I have never considered myself a chandelier individual. It was too much exposure. No matter the reason, I find nearly all of them a bit too goopy and pretentious for my taste.
But figurines actually play a valuable role within an interior. They produce ample light (frequently quite flattering), provide an anchor and a focal point in a room, and can decrease the perceived ceiling height, so a table or seats group feels more intimate.
Happily, there are lots of chandeliers out there that manage to keep the glitz factor securely in check. They all remove the crystals in favor of humbler stuff, which feels more modern to me. Here are 10 of my favorites, however, don’t hesitate to suggest your own.
Candelabra
Regina Andrew Scalloped Wood Bead Chandelier – $1,247.50
I find beaded chandeliers a lot more appealing than crystal ones. This version would look fantastic at a beach home or country home, and might be entertaining paired with a classic dining place — to soften any conventional borders within the room.
Alpha Design Group
I really like the design of this Quadralli No. 331440 Linear Chandelier. It would look great in a Arts and Crafts inside but would be equally at home in a modern or traditional setting. Each bulb is encompassed by scrims of white crepe and shimmering organza, giving a softness into the light that’s instantly alluring.
Layla Grayce
Oly Studio Isa Hardwood Chandelier
Oly was the primary producer that got me thinking otherwise about chandeliers, and this design had a great deal to do with it. I really like the form, the patina and the dangling wooden bits. It seems to be poking fun at the conventions of the chandelier, while being a handsome design on its own.
Carey & Co
Introduced in 1997, Ingo Maurer’s Zettel’z 5 Chandelier seems a little like an explosion at a paper mill. Eighty notes are clipped to cables: 31 are printed with expressions of love and desire in various languages, even while 49 are left sterile, inviting the user to jot down his or her own sentiments.
It took me some time to warm up to this particular piece, but I really like the interactive nature of the design and the way it includes the proprietor in its own creation. Plus it’s a great conversation starter!
Shades of Light
Twig Chandelier, 6-Light, Little
This might look like a hot mess to some people. But at the ideal setting, it’s divine. Warm and attractive, this chandelier controls attention without ostentation or surplus, just the primal allure of nature.
Stacy Bass Photography
I am a sucker for the shore, so I couldn’t resist the siren call of this Southampton Big Chandelier. The ring silhouette is superbly proportioned, and I like the way the pearlescent shells swivel and sway in the breeze.
Horchow
Salento 6-Light Chandelier – $395
This chandelier has a stripped-down, Swedish country sensibility that’s quite endearing. The arms are similar to flourishes at the end of a signature, with subtle small loops that culminate in vintage-looking electrified candles. This is one of the few chandeliers I think works well without shades. The price is quite attractive, too.
Zuniga Interiors
Like I said, I am a fan of Oly Studio’s chandeliers, and this Jenny Chandelier has always tickled me. Strands of abalone shells are treated to a classic silver finish, giving this fixture a surreal quality that’s a bit over the top but mathematically endearing.
Abigail Ahern
Neo Baroque Chandelier
Wirework flourished as an art form in the 19th century and can be celebrated now in this whimsical piece. Grand in scale (and ambition), this design pokes fun at the opulent chandeliers of yesteryear while creating its own contribution to this tradition.
EcoFirstArt
Milk Bottle Chandelier
The Dutch design firm Droog has been turning out contemporary masterpieces since 1993. Its Milk Bottle Chandelier continues in that tradition, with everyday objects elevated into works of art. Provocative and surprisingly simple, this is a fitting choice for a contemporary interior.
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