The Ultimate Guide To Different Types of Chandeliers

These days, it seems if you want to go for a sophisticated look, and of course, have a high enough ceiling, it seems like a chandelier is a way to go. Chandeliers are the symbol of modern elegance, hanging from every ballroom and dining hall we see. Adding a chandelier to your home can add to the beauty of your interior design.
 

Unfortunately, though, when it comes to chandeliers, there isn’t a one-size fit all design that works across the board. There are many different styles of chandeliers to choose from, so it's important to be familiar with each kind. There are many different types of chandeliers, and each one can complement a different range of styles. What are the different types of chandeliers, and what makes each one unique? 

But today, we’re here to help you out with an ultimate guide to the different types of chandeliers you can choose from so that you can find the right fit for your home. 

Before we start, remember to check out our store for the best lighting needs for your home.  You can also check out our selection of chandeliers to brighten up your home here.

Candle Chandeliers
 

The candle chandelier takes the decoration back to its roots. Ideally, this is suited for those favoring a more rustic style. These types of chandeliers often have at least five extensions, each with its own candle-like light at the end. These chandeliers, like the Alva 12-Light Island Bronze Rounded Chandelier might fit best in a dining room setting. This is especially true if you're looking for a more simplistic, yet elegant look.

The good news is that these chandeliers don't tend to be as large as some other models, so they don't necessarily need as much space. Unfortunately for those in search of true authenticity, they don't make them with real candles anymore. Instead, they use lights in the shape of candles, like the Alva 12-Light Square Chandelier, which gives the signature look without any of the risk or mess of actual candles. 

Caged Chandeliers
 

In what is a huge testament to modern architecture, caged chandeliers are intricate designs in which the light itself is in the center of an ornate cage. Some of these designs favor a more literal approach to the concept of 'cage,' while others take the abstract approach, creating a round cage out of intersecting circular bars, like the Franklin 4-light Cage Chandelier. 

Either way, these types of chandeliers are often visually stunning and should attract a lot of attention. Because of its size and stunning design, a caged chandelier often makes a great entry piece, hanging in an open space above the door to wow guests. It can also work in kitchens or dining rooms, and living rooms but doesn't appear to be much of a bedroom piece.

Crystal Chandeliers
 

A very broad style of chandelier, crystal chandeliers were named after the materials they were made from. A crystal chandelier can take many different forms. These are the types of chandeliers to buy if you're going for a look of pure elegance. 

One of the more popular designs for crystal chandeliers is known as a raindrop chandelier. This style is pretty much what it sounds like, a chandelier with the crystals arranged to look like falling rain. However, this kind of chandeliers take up a lot of vertical space, so you might want to avoid them if you don't have high ceilings.

These kinds of chandeliers go well in dining rooms and living rooms, or big, spiraling staircases if you happen to have one. Bedrooms aren't a preferable space, as they'd come as a bit gaudy in a bedroom setting.

Transitional Chandeliers
 

A mixture of old-school and new-school, transitional chandeliers combine all of the futuristic crispness of a modern chandelier with all the rustic elegance of an older model. The Lucas 1-Light Chandelier is a unique type of chandelier that it should fit in quite nicely with either style, and perhaps a few others as well.

These work well in dining rooms and entryways, though not necessarily in bedrooms.

Modern Chandeliers
 

For those going for an avant-garde look, modern style chandeliers give off more of a futuristic vibe. Theirs is a style of crisp edges and geometric shapes, perfectly complimenting the world of the digital age. The Alva 18-Light Bronze Chandelier is a great example of this, being able to go with a more abstract or original design. 

Ideally, these should be used in the living room or entrance way. Their style leaves an impression, but can look a bit off in other settings, like kitchens or bedrooms.

Antler Chandeliers
 

For those particularly fond of the outdoors, antler chandeliers offer a very rustic touch that can turn your home into a nature lover's daydream. Keep in mind, while this works for a more down-to-earth feel, there probably aren't a whole lot of other styles that go well with antlers. Fortunately, the antlers aren't real, so you can get this feel without hurting any wildlife.

In terms of rooms, this one probably shouldn't be put in a kitchen or dining room. The sight of antlers might make people lose their appetites. However, if your house has more of a country style, this will work great in the living room. They're not big on space, either, so you don't need a mansion to make them work. 

Bowl Chandeliers

Among the most simplistic of designs, the bowl chandelier is a hanging light resembling a bowl. This style can go with several different moods, though it may be best suited for those who prefer a more fashionably understated look. 

This shape allows for an interesting light effect, with much of the light being directed at the ceiling, or leaking out from holes in the design, and the bowl itself emitting a tasteful glow. Due to its low glow, this would work well in bedrooms or kitchens.

If you're going for rally ornate designs, you should probably look into tiered chandeliers. Tiered chandeliers have been done in a whole range of styles, although it all boils down to one thing--multiple layers and extra arms. Basically, don't go with a tiered chandelier unless you have a lot of space. Otherwise, try to put the tiered part out of your mind when designing. If you can fit them, though, they make a great piece for dining rooms, entryways, and living rooms.

Conclusion

Regardless of what your style is, there's a chandelier out there that fits it perfectly. Adding chandeliers in a home takes skill and is a work of art. Chandeliers always capture the eye, and balances the scale and proportion of a room. Your journey with chandeliers is really only getting started, though, especially if you want to maximize the beauty of your interior design to create the ultimate look of luxury for your home. 

We hope that our chandelier guide has helped you to know exactly what to do in your space. 

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