Living room chandelier ideas make for an eye-catching choice. And while traditional cut crystal might come immediately to mind, there’s a world of choice from the classic to the modern when adding this centerpiece to a lighting scheme.
Essentially a branched light suspended from the ceiling, a chandelier can take many forms and use different material combinations, sizes and shapes, making it possible to complement any living room ideas with one of these ceiling lights.
Our collection includes chandeliers for rooms of all sizes and styles and we’ve asked interior designers to talk about their selections, too.
Living room chandelier ideas
Be inspired to include a chandelier in your living room lighting ideas. Our favorite living room chandelier ideas feature those with classic elegance, fabulous sparkle, striking modern lines and more.
1. Reflect the architecture of the room
(Image credit: Maddux Creative/Ricardo Labougle)
When investing in a chandelier it’s important to consider how the proportions and shape will sit within your living room. In this recent project by Maddux Creative (opens in new tab), the large curvaceous bay windows are mirrored perfectly in the circular light, but this happened serendipitously.
‘The client had bought the pair of antiqueVilhelm Lauritzen chandeliers at an auction with the intention of having them in the basement of her home,’ Scott Maddux explains.‘Given they were quite refined and delicate, we convinced her that they would be better placed in this more elevated and formal room. The glass tinkles as you walk through the space.’
2. Choose a deep color
(Image credit: Neptune)
Create an opulent yet modern living room with walls painted in a rich color teamed with velvet upholstery. As for living room chandelier ideas for a space like this, an antique ornate crystal drop chandelier will take center stage against the block color creating an impact without looking too fusty. The statement chandelier and original architectural features are a nod to the traditional while the dark toned color palette is deliciously contemporary.
3. Size down in an informal room
(Image credit: Howark Design/Hugo May)
If you’re looking for small living room lighting ideas, don’t rule out a chandelier. Small chandeliers with glass shades are ideal for these as well as more informal living spaces.
This example was sourced from a vintage market by Howark Design (opens in new tab) for a house in the Greek islands. Creative director James Arkoulis says, ‘We wanted to create a contemporary yet traditional family home which had a wonderful seafront location. The beautiful original floor tiles were the starting point for the design, and we built on this with the vintage chandelier, local Greek fabrics and ceramics which added color, texture, and pattern, while warm tones can be found in the dark wood of the vintage furniture. This felt authentic against the traditional whitewashed walls.’
4. Position a chandelier somewhere unexpected
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
When planning living room lighting, consider positioning a chandelier in a corner of your living room to create a reading nook rather than hanging it from the center of the room. One of our favorite ways to make a home look expensive, this quirky unexpected touch will bring light to a dark corner and create a talking point.
5. Consider colored glass
(Image credit: Martin Brudnizki/James McDonald)
Fall in love with Murano glass as interior designer Martin Brudnizkii has. ‘Murano glass chandeliers create a beautiful, diffused light which helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere,’ he says.
‘I am not usually a fan of over-head lighting, but I always make an exception for Murano chandeliers. I loved the colour of this one and thought the elegance of the shape would tie in perfectly with my eclectic living room.’
When budgeting, don’t forget to include the cost to install new lighting along with the price of the light fixture itself.
6. Be bold
(Image credit: David Lovatti)
Chandeliers are never going to be quiet and reserved, so why not go as bold as you dare? ‘Statement chandeliers are the jewellery of an interior,’ says Owen Pacey, Founder of Renaissance London (opens in new tab). ‘A great way to level up your living room is with a grand, statement chandelier, whether that’s an ornate, rococo-style, gilt piece or a contemporary sputnik globe.'
Living room wall lighting ideas can also make a statement, but a chandelier makes such a decision utterly unmissable. This magnificent chandelier filled with natural motifs is an excellent contender to the room’s other bold design features, from the octagonal skylight to the pink rug, all tempered by crisp white walls.
7. Keep it in proportion
(Image credit: Jonathan Gooch)
Chandeliers aren’t just for grand rooms, but what are the rules when it comes to the proportions of living room chandelier ideas?
