They are big, they are grand and they light up every corner of your room! We are talking about chandeliers, of course. These statement lighting fixtures originated from their medieval cousins, the candelabra. In fact, if we look into the etymology of the word chandelier, its origin is ‘chandelle’, French for candles. Post the 18th century, the candles were replaced by gas lights and chandeliers slowly evolved into their modern versions.
In their original version, these lighting fixtures had a tier form that was well-suited to the tall ceilings of castles and palaces. The modern chandeliers are more compact and less elaborate, making them fit seamlessly into apartments that have lower ceilings.
We have curated a list of 10 such designs that would fit easily into modern homes with detailed notes of each one’s style and where to place them for best results.
#1: The Wagon Wheel
Style: Industrial
Where to place: Narrow passageways, foyer
Works best with: This type of lighting can illuminate grey to blue colour schemes with azure brightness. Always use yellow light bulbs to populate this fixture to match the aesthetics of the industrial style.
#2: A Crystal Bunch
Style: Art deco
Where to place: As a statement piece in living or dining space
Works best with: The crystals of this piece will add a dewy sheen to velvet finishes and marble top tables. Also consider adding plenty of mirrors to double up its shimmer and shine.
#3: The Spotlight(s)
Style: Contemporary
Where to place: In room with plenty of wall accents
Works best with: A minimal setting with neutral shades will benefit from the metallic glow of spotlights.
#4: Copper Cluster
Style: Minimal glam
Where to place: Corner of any room
Works best with: The copper tints look best with warm neutrals and glossy wooden finishes. As this style is essentially modern, pick furniture that is simple with straight lines.
#5: The Rope Racoon
Style: Industrial
Where to Place: As a statement piece in living or dining space or kitchen
Works Best With: This coir rope chandelier with naked Edison bulbs goes best with distressed finishes and rugged brick walls.
#6: The Ottoman
Style: Persian
Where to Place: Centre of any room that needs all round illumination
Works Best With: Moroccan or oriental style decor with curvy furniture and lustrous velvet or silk upholstery. Also mirrors, preferably in curvaceous shapes, will add some drama coupled with this piece.
#7: The Vintage Vine
Style: Indian traditional
Where to Place: Centre of living room as the accent piece
Works Best With: This elaborate crystal piece looks best when paired with other shades of tinted glass and varnished wooden surfaces. Throw in some traditional Indian art like Raja Ravi Varma paintings to complete the look.
#8: Victorian Candelabra
Style: Classical
Where to Place: For ambient lighting in any room
Works Best With: This traditional piece looks rather like its name, the candle holder, quite literally, as a chandelier is supposed to be. Despite its perfect symmetry and grandeur, this piece will not brighten up every corner of the room. Instead it gives the space a subdued lighting, reminiscent of the ere it belongs to. Pair it up with rust, deep reds and rich hues of brown.
#9: The Circle of Lights
Style: Contemporary
Where to Place: Just over your statement piece in any room
Works Best With: This decisively modern piece comprising spotlights facing downward is ideal for contemporary living rooms. It goes well with bold solid colours and metallic accents.
#10: Chandeliers With Curves
Style: Transitional
Where to Place: For ambient lighting in the living room
Works Best With: This piece is ideal for homes that mix time periods. The style of this chandelier is vintage but can easily go with modern furniture and open layouts. Pair with rich reds and other warm shades.
If you enjoyed reading about these lighting pieces, also explore 12 pendant light options for 12 moods.
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