I’ve always had a ‘thing’ for chandeliers. I mean the great big, jaw-dropping, sparkly, bejewelled variety. The type that, even if you could afford them, you’re unlikely to have the kind of house that would suit them. I spent the first two years of living in this house planning to get one for our dining room, only to settle on the much simpler (and cheaper!) Nelson saucer bubble lamp from Room and Board. So, for now, my dreams of owning one are on hold.
But I can still appreciate the sheer romance of a truly breath-taking chandelier. Take a look at these beauties which, I think, show that an over-the-top chandelier can still be stylish, elegant and modern. The first two are both from SmartAlec.
Aaah, a chandelier in the bathroom. Is there any greater sign of luxury? I’m not one for baths with views, but even I could handle this room! Via Lolla Loves.
This turquoise chandelier hangs in the office of San Francisco designers Masucco Warner Miller. Quite frankly, I don’t think you need any more decor in a room that has this hanging from the ceiling, but to see what the rest of the space looks like, check out their fabulous portfolio here. Via Chinoiserie Chic.
This room is a magnet for magpies. Practically everything sparkles. Despite the fact that it could resemble the frosting on a little girl’s birthday cake, I love it. I think the symmetry prevents it from looking too sweet. Via Decorpad.
This dining room shows how you can take a traditional crystal chandelier and make it super clean-lined and modern. I love this sheer black shade: it looks as though it’s modestly covering up the ‘naked’ chandelier while still leaving a hint of what’s beneath. By Graham Atkins Hughes, Era Management, via Desire to Inspire.
This yellow and turquoise chandelier is just so cute. Shows that not all chandeliers have to be serious. Source unknown I’m afraid.
This style of chandelier just evokes bygone eras. To work, it has to be a little tarnished though, like this one here. Via This is Glamorous.
And finally, the chandelier I covet the most, a Swarovski blossom chandelier. This one’s from Gwyneth Paltrow’s house. Via Habitually Chic.
I’m still happy with my Nelson lamp. But, one day, there will be a glamorous chandelier, dripping with crystals, hanging over my dining table…
If I’m honest I never really liked chandeliers until recently. I always thought they were o.t.t and a bit ‘cheap’ looking. However, I recently visited a new hotel near where we live and they’d spent a fortune on the interiors, including some absolutely stunning chandeliers. It completely changed my opinion and I’m glad to say I am now a convert. Yippee!
I’ve always, always adored chandeliers. I’m actually in the market for a new one. (I don’t know if you heard that my antique Murano one got destroyed.) There are so many beautiful ones available now I’m having a hard time deciding. The blossom chandelier is pretty special.
Alek – Oh no, that’s terrible! So sad. Hmmm, it’s a nice thing to be shopping for though. I do think a blossom chandelier should be high up on the list! It’s going to be a case of which one ‘speaks’ to you though, I feel…
Love that turquoise one – never seen anything like it.
I have a teeny weeny chandelier I found in my mom’s garage – sitting in the pantry. Maybe this will inspire me to get it wired and hang it somewhere.
I live in a very modest suburban home that I’ve decorated in a clean-lined, modern sort of way. I had a mini chandelier put in right over my bathtub for looks and to provide lovely light for reading or mood lighting with the dimmer. It was not expensive, and I love it.
I LOVE CHANDIS (I still swoon every time I see the Blossom Chandelier)…
Wow, these are stunning. You’re right, even if I could afford the chandelier, there’s no way the rest of the room could keep up.
I will have to check out the Masucco Warner Miller link!
The turquoise and yellow needs to find its sweet way into my house!