Installing a chandelier in your home can effectively enhance the aesthetics of your interior design. Chandeliers come in a wide variety of styles, so understanding the characteristics of each is crucial. The following detailed guide will help you easily choose between different types of chandeliers.
Chandeliers are the epitome of modern elegance, a common sight in many ballrooms and restaurants. These days, if you're looking to create a sophisticated ambiance and your home has high ceilings, a chandelier is an ideal choice.
Unfortunately, when it comes to chandeliers, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. There are numerous types of chandeliers, each suited to a variety of styles. Therefore, it's best to compare options before making a decision.
What are the different types of chandeliers? What are the unique features of each? Let's take a closer look.
Candle Chandeliers
Candle chandeliers are considered the origin of all chandeliers, embodying the original form of the chandelier. These chandeliers typically have at least five extending arms, each end with a separate candlestick-like fixture.
For those who prefer a rustic style, this type of chandelier is perfect. The good news is that these chandeliers aren't as bulky as other styles, so they don't take up too much space.
This type of chandelier might be best suited for a dining room. If you're looking for a minimalist yet elegant style, it's a good choice.
Unfortunately for those seeking authenticity, candle chandeliers now use candle-shaped lamps instead of actual candles. This retains the iconic look without the risks and hassles of using actual candles.
One style adds a lampshade to the candle-shaped fixture, giving this iconic piece a more modern look.
Antler Chandeliers
Outdoorsy types will love antler chandeliers, which create a rustic ambiance and transform your home into a nature lover's dream. Fortunately, the antlers aren't real, so you can achieve this feeling without harming wildlife.
They don't take up much space, so even a small home can accommodate them. However, keep in mind that while they create a more down-to-earth feel, there aren't many other styles that pair well with antlers.
Given the layout of the room, this lamp might not be suitable for a kitchen or dining room, as the presence of antlers might dampen appetite. However, if your home has a more rustic feel, it would be a great choice for your living room.
Also, if you're lucky enough to have a game room with a pool table or billiards room, this chandelier would be very practical. If you're an avid hunter, it would also be a great complement to your trophies.
Crystal chandeliers
Crystal chandeliers are a diverse category of chandeliers, named after the material they're made of. They come in a variety of shapes, and if you're looking for pure elegance, the following types are worth considering.
These lamps are suitable for dining rooms, living rooms, and even if you have a grand spiral staircase. However, they're not suitable for bedrooms, as they might look a bit tacky.
One of the most popular crystal chandelier designs is the raindrop chandelier. As the name suggests, this style features crystals arranged in the shape of raindrops.
Another intricate and stunning design is the staircase chandelier. The crystals in these chandeliers are arranged in a spiral pattern, extending downward, resembling a winding staircase.
It's important to note that raindrop and staircase designs take up a lot of vertical space, so if your home has low ceilings, you might want to avoid them.
Even if you don't have room for a regular-sized chandelier, there are a variety of miniature chandeliers available.
Modern Glass Chandeliers
Glass chandeliers, named after the material they're made of, are popular for their versatility. They come in a wide variety of designs, making it easy to find one that suits your style.
Furthermore, the variety of glass chandeliers available makes it easy to find one that matches your space. This versatility means that glass chandeliers are suitable for almost any room, as long as you find one that matches the mood.
Modern Chandeliers
For those seeking an avant-garde style, modern chandeliers can create a futuristic feel. Characterized by clean angles and geometric shapes, this style perfectly captures the world of the digital age.
This isn't to say you can't experiment with more abstract or original designs; however, such designs are likely to be very geometric. Modern style isn't known for complexity, so if your idea lacks detail, you might want to avoid this style.
Their size doesn't stand out, so they should fit in most spaces.
These chandeliers are ideal for living rooms or entryways. While their style is impressive, they might look out of place in other areas, such as a kitchen or bedroom.
Drum Chandeliers
A drum chandelier is a type of pendant lamp with a lampshade, named for its distinctive shape. While not all chandeliers have this shape, many have a circular lampshade that encloses the entire fixture, somewhat resembling a drum.
The lampshade creates a romantic glow, making a drum chandelier a good choice if you're looking for the right light for your home.
These sizes may vary, so it's best to look at several models before deciding which is best for your home.
Transitional Chandeliers
Transitional chandeliers blend old and new styles, combining the futuristic flair of modern chandeliers with the rustic elegance of vintage chandeliers.
A distinct advantage of this unique type of chandelier is that it adapts well to both styles and even complements several others.
They work well in dining rooms and entryways, but aren't necessarily suitable for bedrooms.
Bowl Chandeliers
The simplest of all pendant lights, bowl chandeliers are hanging fixtures shaped like a bowl. This shape creates an interesting lighting effect, with most of the light directed toward the ceiling or filtering through holes in the design, while the bowl itself radiates an elegant glow.
This style can complement a variety of moods, but it's probably best suited for those who prefer a more stylish, understated look. They're also a good choice for those who can't tolerate excessive light.
Bowl chandeliers come in many different sizes, depending on the height at which they're hung. However, most bowl chandeliers don't seem to take up much space.
Because of their low brightness, they're ideal for bedrooms or kitchens.
Beaded Chandeliers
These unique chandeliers add an exotic touch to any home. Made almost entirely of beads, they're easily a conversation starter.
The beads themselves come in several different materials, including glass, wood, and shells.
Because creating large beaded chandeliers requires considerable effort, most chandeliers are reasonably sized and suitable for most rooms. Again, this design style is quite unique, so be sure to think carefully before purchasing, and perhaps seek advice from others.
Regarding the room, if you're seeking a New Age or exotic design, this fixture can be used in the bedroom, the kitchen, or the entryway. Essentially, it can be installed anywhere that suits the style.
Cage Chandeliers
A classic in modern architecture, the cage chandelier features an intricate design that places the lamp in the center of an ornate cage. Some designs interpret the concept of the cage more literally, while others take an abstract approach, using intersecting circular rods to form a circular cage.
Regardless of the design, this type of chandelier is typically visually striking and eye-catching. Cage chandeliers are typically of moderate size, making installation relatively easy.
With their large size and striking design, cage chandeliers are a great choice for entryways. Hanging them above a door in an open space creates a striking visual impact for guests. It can be installed in kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms, but it's not ideal for bedrooms.
As far as ambiance is concerned, it doesn't quite fit in with a country style. If you prefer a style with subtle steampunk elements, modern, vintage, or even a more Victorian feel, it can complement the look.
However, the style of the cage should also be determined by the overall style. If the room leans towards Victorian style, the cage should be more classical.
Tiered Chandeliers
If you're looking for truly opulent design, you might consider a tiered chandelier. Tiered chandeliers come in many styles, but they all essentially have multiple layers and additional arms.
The tiered design often makes tiered chandeliers taller than other types of chandeliers, although some designs, such as raindrop chandeliers and staircase chandeliers, are even taller.
In general, avoid tiered chandeliers unless you have ample space. Otherwise, try to minimize the tiering aspect of your design. If a traditional chandelier isn't suitable, then neither will a tiered traditional chandelier. This is true for almost any style that offers tiered features.
However, if you can install them, they make excellent decorative accents for dining rooms, entryways, and living rooms.
From simple to modern, and everything in between
No matter your style, there's a chandelier that's perfect for you. But your chandelier selection journey has just begun.
Now you know more about the types of chandeliers, from glass to crystal, traditional to modern. Now, all you need to do is find the right place to buy them.