due to the high concentration of lead and nickel. Additionally, because LEDs consume less power they can operate on low-voltage electrical systems. They are much safer in the event that something goes wrong.

Most people are used to the warm yellow light of incandescent and halogen bulbs. LED lights are also available in cooler shades of white and daylight hues, as well as dimmable and non-dimmable varieties. And while one of the earliest problems with LED lights was the harsh direct light, consumers can now choose direct light (emits light for only 180 degrees) or omnidirectional bulbs, illuminating a whole room.

From helping to maintain the environment to saving money, there are so many reasons to purchase a LED sputnik chandelier for your home.

Importance Of Measuring Lumens Before Purchasing

Lumens are defined as the total amount of visible light (to the human eye) from a light source. The importance of lightning in a room is pretty obvious. How many lumens do you need? Well, there is no standard here – it will depend on a number of factors including room size and shape, the height of ceilings, color scheme, type of fittings, and your needs. So it’s very important to get the lighting correct and you will learn how to do this below.

· How to Measure Lumens for a Room

• First, you need to measure the length and width of the room in inches. For example: let’s say that your room is 100 inches in length and 150 inches width.
• Multiply the width and length together to find the room’s square inches. In our example: Multiply the inches in room length and width to reach 15,000 inches.
• Now, you need to convert the room’s square inches to square feet by dividing the square inches by 144. For example: divide 15,000 inches by 144 to get 104 square feet.

• A foot-candle is how bright a light is one foot away from its source. Use the table above to find the number of lumens per square foot (foot candles needed) in each room. For example measure for lumens in a kitchen room, which means using 35 in the next equation.
• Multiplying the room’s square feet with the number of lumens per square feet for the specified room. For example: multiply 104 and 35 together to get 3,640 lumens (lm) in your kitchen room.

These numbers are for typical conditions. If you have dark-colored walls and furniture, or if you’re using fixtures with shades, you’ll need an additional 10 lumens per square foot. And these calculations are for rooms with 8-foot ceilings. Even though you know how to measure for lumens, there is still one more step to discovering the correct amount of lighting from your chandelier.

· How to Convert Lumens to Watts

There are two measurements regarding how to measure lighting – lumens and watts. Lumens are the measurement of brightness from a bulb, while watts measure the amount of electrical power used to light a bulb. As you’ll find online or in general stores, different companies use either and sometimes only one of them to describe their chandelier.

As you can see from the table above, it’s important to know how many lumens you need for your room and whether you plan to use incandescent, fluorescent, or LED light bulbs. Once you know that, the next step is to figure out which type of chandelier you want and which styles go best with it.

To keep up with our example, we need 3,640 lumens (lm) for the kitchen room lighting. That’s equal to a number of 4 to 5 incandescent bulbs with a power of 75W each (3,640 lm / 800 = 4.55 bulbs), or the same amount of LED bulbs of 8-10W. So, we need a chandelier with 4-6 arms, that’s up to your choice.

Note: always consult a professional lighting electrician before purchasing or installing a chandelier. This buyers’ guide is not intended to take the place of a professional’s best opinion or serve as a technical safety manual.

Chandelier Care

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent dust from building up on your Sputnik chandelier. First, make sure that the chandelier is switched off and cool. For general everyday cleaning, use a soft antistatic dust brush or something very similar. Or, you can give your chandelier a quick cleaning with a blow-dryer. While dusting keeps in mind that the glass globes (if your models have them) shouldn’t knock against one another. We recommend wearing cotton gloves when cleaning and handling the glass globes.

For cleaning layers of dust, use a solvent cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Wipe metal parts, bulbs, and glass globes gently. Avoid rotating your chandelier. When cleaning, work in sections and walk or move around your chandelier. The suspension canopy and electrical systems should not be exposed to water, or be allowed to oscillate in any circumstance. As a good rule, try not to place fixtures close to vents.

Always use a stepladder and a drop cloth placed on the floor below your chandelier when cleaning. A ladder makes it easier to effectively move around and safely clean the chandelier, and a drop cloth will catch any dust or chandelier parts that may fall from the fixture. Use cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints.

Depending on how elaborate your sputnik chandelier is, you may be able to dust in place regularly, but chances are a biannual cleaning/inspection will be needed. In such cases, the chandelier needs to be taken down, clean, and then put it back in place.

