Charming Chandeliers

When it comes to finding lighting fixtures for your home, there can be only one word that spells luxury and that is, chandeliers. We have seen them in ballrooms and banquet halls, in period films and palaces, but now, chandeliers are becoming the must-have lighting accessory in the home. Chandeliers have always carried the aura of grandeur and the placement of one in your home will make an impression like no other. You will also be spoilt for choice when deciding on the material and style of the chandelier. Keep in mind the décor of your home and pick a piece that will not clash with the others, because a chandelier will always be the cynosure of eyes in the room.

Light matters

Chandeliers are made from out of a variety of materials and one must keep in mind the type of furniture and colours in the room while picking the right chandelier. Warm woods and deep colours can complement a glass chandelier with diffused light to maintain the ambience. A lot of white or minimalist furniture would best suit a chandelier made of metal, wrought iron or alabaster. Chandeliers featuring brightly coloured glass and out-of-the-box design would fit in fine in a kitschy home, and can even add a bit of fun to a sparsely decorated room. If your living room is decked out in plush couches, gold-hued tableware and lots of glass, a crystal chandelier will take the feel of luxury to a new height. Cascading beads of crystal, either Bohemian or Venetian, are sure to catch the light and create an artistic display. Make a note of ceiling height as you do not want to knock against your chandelier every time you walk by! You can approximate the appropriate size by multiplying the height of your room by three and taking that number in inches. The bulbs used should not create a glare, which can happen if the chandelier is placed too low. So make sure the chandelier is always at least seven feet above the floor.

Style statement

There are many styles of chandeliers available today, most of them drawing inspiration from particular periods in history and art. The Murano style is possibly the most famous. This Italian design, believed to have existed since the 15{+t}{+h} century, is known for its elegance and features a single central rod from which extend outward eight arms fitted with bulbs facing upward. The central rod is usually embellished with intricate attachments while a singular gem-like addition hangs from the bottom tip of the rod. The Regency style is seen quite often in luxury hotels and palaces. It is a relatively simple style, with a hoop from which crystal or glass drops rise upwards in the form of a canopy. Drops also hang in concentric rings from below the hoop. The central stem is usually hidden. Regency chandeliers add a feel of understated elegance to any room. For a modern take on this old classic, you can pick a chandelier from Ipe Cavalli's Visionnaire Collection.

The Neoclassical chandelier, taking its cue from the art movement, reinterprets the classic style with the addition of many arms in twisted or spiral fashion. It can be either simplistic or intricate in detail, which makes it a great style to work with for your home. If opulence is your aim, the Maria Theresa style is the perfect choice. Named after the 18{+t}{+h} century Austrian Empress, the Maria Theresa chandelier features highly-detailed, curved designs and large beads that look like raindrops or stars, hanging from a curved frame. It gives the impression of the piece being made completely of glass, when in fact, it is supported by a thin metal frame. Swarovski crystals are commonly used for this style to truly celebrate luxury.

For those whose homes are more contemporary in decor, there are many innovative and funky chandeliers available. The new styles may not even feature a metal frame, instead opting for a more free-flowing style inspired by rain or autumn leaves falling, like Swarovski's Strandelier and crystalline icicles. Modern chandeliers are also more colourful than the usual styles, adding a dash of red or a pop of pink to your living room. The interesting chandeliers from Klove will definitely be conversation starters at your next party. You can also leave behind glass and crystal for polished capiz shells which have a mother-of-pearl finish that will diffuse light for a warm glow.

Whatever your taste or style, a chandelier can brighten up your room in a luxurious way.

>archana.a@thehindu.co.in

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