Chandeliers: Yes, You Can Make Them Work In Your Home
If there's one lighting feature guaranteed to bring a sense of grandeur to your home, it’s the chandelier.
Far from being a fixture of old-school ballrooms or dining rooms, the chandelier lig...
Chandeliers: Yes, You Can Make Them Work In Your Home
If there's one lighting feature guaranteed to bring a sense of grandeur to your home, it’s the chandelier.
Far from being a fixture of old-school ballrooms or dining rooms, the chandelier light is enjoying something of a modern-day revival. After all, if it’s quirky or unusual lighting you’re after, it’s hard to beat a chandelier, whether you choose a classic crystal droplet style, a modern piece in tiered glass or flamboyant beaded overhead light. Today’s chandeliers range from opulent to minimal; sculptural to bohemian - and they work, beautifully, in just about every room of the house.
At Rockett St George, we love to push the boundaries of traditional design, and chandelier lighting is the perfect playground for showcasing our personality (and yours). Whether you’re going bold in the hallway, adding drama to your dining space, or bringing softness and sparkle to the bedroom, this guide will help you choose, style, and fall head over heels in love with your chandelier. Trust us, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this earlier!
What Is A Chandelier?
Let’s start with the basics. A chandelier is a decorative ceiling-mounted light that features multiple arms or branches, often with individual bulbs or lampshades. Traditionally, chandeliers were ornate - think crystal droplets and candle-style bulbs - but modern chandelier lighting now spans everything from striking metal shapes to boho beaded creations.
The defining feature? A chandelier light is a statement ceiling light that’s designed to be seen. It’s not just about illumination - it’s about creating a talking point, for all the right reasons.
Where To Use Chandelier Lighting In The Home
Given that chandeliers are often used in grand and opulent settings, you might be surprised just how versatile a chandelier can be. You don’t need a huge hallway, vast dining room or sweeping staircase to showcase what is surely the most show-stopping of all lighting solutions. And here’s the proof...
1. In The Hallway: Create A Stunning First Impression
Your hallway is the first area of your home guests see (and you open the front door to), so making a good first impression is everything. Whether your entrance hall has high ceilings or you’re working with or a cosy cottage proportions, there's a chandelier to suit.
Opt for something sculptural, like a metal, industrial-style chandelier, or a more romantic glass-drop design. For smaller spaces, try a compact chandelier with delicate detailing - think glass beads, feathers, or warm metallics.
Style Tip: Pair your hallway chandelier with a wall mirror to bounce the light and enhance the drama.
2. Over The Dining Table: Set The Mood
A dining room is the perfect place to hang a chandelier, thanks to its central, focused layout. Hung low over the table, a chandelier anchors the space and creates a feeling of intimacy that’s perfect for cosy evening gatherings.
Choose something eye-catching with warm-toned bulbs to cast a golden glow over meals and help conversation flow. Crystal chandeliers add elegance, while smoked glass or matte metal finishes feel more modern.
Style Tip: Ideally, your chandelier should hang 30–36 inches above the dining table for the best effect.
3. In The Living Room: Layer Your Lighting
Don’t think of a chandelier as your only light source. Instead, use chandelier lighting to set the tone, then add layers of light with wall lights, table lamps and decorative lighting like candles for extra ambient mood lighting.
In open-plan living spaces, a central chandelier creates a natural visual anchor. A piece featuring strong geometric shapes or softly tiered design captivates the eye without feeling overpowering.
Style Tip: Match your chandelier to your room's personality. Glamorous? Try cascading crystal. Eclectic? Go for coloured glass or a vintage-style design.
4. In The Bedroom: Add A Touch of Romance
Yes, chandeliers in the bedroom - and not just for the ceiling. From oversized central pieces to smaller, asymmetric pendant chandeliers over bedside tables, this is a fabulous way to inject glamour.
Opt for chandeliers with diffused or dimmable lighting for a softer feel, and use materials like fabric, smoked glass, or warm gold tones for a cocooning effect.
Style Tip: A chandelier doesn't need to be traditional. Think macramé, feathers, or rattan for a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.
5. Even In The Bathroom: Yes, Really
If your bathroom has the ceiling height and the ventilation (and your electrician gives it the thumbs-up), a chandelier light can turn your daily tub time into a five-star experience. Picture it above a freestanding tub, flickering in the candlelight.
Style Tip: Go for moisture-resistant materials and pair with minimalist wall lights for balance. Remember professional installation ensures your lighting is suitable for the bathroom and safe.
Styles Of Chandeliers To Explore
Chandeliers are as diverse as the homes they light up. These are some of the most popular chandelier lighting styles to inspire your next lighting choice.
1. Modern Chandeliers
Sleek, minimalist and impactful. Think clean lines, geometric shapes and unusual configurations. Ideal for contemporary homes, high ceilings, or anyone who loves a bit of edge.
2. Vintage-Style Chandeliers
Introduce a hint of nostalgia with your lighting. With finishes like aged brass, cut glass, and candle-bulb details, these chandeliers are ideal for creating a timeless and sophisticated look.
3. Crystal Chandeliers
It's a classic for a reason! These dazzling pieces scatter light and add instant glamour to any space.
4. Bohemian & Natural Chandeliers
Made with rattan, wood beads, feathers, or even rope, boho chandeliers bring texture and softness to a space. Perfect for bedrooms, sunrooms, or any space that calls for a relaxed and inviting vibe.
5. Art Deco Chandeliers
Bold symmetry, luxurious materials and a nod to Gatsby-era grandeur. These chandeliers make excellent statement pieces in dining rooms, entrance halls or anywhere you want a hit of vintage Hollywood glamour. Bold symmetry, luxurious materials and a nod to Gatsby-era grandeur – what's not to love?! These chandeliers make excellent statement pieces in dining rooms, entrance halls or anywhere you want a hit of vintage Hollywood glamour. Our Pink Shell Pendant Light ticks this box perfectly, and is a showstopper of a ceiling light that’s as beautiful on as it is off. The delicate pink discs are perfectly complimented by the vintage brass frame, too. Subtle yet dramatic – it's Rockett St George fairy dust at its best.
How To Choose The Right Chandelier Light
With so many styles to choose from, how do you pick the perfect one? Here’s what to consider:
At Rockett St George, we believe lighting should make your heart sing.
That’s why our chandelier lighting collection is full of bold, brilliant designs that are specially curated to help you make a style statement, whatever your space.
Whether you're upgrading your hallway, adding mood to your living space, or dreaming up a show-stopping dining room, there's a chandelier light waiting to transform your home.
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