· How To Clean A Chandelier with Vinegar

Turn off the electricity to the chandelier and wait several minutes for the bulbs to cool. Combine 2 cups of warm water, ½ a cup of rubbing alcohol, and 2 tablespoons of automatic dishwasher spot remover in a spray bottle. Use this solution to clean the chandelier’s metal parts and glass cover pieces. To clean the lightbulbs, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup of vinegar in another spray bottle.

Cover the lightbulbs in sandwich bags and close them with a rubber band. Spray evenly the chandelier, scrubbing away any dust with a soft cloth. Remove the protective bags once the chandelier is clean, and gently rub the vinegar solution onto the bulbs.

Chandeliers constructed from certain parts of metal will naturally tarnish with age. In some cases, the tarnishing process yields an antiqued look that is widely desirable. To slow this natural tarnishing, specific wax cleaners can be used.

You can also polish tarnished chandelier metals with your own solution. To make and use this paste, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ a cup of vinegar, and enough flour to make a paste. Apply the paste to the metal with a toothbrush. Leave the paste on the metal for about 15 minutes. Rinse with a rag soaked in warm water. Lastly, rub the metal with a dry microfiber cloth.

Sputnik Chandelier FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

In order to help you have the big picture and narrow down the best choice, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions relevant to buying a Sputnic chandelier

· What Is the Purpose of a Chandelier?

Chandelier lighting is very popular and is meant for lighting purposes but is also used as decorative items to add elegance to your home. The extravagant aspect that chandelier lighting emits is non-replaceable by any other light source. Chandelier lighting comes with numerous advantages such as adjusting the intensity of light.

You can dim the lights when you are away but do not want your home to be in complete darkness. Best of all, you can adjust the light intensity to create the perfect romantic ambiance. The controls give you complete freedom to handle the chandelier lighting as you please.

· What’s the Difference Between Chandelier and a Candelabra?

They both hang from the ceiling. Usually, the two have a central column and several arms which reach outwards with bulb lights on the end. In some cases, such a chandelier have candles instead of electric lights, and may then be referred to as a candelabra.

· What Is the Difference Between a Pendant and Chandelier?

Pendant lights hang from a chain and/or a cord with a single or a pair of lights on the end. Chandelier lights hang from a branched system to handle multiple lights. When compared to pendant lights, chandelier lights are usually heavier in weight. Unlike chandelier lighting, pendants are used to focus more on a specific area. Variance in price is another notable difference.

· How Do I Know Which Chandelier to Get?

That’s the big question – nine out of ten times the decision comes down to size. There are guidelines to help determine the right size of chandelier for your room. Our buyers guide is a great starting point.

· At What Height Should I Hang My Kitchen Chandelier?

In a kitchen or dining room, the goal is to suspend it low enough so that you don’t catch flare from the light source but high enough so that it does not obstruct your viewing. A good rule is to hang the chandelier so the bottom of the fixture is 30-36 inches from the top of the table or kitchen island. You can adjust this height to suit your personal preferences or needs.

Generally, there should be 30-inches between the bottom of the chandelier and the top of the table in a room with an 8-inch ceiling. If the ceiling is higher, the distance between the bottom of the fixture and the table should increase. A chandelier should provide light for the table, but not be so low to block anyone’s line of view when they are sitting.

· Will My Chandelier Be Bright Enough to Light the Whole Room?

Sputnik chandeliers are decorative fixtures, so by any means, do not expect to be your room’s primary light source. This is mostly true if you own big spaces. Placing a chandelier in the center of a room and expecting it to entirely light that big space is not a good idea. It might work if the chandelier’s bulbs are exposed. In such cases, chandeliers work best as a supplementary light source and even better when incorporated into a layered lighting scheme. For small spaces, single chandeliers will be lightning fine.

· Are There Chandeliers That Use LED Bulbs?

Absolutely, take a look at our peek – Marabella LED Chandelier Light Fixture. Manufacturers are coming out with incredible new LED chandelier models every day. The LED technology has improved so much that often you cannot tell the difference between an LED fixture and a traditional incandescent one.

