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What makes a chandelier modern?

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Geym

Mar. 07, 2024
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Among the furnishings that can affect the atmosphere and style of the various rooms in the home, chandeliers have the place of honour, if only because they perform a twofold function: furnish with unparalleled class and illuminate the room.

Depending on the style (classic or contemporary), the style (minimal, luxury, large, or small) and the design (material, shape, and colour), a chandelier will be more or less suitable to fit into a given context.

Some models have a clear identity. Think, for example, of chandeliers with crystal pendants, perfect for furnishing a classic-style dining room or living room inspired by the splendour of the grand reception rooms of the past.

Less formal are contemporary chandeliers characterised by greater versatility and the ability to embrace different styles.

There are all kinds of chandeliers on the market, ranging from hyper-modern ones, recognisable by their futuristic shapes, the prevalence of cold materials such as glass and metals, and their compact and essential design, to chandeliers that lie somewhere between contemporary minimalism and luxury typical of the Made in Italy tradition.

The latter, belonging to a hybrid style often identified as contemporary-chic (or classic-contemporary), are among the most popular for contemporary furniture projects, given their flexibility.

Beauty and luxury without giving up on functionality and current trends. Isn't this what contemporary means?

 

 

5 Things to consider before buying a contemporary chandelier

In luxury residences, furnished in contemporary-chic taste, the lighting system plays a crucial role, often acting as the guiding element of the furnishing design.

Through their importance, lighting fixtures create the perfect synergy between the modern and chic (literally) shedding light on contrasts.

And so contemporary chandeliers, from their privileged position, illuminate the unique features of the environment. Sometimes it will be the dialogue between wenge wood and the gilded details of the living room cabinets and at other times it will be the combination of geometric shapes and the jewel-like design of the luxury nightstands in the bedroom.

But before choosing chandeliers for contemporary interiors one must consider every factor. Only then it will be possible to identify the models most in line with contemporary concepts in terms of decorative lighting.

Therefore, it is fundamental to think about the following elements:

Let's look at each point more closely.

 

1. Space: room size and ceiling height

The choice of chandelier for each contemporary environment - bedroom, foyer, and living room - depends on the size of the room.

Evaluating the size of the spaces will help you to select the ideal solution, which will not only complete the furniture composition, but can also help to make the perception of the spaces a more pleasing experience.

A large, sophisticated and imposing chandelier could be perfect for a spacious room, while on the contrary, a smaller model may be too minute for the context and therefore may not stand out.

It is preferable to place smaller chandeliers in limited spaces such as in a corridor, in a bathroom, in a small office or at the house’s entrance.

In addition to the size of the room, the height of the ceiling should also be considered. Also in this case, the proportions apply. In a house with low ceiling, it is better to opt for compact ceiling lights or chandeliers.

In contemporary living rooms with a high ceiling, it is better to choose a chandelier that provides a high visual impact.

Basically, it is recommended to position the lighting fixture in the middle of the ceiling for aesthetic purposes, general lighting and symmetry.

Standing in the centre, the chandelier draws the gaze of the observer and provides a view that further enhances the contemporary-chic atmosphere of the room. In fact, for symmetry, a certain visual balance and the correct proportion of perspectives should be ensured.

From a technical point of view, the chandelier in the centre of the ceiling ensures an even and balanced distribution of light in all areas of the room.

 

 

2. The function of the chandelier

Depending on the role of the chandelier different formats, sizes, materials and colours can be chosen. Choosing a chandelier for the children's room is very different from choosing it for the foyer or living room. It is not just a question of design, though. Functional lighting is also lighting that facilitates performing certain activities.

We know that today's environments often host several functions. For example, a contemporary bedroom can accommodate a make-up corner, furnished with a vanity unit, a pouf and a mirror; in a versatile and cosy contemporary living room we could instead find a workstation desk.

In all these cases, it is important to differentiate the lighting system by providing, in addition to the main chandelier, another set of functional lamps for specific activities: desk lamp, spotlights, wall lights etc.

 

3. The illumination power

The function of the chandelier goes hand in hand with the power of the lighting, which is measured in watts (the amount of energy consumed) and lumens (the amount of light emitted).

The values must take into account the size of the room, the degree of brightness (meaning the amount of natural light) and the atmosphere one wants to achieve. Daylight or soft lighting for a soft ethereal atmosphere?

 

4. The furnishing style

Usually, contemporary style chandeliers are made with versatile materials and finishes of remarkable technical-stylistic quality, such as:

  • Chromed, matt or shiny metal
  • Wrought iron, brass, bronze or copper
  • Glass or crystal
  • Gold and silver lacquering
  • Beads, crystals and Swarovski for pendants and decorations

We recommend you to stick to this aesthetic line, choosing solutions that present these features, while trying to take into account your taste and the final result you wish to obtain.

