A great room comes together in layers. Furniture gives a space function, rugs help to anchor and ground a room, art brings in color and personality.
But it can often be lighting, specifically chandeliers that tie a room together. Think of it as the jewelry of the room, the piece that pulls every other element into focus.
A dramatic fixture over a dining table, a key moment in a bedroom or a showstopper in a living room, can elevate and set the tone as far as overall style.
Looking for ways to highlight a room? Here are some top tips.
1. Think beyond the dining room
The dining room is an obvious spot, but it’s far from the only one. Chandeliers are showing up in living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, even big bathrooms. Place a chandelier somewhere unexpected and you can instantly create a focal point.
2. Let it set the mood
Lighting is about so much more than brightness. Your chandelier sets the tone for the entire room. An oversized drum shade feels tailored and polished. Sculptural glass leans modern and artful. Warm metals bring softness and a little glamour. Decide how you want the room to feel and let the design be your guide.
3. Scale matters more than style
Here’s the mistake I see most often: a fixture that’s too small. A tiny chandelier floating in a big room just disappears. A generous one makes the whole space feel grander. When in doubt, go a bit bigger.
4. Give every room its own personality
Your fixtures don’t need to match from room to room. Each one should suit the space it lives in. A bold, sculptural piece over the dining table can pair beautifully with something softer and quieter in the bedroom. Tie them together with a shared finish or material, and the whole home feels collected instead of needing to match.
5. Use lighting to define open spaces
In an open floor plan, chandeliers can help to define a space; for example, separating a dining space from a living space to create distinct zones.
6. Mix materials
Don’t be afraid to mix materials, such as brass with glass or metal with wood.
7. Don’t forget the bedroom
The right chandelier can bring instant luxury and turns an ordinary room into something that feels like a luxury hotel. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades one can make.
8. Consider every angle
A chandelier is rarely seen from just one angle. Choosing the right chandelier can make a statement from multiple rooms in a home.
9. Layer your lighting
A chandelier should almost never be the only light in a room. Pair it with lamps, sconces and recessed lighting so you can shift the mood as the day goes on. Layer your lighting.
10. Be bespoke
Instead of lighting being “off the rack,” consider purchasing from local craftspeople and artisans.