In addition to design flexibility, other advantages of LED lighting include increased efficiency and reliability, which translates into significant energy and cost savings. LEDs run five times cooler than halogen bulbs while expending 1/5 of the energy. LEDs also outlast other light sources, with a lifespan of about 100,000 hours.

· Are LED Chandeliers Dimmable?

Many LED chandeliers are fully dimmable when paired with a compatible low voltage dimmer. Although not every LED chandelier is dimmable, so this is something very important you want to ask before buying. Check the specifications of each individual chandelier and then refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for compatible dimmers.

· Can I Upgrade My Chandelier to LED or CFL Without Replacing the Fixture?

Upgrading your chandelier to use LED or CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) is called retrofitting. It is often possible but not always. First, it depends on the fixture. Second, there are many LED and CFL retrofit bulbs available in a variety of shapes and bases that you can use but you need to keep dimming in mind. If your sputnic chandelier is wired to a dimmer, you will probably need to buy a new dimmer that is compatible with your LED or CFL bulbs. A dimmer dims the bulbs (intensity of light) not the fixture.

If your chandelier bulbs are exposed, there are LED or CFL bulbs that may work fine. The downside is that it may look horrible. If you want to retrofit with LED or CFL, buy just one bulb to see if you like it. Then replace the rest if you do.

· Can I Use A Chandelier In Any Room In the House?

Yes, you can. Contrary to popular beliefs, chandeliers are commonly found in foyers and formal entryways, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, powder rooms, or man caves. Choosing the place where to install a chandelier depends on the size of the room, ceiling height, size of the fixture, and the surrounding decor. And IF you want to install such a piece into bathrooms, don’t forget about protection!

Water carries electricity. If the two mix, the result can be deadly. That’s why the bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to electrical safety. There are special requirements for electrical installations in bathrooms. IP rating stands for Ingress Protection and is always followed by two characters. These two numbers refer to a level of protection and it is important that you choose fittings with the correct rating according to where they are to be sited within the bathroom.

· Who Can Install a Chandelier?

If you’re replacing an old chandelier lighting with a new one, you might be able to handle the job yourself. However, if you’re adding a chandelier to a place where not existed before, you’ll need to call for an authorized electrician. You’ll also have to hire an electrician if any of the wiring running to the chandelier is old and needs updating.

The price of a chandelier installation depends on the size and weight of the chandelier, the difficulty of installation, the condition of the wiring, whether you’re replacing an old chandelier or installing a new one, ceiling height, and local labor rates. Most authorized electricians charge about $100 to $250 to install a new chandelier in place of an old one (not including the cost of the chandelier) and it takes from one to three hours. Installing a new chandelier where one is not already in place costs anywhere from $250 to $2,000 or even more.

· Do I Really Need a ETL/UL Certified Light Chandelier?

All electrical fixtures installed in a house must be certified by an independent testing laboratory. This includes chandeliers, wall sconces, lanterns, recessed ceiling fixtures, and task lighting that is attached to the house. There are two labs that are primarily used: Electrical Testing Labs/Intertek (ETL) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). They’re both qualified by the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL, which is OSHA certified).

Retail buyers accept it on products they’re sourcing. And every day, more and more consumers recognize it on products they purchase as a symbol of safety. ETL/UL Verified is a product certification mark that demonstrates that a product has met certain design and performance standards. The ETL/UL Verified mark serves to denote an elevated level of quality and reliability for a product, signaling to consumers that a product meets high standards.

In Conclusion

Chandeliers are usually pieces of furniture that have a distinguished presence inside of a room. So it’s important to measure how much space the chandelier will take and whether this fits with how the room style. Also, consider if the chandelier will provide more ambient light or is it a fixture that has a specific design task.

We review different Sputnik chandeliers made in different styles with the idea to help you come to an informed buying choice. With a perfect look and an affordable price, the BONLICHT Sputnik Chandelier 10 Light Brushed Brass is our top pick for this year. This chandelier is easy to install since all you have to do is to screw the arms and then install the bulbs. The wiring is already in place for a fully dimmable light. There are 10 arms on the chandelier which spreads the light evenly over the room. You can play around with the length of the cord which extends up to 48 inches. Works great for both high and low ceilings.

A sputnik chandelier transforms the atmosphere into any room. Hanging the right Sputnik chandelier is the equivalent of having a functional piece of modern art.