Hanging the right lighting fixtures in a room is key to creating your personal aesthetic – and if you want to make a statement in a space, then a chandelier is the way to go. Keep reading for an in-depth guide on chandelier designs, or skip ahead to learn how to elevate your room with the right chandelier style for your aesthetic.

Chandelier Designs

Make your chandelier decision easier by narrowing your options down by design.

Statement Chandeliers: Statement chandeliers are ideal for larger rooms, like an entryway, dining room, or living room. Higher ceilings are best for this type of fixture since they are more extravagant and need plenty of hanging space.

Lantern Chandeliers: We love lantern chandeliers for rustic and farmhouse-style spaces. A lantern-style chandelier adds an agricultural charm to any space, especially a dining room.

Sputnik Chandeliers: This style of chandelier is the ultimate modern fixture. The style consists of a core surrounded by multiple arms to create a burst effect that gives off the perfect ambient lighting.

Candle-Style Chandeliers: Just as it sounds, candle-style chandeliers have candle-style lights for a more traditional look. This style comes in many shapes and materials, making it a great choice for most aesthetics.

Shaded Chandeliers: Add texture to your light fixture style with shaded chandeliers. Shades can be made from a range of materials including fabric, glass, and steel.

Chandelier Shapes

Discover the most popular chandelier shapes to find your perfect chandelier fixture.

Square/Rectangle: A square or rectangle shape is most commonly used for lantern designs. This shape adds a rustic or farmhouse charm to any space.

Wagon Wheel: Style larger spaces with an old world-inspired wagon wheel shape. These chandelier styles add grandeur and look great in a large living room, entryway, or over a dining room table.

Drum: Drum shapes feature a shade made of fabric or metal for a style that fits in with a traditional or rustic space. Depending on the shade material, this shape creates a concentrated light flow that works best with a dimmable feature to control the brightness – consider placing this shape above your dining table or bed.

Classic/Traditional: The classic or traditional shaped chandelier uses shades to direct light upwards. This shape works with a range of different aesthetics, depending on the finish and shape of the arms. Consider this shape for your dining room or living room space.

Empire: Make an elegant statement with an empire shape. This tiered and cascading design adds a visual impact that's delicate and eye-catching. A traditional or transitional space with higher ceilings is perfect for this shape.

Geometric: Bring a unique shape to your space with a geometric-style chandelier. These styles add visual interest and make a statement wherever you place them.

Modern Linear: Add a sleek and elongated silhouette to your room with a modern linear fixture. These chandeliers have thin arms that branch out to create either a minimalist or sputnik design. A modern space styled with clean and simple lines is perfect for this shape.

Sphere: Sphere shapes cover a range of round chandelier fixtures. This style can be a simple globe or oval pendant or can include additional arms for a sputnik design.

Tiered: Tiered shapes feature at least two different levels of lights, creating a style that fits best with traditional, modern, or glam aesthetics. This shape makes a grand statement that should be seen in a larger space with higher ceilings.

Find a Chandelier Style for Your Aesthetic

Discover which chandelier designs and shapes work best with your home's aesthetic.

Traditional

Traditional chandeliers add an elegant touch to a space. We love how this shaded fixture adds a classic feel and is large enough to evenly light the center of the living room. Add more visual interest and a glam twist by choosing a traditional chandelier with gold or brass arms.

Modern

Add minimalist design to your home with a modern chandelier. These fixtures are simple, clean, and add a sleek look to a room. Neutral colors and cool-toned materials are best for a modern fixture – think black, white, glass, metal, or fabric. The tiered geometric chandelier styled above adds movement, a unique silhouette, and an interesting visual effect that makes a statement without feeling over the top.

Pro Tip:

Discover chandelier style options for your dining room with our guide Find the Right Chandelier for Your Dining Room.

Transitional

Transitional style finds the balance between contemporary and classic. To bring this style to your space, select a chandelier that creates a subtle juxtaposition with the furniture and decor. Pair a modern geometric chandelier with timeless pieces like tufted sofas or vintage-inspired area rugs, or opt for a traditional chandelier to complement the clean lines and organic texture found throughout the living room. This vintage-inspired empire chandelier gives the space an elegant edge while the brass details match the wall mirror and warm wood tones of the modern-style chairs.

Pro Tip:

Check out our guide How to Pick a Transitional Chandelier to find even more transitional lighting inspiration.

Glam

Going glam with your chandelier means hanging a sexy, sophisticated, and ornate fixture. Choose a chandelier that adds shine and luxury through its material and design – we love tiered or statement styles with gold accents, frosted glass, or matte black metal. Add an extra layer of glam to your room with a fixture that elegantly reflects light through crystal or glass charms.

Coastal

Create a coastal getaway feel with airy materials and relaxed designs. Stick to a light color palette like woven rattan or white or beige fabric shades to create a beach-house aesthetic. We love these oversized rattan sphere shades on an outside patio – they add the perfect seaside feel. Choose an effortless shape like a sphere or drum for a simple look or add some more visual interest through a geometric or empire shape.

Rustic

Build on your rustic aesthetic by adding a variety of textures and natural elements. We love using chandelier styles that include antique or slightly worn metal finishes for a heavier and dark-toned look. The brushed antique finish of this drum chandelier above adds a rustic charm that pairs well with the structured wood dining table and simple black dining chairs.

Ready to shop?