‘You can use a chandelier in any space no matter how big or small,’ says Pacey. ‘It’s all about the design and size of the chandelier that you choose. Keep chandelier designs in proportion to the area.’ In this small living room, an ornate crystal empire chandelier has been scaled down to suit the room, lending the space elegance without being overbearing.
8. Choose a timeless design
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
‘Opt for something timeless,’ suggests Matthew Currington, technical director at The Lighting Superstore (opens in new tab). ‘Go all out with an eye-catching, classic chandelier to create a focal point for the hallway, above a staircase or in your living room.’
An enduring favourite among living room chandelier ideas is the candle chandelier. It’s a classic silhouette that can be interpreted in all manner of styles, but always adds a sense of elegance to the room. In this space, a beautiful example with crystal pendants makes an unexpectedly seamless pairing with the room’s contemporary decor.
9. Keep it classic with crystal
(Image credit: Polly Eltes)
One of the expert tips for lighting a living room is to consider how light will travel from your fitting to the rest of the room. Crystal has long been a favorite material for chandeliers for its ability to bounce light around any given space.
‘Bring a refined touch to the living room with a crystal chandelier taking centre stage,’ says Natalie Mann, new product development co-ordinator for Iconic Lights (opens in new tab). ‘The elaborate, intricate, and thoughtful design adds a touch of glamour and luxury to the space and creates an instant wow factor. Often associated with the Gatsby era, the timeless design features an assortment of crystals that distribute the light in a mesmerizing fashion, creating a soft and ambient glow.’
10. Get modern with a Sputnik chandelier
(Image credit: Brent Darby )
The chandelier has hundreds of years of history, and has continued evolving all throughout this time. The Sputnik chandelier – named for the famed satellite – is its mid-century modern incarnation, and one of the current living room lighting trends. Embrace asymmetry and dynamism with this one for a faintly space age look – in this room, the chandelier is paired with golden neon for a truly exciting lighting scheme.
11. Reimagine crystal’s glow
(Image credit: Cameron Design House)
Crystal is a chandelier stalwart because of its ability to refract light around the room – but in a modern scheme, why not think about using reflective surfaces for a similar effect? This living room features Cameron Design House’s Torsa (opens in new tab) chandelier, which consists of light panels backed with highly reflective, mirror-shine copper, which also helps light travel around the room.
‘The Torsa is the first piece in our collection which incorporates mirrored glass within the design,’ says creative director Ian Cameron. ‘The use of this dynamic reflective material really adds another dimension to the piece and evolves our collection of sculptural chandeliers even further.’
12. Choose a chandelier that doubles as a work of art
(Image credit: Yellow London/Matt Clayton)
When thinking about how to design a living room, positioning art on your walls is always high up the priority list – but what about dangling it from your ceiling instead. Choosing a unique, design-forward chandelier design can see your light fitting double as a piece of sculpture. In this art-filled home in Pimlico, Yellow London (opens in new tab) fitted the living room with this stunning, bespoke chandelier, for which each drop was hand blown by a glass blower in Devon, England.
13. Get a soft glow with a globe chandelier
(Image credit: Rachael Smith)
Soft lighting is an essential part of bringing together cozy living room ideas, and it’s something that’s perfectly possible to achieve with a chandelier, too. Globe chandeliers which channel light through translucent orbs – like the ones in this example – are great for creating a warm, diffused glow for your living room. Choose an architectural arrangement like this one to keep it feeling fresh and modern.
14. Give crystal a modern twist
(Image credit: Future)
Crystal’s credentials as a functionally sound material for chandeliers have never waned, but you might want to see it in a more modern light in your home. The elegance of crystal is being constantly reimagined into new forms by designers, meaning you can find it in more contemporary silhouettes, like this flushmount-style chandelier, made up of hollow glass tubes. Its simple undulating form adds texture to the neutral living room ideas.
15. Shimmer with a shell chandelier
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
It’s true that living room chandelier ideas can feature all sorts of materials, but the best are those which interact with the light itself. Shell materials like mother of pearl are a wonderful addition, causing a shimmering sensation when in contact with the bulb’s glow. While natural materials like this are always great bohemian living room ideas, they can also be used to add a breezy but elegant touch to more formal settings, like with this delicate pastel blue example in a living room.
