Chandeliers have long been used as dramatic and decorative focal points in interior design. There are many different types of chandeliers, making them a versatile choice for styling your home. Modern chandeliers are available in a wide range of styles and materials, meaning they can be adapted to suit different design styles and spaces.
The word "chandelier" comes from the French word "chandelle," which means candle. The earliest chandeliers were simple light fixtures designed to hold multiple candles, providing both light and a touch of style in medieval and Renaissance-era households.
Chandeliers Over the Years
Chandeliers have evolved over time from functional fixtures to decorative accents. What started as simple metal or wood fixtures became more ornate with intricate designs and different materials. Glassmaking techniques in the 17th century led to the creation of glass chandeliers, including the iconic crystal chandelier that became a symbol of luxury and opulence.
The biggest advancement in chandelier design occurred in the late 19th century with the widespread adoption of electricity. Chandeliers were adapted to incorporate electric bulbs. This transition made a big difference in chandelier design, allowing for greater creativity and diversity in shapes and styles.
Choosing a Chandelier
When choosing a chandelier, you’ll want to consider key factors such as the style, shape, size and price point to find the best fit. Chandeliers play an important role in the overall decor of a room, so finding one that complements your desired style and ambiance is important. There are several different types of chandeliers to choose from, including crystal, candle, drum, and caged chandeliers.
Corbett Mont Blanc 25 Light Chandelier
Crystal Chandeliers
Crystal chandeliers are the most iconic type of chandelier, known for their luxurious appeal in formal spaces like dining rooms and ballrooms. They are a traditional style of chandelier that was used for many years as a symbol of wealth and prestige. These visually stunning chandeliers are adorned with crystal prisms that reflect light to create a dazzling effect. They are often seen in historic estates or palaces in the ballroom and dining hall.
Tulip Chandelier by Hudson Valley Lighting
Styles and Uses
Ornate crystal chandeliers are often seen in spaces like estates and hotels, as they create a statement focal point in large spaces like lobbies or stairways. These large fixtures are often multi-tiered with a stunning design of hundreds of crystals arranged along the arms of the chandelier.
There are more modern and streamlined versions of crystal chandeliers that are better suited to modern architecture. These designs can be more compact to fit in a formal dining room or entryway, while still featuring beautiful crystal pendants.
Crystal chandeliers are available with varying numbers of lights, ranging from a few to dozens. The number of lights contributes to both the overall brightness of the fixture and its visual impact in a room.
Candle Chandeliers
A candle chandelier takes inspiration from the traditional chandelier fixtures that were designed to hold actual candles. Although we don’t use real candles anymore, these chandeliers feature a candle-like light at the end of individual arms. These electric bulbs sometimes produce a flickering effect to mimic their own candle like light. Their design, inspired by the pure elegance of historic candle-lit chandeliers, makes them a natural fit for classic and traditional interiors.
Styles and Uses
A candle chandelier often features a warm bulb temperature to liken the effect to candlelight. This style of chandelier produces a warm and welcoming ambiance. These fixtures are particularly well-suited for spaces used for relaxing and entertaining, such as dining rooms or living rooms. Their candlelit atmosphere is particularly popular in a dining room setting.
While candle chandeliers usually have a more traditionally-inspired appeal, there are modern versions with a more streamlined design. Contemporary candle chandeliers still mimic the essence of their historic counterparts but with more modern and sleek design elements. The main appeal of candle chandeliers is their tasteful glow and their ability to evoke the romance of candlelight.
Rexton 3-Light Chandelier by Canarm
Drum Chandeliers
Drum chandeliers feature a cylindrical drum-shaped shade that surrounds the central light fixture. These chandeliers are known for their contemporary appeal as the design differs from traditional chandeliers with the incorporation of the drum shade. The geometric shapes add a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic to these fixtures.
Maude 3-Light Chandelier by Canarm
Styles and Uses
The drum-shaped shade of these chandeliers directs light downwards, providing ambient light to the space below. This makes drum chandeliers well-suited for many different rooms, including the kitchen or dining room, living rooms, and entryways. The ambient down-lighting is especially popular in rooms for relaxation like a bedroom setting.
Drum chandeliers are a versatile type of chandelier, making them a popular choice in today’s homes. Their design is especially suited for contemporary or transitional decor styles as it adds a touch of style without being a bit gaudy. The sleek geometric shapes and ambient down-lighting make these fixtures a versatile and attractive choice for modern elegance.
Caged Chandeliers
A caged chandelier features a central lighting source surrounded by an outer framework or ornate cage structure. The cage structure is generally made of metal, but can also use materials such as wood or rattan, depending on the style of the chandelier.
Euclid 4 Light Chandelier by Z-Lite
Styles and Uses
Caged chandeliers are statement pieces that provide ambient lighting to the space they illuminate. Depending on the cage design and arrangement of the light bulbs, they can create an interesting light effect and unique shadows as the light reflects around the room. These chandeliers are often used to create a statement as a focal point in the room.
There are many styles of caged chandeliers, but they are often best suited to an industrial type style due to the metalwork of the frame or cage. However the material and design of the cage can also be tailored to a variety of decor styles for a more fashionably understated look. Some feature a simple and open geometric cage for a modern look and down to earth feel, while others may have more intricate detailing for a vintage or rustic style.
Design Styles
Each of the various types of chandeliers is available in a range of styles for perfectly complimenting every space. There are modern style chandeliers that are streamlined and sleek, as well as other styles like beaded chandeliers or organic chandeliers for a more rustic country style.
If you’re looking for a more timeless look, transitional chandeliers combine the best of contemporary and traditional accents for a classic, yet stylish look. With the wide range of types and styles available, you can combine modern chandeliers with other light fixtures to illuminate your home with style and function.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Chandelier
Size and Scale
Once you’ve chosen a style of chandelier that best suits your home, you’ll want to consider other factors such as size and shape. Size plays an important role in choosing the right chandelier. You have to consider scale and proportion when determining what size of chandelier is the best fit. Spaces with high ceilings may be a better fit for a tiered chandelier or larger light fixture, where smaller rooms may not have as much space and will need a more compact design.
Lighting Budget
While chandeliers of the past were a luxurious accent with a high price tag, modern chandeliers are available in a range of price points to suit every budget. You can choose more compact or streamlined designs to stay within your budget, or splurge on an intricate and ornate design.
Albany 12-Light Chandelier by Eurofase
Shop for Chandeliers at Lights Canada
Chandeliers are incredibly versatile and suitable for various settings and spaces. Whether you're envisioning a grand fixture for the dining room, a cozy drum chandelier in the living room, or an eye-catching centrepiece for your entryway, there's a chandelier to complement every room.
We carry a wide range of types of chandeliers from top lighting brands. It's easy to find the perfect modern chandelier to complement your home. Browse our collection to explore different types of chandeliers.
