They’re romantic, elegant and ornate. They’re hip, contemporary and stylish too. Chandeliers most definitely are in, and they’ve moved beyond the dining room.
These decorative light fixtures, which began simply enough as a place to hang a candle, have evolved. “Chandeliers are back and bigger than ever,” says Heather Pins, spokeswoman for Bellacor, a St. Paul, Minn., company. “[You can] hang them over each nightstand, incorporate one into the canopy of your bed or hang a cluster of small chandeliers at different heights over a foyer table.”
As for selections, there are styles for virtually any decor.
“There’s crystal, iron and carved wood-looking [styles]. And there’s brushed nickel. There’s such a range,” says Jerry Hopp, residential lighting specialist at the Annapolis Lighting Company.
A huge seller in the chandelier market is the tiny chandelier. Or as Kichler Lighting has trademarked them, Chandelettes.
Kichler’s line reflects all the details of its full-size chandeliers, just in miniature. They measure just 16 or 18 inches in diameter and come with extra wire for swagging.
“People are putting them in open foyers, above stairways and landings. So in a big foyer, there’ll be a big chandelier, and over the landing will be a Chandelette,” says Bob Doernberg, Kichler senior product manager.
“They’re also used in large bathrooms to add drama to large ceilings. And they’re often used in place of lamps by a bed for reading,” Doernberg says.
In general, Hopp says, customers are looking for character and drama in their chandeliers. Such pieces, like the Tribecca collection from Kalco, are full of modern drama. “It’s art-glass contemporary. And hip and vintage. It’s a dramatic centerpiece,” he says.
Chandelier alternatives
There are various other ways to light up your home, aside from chandeliers.
– Solatube
This easy-to-install lighting unit lets natural sunlight into the home. It captures light in a dome on your home’s roof and then transfers it through reflective tubing to 10- or 14-inch circular overhead lights. $255 to $363, www.solatube.com
– Retro Nickel Table Lamp
Brushed nickel is in and not just for chandeliers. This retro-styled nickel table lamp ($87) from Bellacor’s Crush collection features a collapsible white paper drum shade and a pull-chain switch. $87, www.bellacor.com
– Sicilia Mosaic Ceiling Light
This handmade glass mosaic fixture ($168) from Ballard Designs features dozens of tiny glass tiles. Colors of the Mediterranean–oranges, yellows and greens–adorn the ceiling light’s tiles. $168, www.ballarddesigns.com
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Victoria Rodriguez (vrodriguez@tribune.com)