Can you put a chandelier in the living room?
You can put a chandelier in any room of the home which you want to feel elegant and a little bit special. As a result, they tend to be better suited for formal living rooms, as they inevitably communicate a feeling of grandeur, whether simple or traditionally ornate, but there are also chandelier designs that suit more informal spaces. They also make a wonderful talking point for guests, so it’s important to have them in a room where they will be suitably admired and adored.
OKA (opens in new tab)’s co-founder, Sue Jones, believes ‘Lighting is one of the most important elements to consider when decorating a room. It’s not simply a matter of function – a beautiful design will add interest and depth to your space, even when it’s switched off. In a living room, hanging a statement ceiling light, such as a chandelier, directly above your coffee table will immediately draw the eye when people enter.’
How do I choose a chandelier for my living room?
The first thing you’ll need to think about is size. Oversized chandeliers can work well and, as director of Original BTC (opens in new tab) Charlie Bowles points out, ‘Playing with scale is a great way to create interest. Grand chandeliers are great for making a statement and creating an impactful silhouette.’
If you want to stay a little safer, however, keep your chandelier in proportion to your living room and save the more large scale examples for rooms that are either expansive or with high ceilings.
When it comes to the style, think about whether you want to run with your home’s period, or create a contrast. A Sputnik chandelier can put a contemporary stamp on a period home, while still acknowledging the house’s history. Alternatively, for a more bohemian look, focus on chandeliers that incorporate natural materials.
FAQs
Which chandelier is best for living room? ›
Traditional glass crystal and metal are the most popular chandelier decorating choices for living rooms.
Is it OK to put a chandelier in the living room? ›Can you put a chandelier in the living room? You can put a chandelier in any room of the home which you want to feel elegant and a little bit special.
How big should a chandelier be in a living room? ›Find the Right Chandelier Size
To determine exactly what size chandelier you need for your living room, add the length and width of the room together—the answer in inches is the proper diameter of an appropriately sized chandelier. (So if your room is 15'x15', look for a chandelier that is 30” in diameter or width.)
Choose a chandelier that will hang no lower than 7 feet (84 inches) above the floor to allow for head clearance. Ideally, if your ceiling height can accommodate it, you want to allow 7 feet, 6 inches from the bottom of the chandelier to the floor. This provides ample head clearance.
What is the best color for a chandelier? ›We suggest either warm white or soft white to achieve the best quality of light and sparkle in a crystal chandelier. 2700k is ideal for crystal light fixtures. It gives off warm hues and brings out the best in your chandelier.
Which light looks good in living room? ›While living room lighting is a personal choice, soft white and warm white are ideal for living rooms, as they emit a warmer, golden glow. Cool white and daylight bulbs, on the other hand, tend to be a little harsher and reminiscent of commercial spaces.
Should chandelier be centered in room or over table? ›A chandelier or other low-hanging fixtures should be centered over the dining table, not centered in the middle of the room. For example, if you have other furniture in the room, your table may not be exactly in the center of the space – and that's okay.
What are the rules for chandeliers? ›A handy rule of thumb is that a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges. Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height.
Are crystal chandeliers still in style? ›Traditional crystal chandeliers are still popular in today's dining rooms, living rooms, and formal entry areas. A crystal chandelier makes a dramatic statement in any room with high ceilings, lighting up the full volume of the space.
What size chandelier for a 12x12 living room? ›Rooms smaller than 10' x 10' – select chandeliers between 17” and 20” wide. Rooms around 12' x 12' – choose chandeliers between 22” and 27” wide. Larger rooms around 14' x 14' – select fixtures between 24” and 32” wide.
Is it better for chandelier to be too big or too small? ›
A chandelier that is too large can easily overpower a room and its inhabitants; one that is too small becomes insignificant and decreases the perceived value of the entire space. By following a few interior design guidelines for choosing the correct size, you will maximize the impact of the fixture.
Can you put a round chandelier over a rectangle table? ›Conversely, if you want to use contrasting shapes in your fixture, suspending two or three small round chandeliers over your rectangle dining table instead of a single linear chandelier is a chic and inspired way to create texture in a room and flex your design skills.