To create a harmonious and stylistically balanced room, the choice of chandelier should also take into account the style of the furnishings as well as the decorative details, trying to create a matching effect.

For example, in an Essenza di Adora living room, the matching detail between furniture and chandelier could be the gilded finishes.

Assessing these factors will not only help you select the lighting solutions best suited for the context, but will ultimately contribute to the stylistic continuity of the entire aesthetic composition. Once you have defined these general aspects you can move on to the next step.

 

5. The colours of the room

Before choosing a chandelier to illuminate the rooms in your home, you should also take into account the colour palette that makes up the home's décor.

Not only the colour of the walls, but also the shades and patterns of the wallpaper or the colour of the furniture (if in wood, depending on the type of wood: light or dark?), accessories, carpets, curtains, but also structural elements such as floors, doors and windows.

Each furnishing design features its colour scheme, which may consist of a single dominant colour combined with a couple of minor tone-on-tone colours, or two or three leading colours that are interspersed and combined to create a specific stylistic mood.

The colour of the chandelier can be used either in continuity with the other furnishings, creating a simple yet elegant contemporary ambience, or in a project where the chandelier stands out for a particular colour, material or detail, in deliberate contrast with the rest.

 

 

Contemporary chandeliers: choose them to make a style statement in your home

Through this article we have described the main aspects to be taken into consideration in order to make the most targeted and suitable choice for each of your furnishing scenarios.

By following our recommendations , you will achieve an elegant and well-structured furnishing atmosphere as a final result, that is always cosy and pleasant to live in.

By choosing contemporary chandeliers you will provide functional lighting to every room without sacrificing style.

These solutions, in fact, combine design and functionality, which are two essential factors when it comes to decorative lighting: that's why they are ideal for your furniture project.

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“Chandeliers are the marvels of drop-dead showiness, the jewelry of architecture.”

  • Peter York (a British author)

And without jewelry, the place would be nothing more than a set of walls. That’s how important the chandelier lights are. 

But first, let us know what the chandeliers are!

Chandeliers are the lighting fixtures that are installed on the walls or ceilings. Typically, they provide ambient lighting in homes, restaurants, offices, and royal palaces. It can be made from wood, glass, metal, or fabric.  

Second, the style of the chandelier lights can range from timeless vintage chandeliers to chic modern chandeliers. 

To give your room a bit of glitz, we have compiled a list of the latest chandelier light styles. Let’s proceed.

Modern Chandeliers: Energy Efficient 

‘Light creates ambiance and feel of a place, as well as the expression of a structure.’

  • Le Corbusier (an Swiss-French architect)

Metallic finishes, statement pieces, and LED lights are the characteristics of modern chandeliers. Energy-efficient LEDs are used in these lighting fixtures. These modern lighting fixtures are preferred due to their versatility, adaptability, and functionality. 

Modern Chandelier Lights

Kira is an excellent addition to your living areas, usually made of glass and metal. The flexible filament of the lamp is in a straight line and upward bent shape. The integration of geometry with minimalism gives a sense of order and balance. The LED lights emit warm, soft, and bright light that is easily adjustable. 

Vintage Chandelier: Timeless Beauty

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‘Light is a magical ingredient that makes or breaks a space.’

  • Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz (an interior designer)

Grand appearance. Intricate designs. Timeless piece. These powerful characteristics of vintage chandeliers make them incomparable to the rest of the styles. The ornate lamps and candles add a touch of class and elegance to a room. 

Vintage Chandelier

Louis XL chandelier lights use lampshades for a softer glow. From every angle, the details are visible.

Industrial Chandelier: Raw And Edgy

Exposed pipes, bricks, and concrete!

Yes, that’s what strikes first when someone mentions industrial style. In industrial style, you will see exposed iron rods, filament bulbs or LEDs, and metal shades. These are usually installed in industries, theme-based cafes, and industrial-style based homes. 

Source: Sergey Makhno

Raw and Edgy Industrial Chandelier

The tube is a lighting fixture that is in an industrial style. It is in a branch shape, and each end of the branch has a bulb for illumination. This layout delivers even lighting across the space. 

Rustic Chandeliers: Natural Beauty 

Raw, Natural, Organic, Textured. 

Yes, rustic style showcases the beauty of nature and natural things. As a result, chandeliers are typically constructed of wood or rattan with the minimum usage of glass. Rustic chandeliers are simple, handcrafted, and vintage aesthetic lighting fixtures. The popular finishes of rustic lighting are copper, wrought iron, bronze, and brass. 

Source: Othentique

Rustic Chandelier Light

Fencepole is an elongated chandelier that is perfect for dining areas because it ensures that the light falls evenly over each seat. It has seven light bulbs that hang from the wooden frame. 

