Think You Don't Have Room for a Chandelier?
However petite your home's dimensions, there's no need to shy away from the statement a chandelier can make
Jo Simmons
10 February 2017
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Chandeliers are frequently hung in grand city townhouses and huge country mansion, but they also translate to more modest abodes. In fact, if you could never imagine you’d have space to fit one in, think again.
Choosing the right room and position is key, as is finding the perfect design. Although antique chandeliers are typically dripping with crystal and large in scale, contemporary takes on this classic can be neater and niftier, slotting into even small spaces without compromising on the glamour.
Choosing the right room and position is key, as is finding the perfect design. Although antique chandeliers are typically dripping with crystal and large in scale, contemporary takes on this classic can be neater and niftier, slotting into even small spaces without compromising on the glamour.
Bypass the stairs
The double-height space above stairs is often an ideal spot for a chandelier, but there’s no need for a lofty ceiling on the upper floor. This home shows how hanging a huge chandelier low turns it into a dramatic statement piece, viewed up close on the first floor and admired from below on the ground floor.
The double-height space above stairs is often an ideal spot for a chandelier, but there’s no need for a lofty ceiling on the upper floor. This home shows how hanging a huge chandelier low turns it into a dramatic statement piece, viewed up close on the first floor and admired from below on the ground floor.
Swerve the ceiling
Look for other locations for a chandelier besides the ceiling. This creates the opportunity to squeeze a chandelier into a corner, recess or bay. Here, one is hung from a window frame.
Look for other locations for a chandelier besides the ceiling. This creates the opportunity to squeeze a chandelier into a corner, recess or bay. Here, one is hung from a window frame.
Shrink to fit
Introduce all the glamour of a twinkling chandelier, but in a scaled-down format. Source a miniature version that feels true to bigger designs in its shape and materials, but is a fraction of the size.
How to pull off bedside pendant lights
Introduce all the glamour of a twinkling chandelier, but in a scaled-down format. Source a miniature version that feels true to bigger designs in its shape and materials, but is a fraction of the size.
How to pull off bedside pendant lights
Rig up a flexible flex
Maybe space constraints mean a chandelier would technically fit, but might feel obtrusive during day-to-day life. In this case, choose a height-adjustable flex (or cable), so the chandelier can be lowered when illuminated, but winched up and out of the way when not in use. This can free up space in a small room and prevent the piece from dominating.
Maybe space constraints mean a chandelier would technically fit, but might feel obtrusive during day-to-day life. In this case, choose a height-adjustable flex (or cable), so the chandelier can be lowered when illuminated, but winched up and out of the way when not in use. This can free up space in a small room and prevent the piece from dominating.
Design your own
Numerous furniture stores now stock lighting you can construct yourself by simply choosing the cable, the fitting and the bulb and putting them together. Use this freedom to construct your own take on a chandelier.
Here, a few bulbs draped from strategically placed hooks in the ceiling create a contemporary and inexpensive chandelier effect. Just build the design to fit the available space.
Numerous furniture stores now stock lighting you can construct yourself by simply choosing the cable, the fitting and the bulb and putting them together. Use this freedom to construct your own take on a chandelier.
Here, a few bulbs draped from strategically placed hooks in the ceiling create a contemporary and inexpensive chandelier effect. Just build the design to fit the available space.
Supersize splendidly
A lack of space needn’t stand in the way of hanging a statement chandelier. Why not play with proportions, choosing an oversized design that fills the room, as in this beautiful bathroom? Opt for a lightweight model that’s more ghostly than glitzy to prevent it overwhelming the scheme.
See more statement chandeliers
A lack of space needn’t stand in the way of hanging a statement chandelier. Why not play with proportions, choosing an oversized design that fills the room, as in this beautiful bathroom? Opt for a lightweight model that’s more ghostly than glitzy to prevent it overwhelming the scheme.
See more statement chandeliers
Move it outside
Source an outdoor chandelier and hang it in your garden or over your balcony to bring some indoor glamour to your outside space. This bubble chandelier, designed for outdoor use, is from Ikea, but is unfortunately no longer available. However, there are lots of different designs out there.
Source an outdoor chandelier and hang it in your garden or over your balcony to bring some indoor glamour to your outside space. This bubble chandelier, designed for outdoor use, is from Ikea, but is unfortunately no longer available. However, there are lots of different designs out there.
Have fun
Alternatively, put it outside in a wholly unexpected place – the garage, the shed, even the henhouse!
Alternatively, put it outside in a wholly unexpected place – the garage, the shed, even the henhouse!
Embrace low ceilings
Chandeliers and high ceilings can be natural bedfellows, but a low ceiling simply means you need to choose a light design that’s in proportion. Here, for example, the glass part of this design is broader than it is deep, and the hanging chains could further be shortened if required.
If positioning a ceiling light above the end of a bed, ensure you maintain enough headspace to sit there while you get dressed.
Browse more white-toned bedrooms
Chandeliers and high ceilings can be natural bedfellows, but a low ceiling simply means you need to choose a light design that’s in proportion. Here, for example, the glass part of this design is broader than it is deep, and the hanging chains could further be shortened if required.
If positioning a ceiling light above the end of a bed, ensure you maintain enough headspace to sit there while you get dressed.
Browse more white-toned bedrooms
Illuminate a table
If you have space for a dining table, whatever its size, then you have space for an equally proportioned chandelier, which can be hung above. The soft light a chandelier creates is perfect for warmly zoning the dining area.
If you have space for a dining table, whatever its size, then you have space for an equally proportioned chandelier, which can be hung above. The soft light a chandelier creates is perfect for warmly zoning the dining area.
Fake it
This gorgeous shower does a great impression of a chandelier! Tiny lights integrated into the square showerhead pick out the jets of water, giving them the appearance of lengths of hanging glass.
Tell us
Have you fitted a chandelier into an unlikely space? Tell us how in the Comments below.
More
See more statement lighting options
This gorgeous shower does a great impression of a chandelier! Tiny lights integrated into the square showerhead pick out the jets of water, giving them the appearance of lengths of hanging glass.
Tell us
Have you fitted a chandelier into an unlikely space? Tell us how in the Comments below.
More
See more statement lighting options
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Custom antler chandeliers can be made to any size specifications and allows for many more options!
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