How do you center a chandelier in a living room? ›The chandelier should be centered in the room or aligned architecturally, and you should not worry about the furnishings below it. In other words, if there are significant architectural features in the room – a fireplace, and arched opening, a pair of windows – use those as a guide for the placement of the chandelier.
What is the rule for chandelier height? ›Standard Height Recommendation
The generally accepted rule for hanging dining room chandeliers is that the bottom of the fixture should hang between 30 and 36 inches above the top of the dining table.
It is important to calculate the vertical dimension of the chandelier in inches. Simply multiply the height of the ceiling by 2.5 - 3. So, an 8ft ceiling needs a chandelier that is 20-24 inches tall. Larger rooms need wider chandeliers.
How can I make my chandelier look better? ›- Apply Spray Paint.
- Add Decorative Candle Sleeves.
- Add Hanging Crystals.
The number of bulbs may also impact size. I recommend a chandelier's diameter to be 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your dining table. Today's average dining room chandelier is a four to six light, 26-30" diameter fixture.
How do you choose a chandelier shape? ›Consider the Dining Table's Size and Shape
The chandelier should be approximately one-third the width of the table, says Lohnes. So a 5-foot round dining table (60 inches) needs a chandelier with a diameter of 20 inches. Oval or rectangular tables can take a slightly wider chandelier.
If all of this seems complicated, a good rule of thumb is to have 4 lighting sources in a living room to produce adequate lighting!
Should chandelier be bigger than table? ›A good rule of thumb is to make sure your chandelier is one-half to three-quarters the width of your table. For the right hanging height, position the bottom of the chandelier about 30-32 inches above the table, adjusting to work with the size of the table and the overall scale of your space.
How do you deal with an off center chandelier? ›
All you need is a ceiling hook to swag the chandelier and extra chain if your current one is not long enough. Make sure to screw the hook into a ceiling joist so that it will support the weight of your chandelier. Our preferred painter/handyman's team has moved chandeliers and lights for us many times over the years.
How do you swag a chandelier? ›Swag your light fixture from the ceiling junction box over to the ceiling mount. Place the cord on the ceiling mount hook and adjust the fixture to the desired length. Secure the screw against the cord to hold the cord in place. Screw your light bulb in the fixture and you're all set.
How to layer lighting in living room? ›Layer Your Lighting
The easiest way to have layered lighting is to use all three types of lighting – ambient, accent, and task. Try to apply ambient, accent and task lighting where you can, but don't force getting all three into spaces where it's not necessary.
Adding a chandelier can increase your home's value, especially if you opt for an expensive model made from fine crystals. While you can purchase cheap chandeliers made from imitation plastic crystals from many home decor stores, they won't add any more value to your home than a regular light fixture.
Do chandeliers have to match? ›You don't need to perfectly match the light fixtures in your home; however, while all light fixtures need not look exactly alike, they should share common features. It is possible to match the shape, color, materials, styles, or other details in, say your living dining combo, or other open to closed floor plan spaces.
What makes a chandelier modern? ›Modern chandeliers have a more modernized design that uses LEDs, and combines the elements of both classic and contemporary designs; some are also equipped with refractive crystal prisms or small mirrors.
What is the fanciest chandelier in the world? ›The Louis XIV ormolu six-light chandelier attributed to André-Charles Boulle was estimated at $642,673 to $964,010.
What is the difference between glass chandelier and crystal chandelier? ›Glass is made up of melted sand. When most crystal is made, it is infused with 5%-30% lead. This lead creates the light refraction you see, which equals thousands of colors sparkling as light passes through the glass. High quality crystal is very clear and clean, and it sparkles with even the smallest amount of light.
How tall should a chandelier be for a 14 foot ceiling living room? ›The rule of thumb is to accommodate 2.5-3 inches of chandelier height for each foot of ceiling height.
How many inches should a chandelier be from the table top? ›What Are the Standard Height Recommendation for Hanging a Chandelier? The general rule for how high to hang a chandelier over a dining table is to keep a 30-36 inches distance between the bottom of the chandelier and the top of the dining table. This height recommendation is for an 8-foot high ceiling.