Mid-Century Modern Chandelier: Nostalgic Retro Vibes

Clean designs. Fusion of traditional and modern materials. Geometric shape. Minimal Ornamentation. 

The clear-cut chandeliers with no fancy ornamentation are the characteristic features of mid-century modern chandelier lights. This style emerged during the 20th century and is still in style. The lighting fixtures of this style are designed to be stylish and functional. 

Source: Cameron Design House

Mid-Century Modern Chandelier

Haara Seventeen is a stunning piece that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the existing decor. The cylindrical lanterns are made of hand-drawn glass in a brass finish, which results in a stunning lighting diffuser that will be admired whether the light is on or off.

Boho Chandelier: Whimsical

Rattan. 

Macrame.

Free-spirited aesthetic. 

That’s what boho chandeliers are all about. Chandelier lights with a bohemian flair have an aesthetic effect. The boho chandeliers are made of natural materials such as wood, cotton, or metal in the form of beads, tassels, or strips. These lights can transform any room into a cozy and inviting place. 

Source: Logam

Whimsical Boho Chandelier

The woven wooden beads in Kahuzi increase the essence of boho in chandelier lights. It comes with an adjustable cord that you can customize with your lighting needs and ceiling. 

Contemporary Chandeliers: Master of Versatility

‘Lighting is the lifeblood of a design.’

  • Gregory Kay (a lighting designer)

Truly said by a contemporary lighting designer, the lighting highlights the architectural features of the building. These are made in sleek and minimalist design, featuring metal and glass materials. 

Source: Cameron Design House

Contemporary Chandelier

Among the contemporary chandeliers, Lohja Five adds glamour and artistic flair to the space. It is an eye-catching chandelier light made of metal and emits warm white light. It is a unique combination of simplicity and geometry that changes appearance from every angle. 

Conclusion

Now we know that chandelier lights have evolved from traditional to modern and contemporary styles. The latest styles have features that are adaptable and functional in each perspective. We discussed seven styles of chandelier lights in this blog that can inspire anyone looking to elevate their space with a stunning lighting fixture. Brighten up your space and add elegance with Arcedior.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a modern chandelier?

Size, material, and style are essential factors when choosing a modern chandelier. 
1. Size of the chandelier lights: A chandelier that is either too little or too big would look out of place in the room. Therefore, you must consider the room’s dimensions before shopping for chandeliers. 
2. Type of materials: The modern chandeliers are made of glass, fabric, crystal, metal, and wood. Choose the finish that matches the aesthetics and interiors of your space. 
3. Style: From highly decorative to minimal design, the modern chandeliers should match your existing decor. 
Choose a chandelier that reflects your personality and matches with interiors. 

How can you tell if a chandelier is vintage?

Identify the chandelier based on its materials and electrical components. The vintage chandeliers were made of brass, crystal, and bronze that reflect aging or patina over it. These chandeliers show intricate designs and heavy ornamentation. 
The wirings of vintage chandelier lights may have outdated sockets or electrical components. Glass shades or candle sleeves are found in vintage chandeliers. 

What makes a chandelier valuable?

The chandelier’s materials, design, owner, and age greatly impact the value of chandeliers. High-quality glass or brass increases the value of chandeliers. Also, the intricate designs or heavily embellished chandeliers are valuable.
If a renowned or eminent personality owns any chandelier, its market value is higher than its counterparts. The older the chandelier, the more it is lucrative in the market. If any chandelier lights have these qualities, it is lucrative for collectors or enthusiasts. 

What makes a chandelier classic?

The timeless design and symmetrical shape make the chandelier classic. Classic chandeliers are often made of glass, bronze, and brass. Compared to current or contemporary designs, classic designs use different types of lighting. In contrast to more contemporary designs, classic ones often have translucent glass sleeves or covers. It does not follow any fashion or trend and stands out from the crowd.

Are traditional chandeliers out of style?

No, traditional chandeliers will remain in the style. These are timeless light fixtures that can brighten the space with uniform illumination. The traditional chandelier lights were used in the foyer or dining room. People hang them in living areas, elevating the space’s elegance. In the end, the selection of chandelier lights will be based on taste and the particular decor style of a place.

Armed with a PGDM in Marketing from the International School of Business & Media, Pune, Neha has more than 9 years of experience in this field. Her speciality lies in strategic planning, branding, social media, brand communication, and market research to name a few. Being an avid reader, she is always looking forward to learning new things and loves to explore new places. You can contact her at hello@arcedior.com

image sources

  • Tube: Sergey Makhno
  • Fencepole: Othentique
  • Haara-Seventeen: Cameron Design House
  • Kahuzi wooden lamp: Logam
  • Lohja-Five: Cameron Design House

What makes a chandelier modern?

7 Latest Styles of Chandelier Lights To Illuminate Your Space

Further reading:
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How do I choose a modern chandelier?

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