Decorating
Cool and Colourful Contemporary Chandeliers
They still pack plenty of drama and tons of twinkle, but these striking, new-look chandeliers are a fresh take on the traditional
Chandeliers have long been associated with rather grand schemes in rather large homes. Think multiple tiers, all dripping with crystal droplets, requiring a big setting to show them off. Fortunately, this classic, traditional style is just one chapter in the chandelier story. Today, the showstopper light has been reinvented in a range of materials, colours and sizes to conjure the drama of the classic chandelier, but with a much funkier, more contemporary feel.
Be inspired by wire
While antique chandeliers typically feature crystal droplets, contemporary versions come in a whole range of materials. This ghostly design is moulded from wire, creating an almost-there effect that offsets its size.
While antique chandeliers typically feature crystal droplets, contemporary versions come in a whole range of materials. This ghostly design is moulded from wire, creating an almost-there effect that offsets its size.
Go for glass
Incorporating similar glass droplets to a traditional chandelier, this contemporary version is more compact, with a simple circular design. It brings all the sparkle of a trad piece, but without the slightly grand, over-the-top associations.
Incorporating similar glass droplets to a traditional chandelier, this contemporary version is more compact, with a simple circular design. It brings all the sparkle of a trad piece, but without the slightly grand, over-the-top associations.
Colour up
Coloured rather than clear glass gives a chandelier extra style points and helps identify it as a contemporary design. This turquoise chandelier is the perfect finishing touch to a bold, mostly monochrome hallway, bringing a welcome touch of colour high up.
Coloured rather than clear glass gives a chandelier extra style points and helps identify it as a contemporary design. This turquoise chandelier is the perfect finishing touch to a bold, mostly monochrome hallway, bringing a welcome touch of colour high up.
Max the metallic
Channelling a little bit of belly dancer, a lot of futuristic sci-fi design and plenty of no-holds-barred glam, this spectacular chandelier demands attention! Best to hang it over a table, where no one will brush their head against it, and team with a simple white backdrop, so it can shine happily.
Channelling a little bit of belly dancer, a lot of futuristic sci-fi design and plenty of no-holds-barred glam, this spectacular chandelier demands attention! Best to hang it over a table, where no one will brush their head against it, and team with a simple white backdrop, so it can shine happily.
Have fun!
Who says chandeliers have to be grand? Comprising lightbulbs with wings, caught in flight, this one is as witty as it is striking. The multiple light sources cascading down mimic the structure of a classic chandelier, but this piece is anything but trad.
Discover the bare-faced brilliance of exposed bulbs
Who says chandeliers have to be grand? Comprising lightbulbs with wings, caught in flight, this one is as witty as it is striking. The multiple light sources cascading down mimic the structure of a classic chandelier, but this piece is anything but trad.
Discover the bare-faced brilliance of exposed bulbs
Make it abstract
Various lights strung from a single pendant? So far, so traditional, but that’s where the similarities between an antique chandelier and this exciting design end. It suits this contemporary dining space beautifully, adding a pinch of detail and shape to enliven the restrained, sophisticated table below.
Various lights strung from a single pendant? So far, so traditional, but that’s where the similarities between an antique chandelier and this exciting design end. It suits this contemporary dining space beautifully, adding a pinch of detail and shape to enliven the restrained, sophisticated table below.
Find a mix of materials
Complete with crystals, candles and metal crafted into swirling ribbons, this chandelier packs a huge style punch. Black is used as an accent in this sophisticated dining room, so the black details in the chandelier help it both stand out and fit in, all at the same time.
Complete with crystals, candles and metal crafted into swirling ribbons, this chandelier packs a huge style punch. Black is used as an accent in this sophisticated dining room, so the black details in the chandelier help it both stand out and fit in, all at the same time.
Paint a picture
With its cluster of bubble-like glass droplets in a mix of shapes and sizes, this beautiful chandelier calls to mind an underwater scene, with air bubbles rising to the surface. It has an organic feel, which makes it easy to live with, and the dark grey walls and ceiling really help to set it off.
With its cluster of bubble-like glass droplets in a mix of shapes and sizes, this beautiful chandelier calls to mind an underwater scene, with air bubbles rising to the surface. It has an organic feel, which makes it easy to live with, and the dark grey walls and ceiling really help to set it off.
Pare back
Take some of the design details and shapes associated with a chandelier and thin them out to create a pared-back version. This ceiling light feels like a chandelier, but occupies a fraction of its space. It’s a witty reference, rather than a full-on statement.
TELL US…
Do contemporary chandeliers light up your home? Share your photos in the Comments below.
Take some of the design details and shapes associated with a chandelier and thin them out to create a pared-back version. This ceiling light feels like a chandelier, but occupies a fraction of its space. It’s a witty reference, rather than a full-on statement.
TELL US…
Do contemporary chandeliers light up your home? Share your photos in the Comments below.
Hanging a chandelier over the staircase allows you to come alongside it and admire it when on the upper floor, rather than always viewing it from below. It’s a great way to get maximum enjoyment from a showstopping chandelier. This beaded design, in vibrant blue, looks fabulous from all angles.
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