How do I know what size chandelier I need? ›
A simple way to determine a chandelier size is to add the dimensions of the room together in feet and then convert the answer to inches. The answer in inches should equal the diameter of the fixture. So if your room measures 10' x 14' the diameter of the fixture should be about 24".
What is the rule of thumb for light fixture size? ›For ambient lighting use, measure the length and width of the room you wish to light. Then convert this number to inches by adding them together. This is the ideal width of the fixture. For example, an 18-inch wide fixture would be ideal for an 8x10 foot room.
How long should a rectangular chandelier be over a table? ›However, for round or rectangular fixtures, the length should be at least one-half, but not more than two-thirds the length of your table. You can also use the square footage of your room to help estimate the size of chandelier that would be proportional.
Does a table have to go under a chandelier? ›'Putting a light over a dining table is not necessary; I look at it a couple of ways depending on where the table is and then the use,' says Joe Human, a designer from Designs by Human (opens in new tab), who, amongst other experts, offers his advice below.
What is best shape chandelier for a round table? ›A round table should have a round or square shaped chandelier as a rectangular or narrow chandelier would be harder to balance. A more modern style chandelier with less diameter, such as a linear style with fewer bulbs and long, narrow connections between, it can take up less visual weight.
Should you put shades on chandelier? ›Chandeliers illuminate with indirect light throughout a larger area. Shades can buffer this light or help direct it, but some serve little purpose besides adding color, texture and interest to the chandelier.
Is chandelier in the living room good for Feng Shui? ›5. Chandeliers help the woman of the house. Women are symbolized by the earth element and “lighted earth” such as a chandelier brings wonderful luck to the woman of the house and to the marital relationship. It also enhances the relationships and love luck of all the household members.
What is the center of a chandelier called? ›Column - Chandelier Stem - this is the body of the chandelier and can be made up of several pieces or a single piece.
How low should a chandelier hang 12 foot ceiling living room? ›For 12 foot ceilings, choose a chandelier that is 30 to 36 inches tall.
How far should a chandelier hang from a 10 foot ceiling? ›If your ceiling is higher, hang the chandelier three inches higher for every additional foot of height. For instance, if you have a 10-foot-high ceiling, your chandelier would be hung 36-42 inches above the table's surface.
What size chandelier for a living room? ›
To determine exactly what size chandelier you need for your living room, add the length and width of the room together—the answer in inches is the proper diameter of an appropriately sized chandelier. (So if your room is 15'x15', look for a chandelier that is 30” in diameter or width.)
How wide should chandelier be in living room? ›To determine the width of your chandelier by the size of your table, assuming you have an open floor plan or just want to make the chandelier the centerpiece of the room, we recommend that the width or diameter of the chandelier should be one-half to two-thirds the width of the table.
How big should a chandelier be in a two story living room? ›Regarding chandelier height, we recommend 3" for every foot of space between the floor and ceiling. You can find this number by multiplying the height of your ceiling (in feet) by three. For example, if your ceilings are 8' high, your chandelier should be 24" tall (8 x 3 = 24).
Which type of chandelier is best? ›Crystal Chandeliers
Crystals in these types of chandeliers are made of glass that has lead oxide which provides more brilliant and prismatic look. A crystal chandelier gives dramatic statement to any space of your room space.
The chandelier should be approximately one-third the width of the table, says Lohnes. So a 5-foot round dining table (60 inches) needs a chandelier with a diameter of 20 inches. Oval or rectangular tables can take a slightly wider chandelier.
What chandeliers are timeless? ›It doesn't get more classic or timeless than crystal. Crystal chandeliers have been around for ages.
What is the rule of thumb for hanging chandelier? ›A handy rule of thumb is that a chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48 inches of space from each of the room walls or edges. Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot ceiling height.
How much should you spend on a chandelier? ›Cost. Don't assume you'll be priced out before you start looking. Especially large and fancy chandeliers can cost thousands of dollars, but there are many lovely chandeliers on the market that fall more in the $100-$250 range. The cost of buying a chandelier is often more complicated than the list price though.
How do you make a chandelier look modern? ›- Apply Spray Paint.
- Add Decorative Candle Sleeves.
- Add Hanging Crystals.