Gems & Geodes: Bringing Drama to Lighting

Nothing says opulence like a beautifully decorated room illuminated by strategically placed task, spot and overhead lighting (not to mention natural lighting). So what better way to enhance your space than to introduce a wonderfully ornate, simplistically modern, functionally traditional or architecturally beautiful chandelier or pendant overhead.

Chandeliers/Pendants have typically been reserved for and thought of as lighting sources meant to illuminate grand staircases, cathedral height ceilings and vast open space dining rooms. But this concept has changed over the years and I am sure happy for it. Chandeliers are making appearances in any number of locations throughout the home where you would never have found one before, in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Sure, they are still being used in their "traditional" sense, but the style of chandeliers available allow for a great number of opportunities to create a sense of whimsy, sophistication, sleekness and refinement.

There are tricks however, to selecting and hanging a chandelier in your home which will impact the overall esthetic's. When examining a space in which you're considering a chandelier take these thoughts into consideration:

Where am I going to hang it?
How large is the overall space?
How low can the fixture be hung?
What is the "look" I'm going for?

The reason for these questions is simple, when considering your space and it's functionality you need to determine that:

a) Chandeliers can be hung in a number of locations from the stairwell/entry to the powder room, it's really just a matter of imagination. You can consider hanging one over an island in your kitchen, or in a more traditional location such as your dining room. Bedrooms and bathrooms are also ideal locations as well as living spaces. The choices are limitless.

b) How large of a fixture to hang is impacted by the size of the space. If your room is small, you don't want a chandelier that is 3/4 the size of the space, or vice-versa, if your room is quite large you wouldn't want to select a very petite fixture.

c) The height at which to hang the chandelier is equally as important as the size. Depending on where you're planning to install one you want to be sure that either heads won't be banged when walking into the space or that linens won't be caught every time you make the bed/table. And if you're hanging one over the dining table that the table is illuminated and people can see across from one another and are not obstructed.

d) The overall appearance is important when selecting a chandelier (as with any other lighting source) as this can greatly impact the space. Consider the chandelier as a floating decorative object in the room, an art piece of sorts. Your fixture can be demure or whimsical, modern or traditional. What matters is that the fixture fits with the overall "theme" or flow of the room and doesn't stand out like a sore thumb.

So now that we've covered the basics, let's get into the fun stuff...choosing a chandelier! Here are some options broken down for you by category, both in chandelier and pendant configurations, but remember the options are limitless, so be sure to hit the shops and boutiques and find that next great fixture for your space(s)!

Sleek/Modern:

Architectural:

19th/20th Century:

Sophisticated and Charming:

Whimsical and Kitschy:

Those are just a few options in only a limited number of styles that are available, so get out there and scour the shops for your next great chandelier/pendant fixture! Your room will thank you.

Happy Shopping!

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