Types of Chandeliers

Whether you're hanging a chandelier in your entryway, dining room, or even a bathroom, this statement fixture is an easy way to add drama and personality to your space. With so many different types of chandeliers to choose from, you’re sure to find a style that fits both your home and your taste. Read on to explore the most popular chandelier styles.

In this guide:
Chandelier Designs
Chandelier Shapes
Features
Frequently Asked Questions

Chandelier Designs

Chandelier designs come in a wide range of styles, each offering a distinct look and lighting effect.

• Unique/Statement: If you’re looking to move beyond classic chandelier styles, unique statement pieces offer a more artistic approach. These eye-catching designs double as ceiling-mounted works of art while still providing functional lighting.

• Candle-Style: Classic candle-style chandeliers bring heritage and formal charm to any room. Though they come in a wide variety of materials and styles, each features candelabra-style arms that hold faux candles. Some even have a lighting setting that mimics real candlelight.

• Shaded: Available in almost any style, shaded chandeliers provide warmer, dimmer lighting than candle-style chandeliers. The shades can be upward- or downward-facing, fluted or straight, and transparent or opaque.

• Sputnik: Modern and avant-garde, sputnik chandeliers make excellent accent lighting pieces in contemporary rooms. Spindles tipped with light bulbs emanate from the chandelier’s central spines, often in a sun-burst shape but sometimes in other simple, geometric shapes.

• Lantern: Lantern chandeliers feature open, cage-like frames that blend modern and vintage design elements. Their structured, geometric shapes make them a stylish focal point in any space.

Chandelier Shapes

Chandelier shapes play a key role in defining the overall look and scale of your fixture, helping you complement your space and layout.

• Tiered: Tiered chandeliers feature multiple levels of lights, creating a cascading effect that adds drama and elegance. These designs are ideal for larger spaces like foyers and dining rooms with higher ceilings.

• Wagon Wheel: Inspired by rustic and farmhouse design, wagon wheel chandeliers feature a circular frame with evenly spaced lights. Their open, airy silhouette works well in dining rooms, kitchens, and living spaces.

• Drum: Drum chandeliers have a cylindrical shade that surrounds the light source, offering a clean, tailored look. They provide diffused lighting and work well in both modern and transitional spaces.

• Globe: Globe chandeliers feature rounded, enclosed or partially enclosed designs that create a soft, balanced look. Their versatile shape makes them a great fit for a variety of styles, from modern to mid-century.

• Square/Rectangle: Square and rectangular chandeliers offer clean lines and a structured silhouette, making them ideal for dining tables, kitchen islands, and other linear spaces.

• Sphere: Sphere chandeliers feature a fully rounded, often open-frame design that adds visual interest without overwhelming a space. Their sculptural form works well as a statement piece in entryways or living rooms.

Chandelier Features

• Dimmable: Dimmable chandeliers let you adjust the brightness to suit your needs, whether you're creating ambience or adding task lighting.

• Swag Light: Swag light chandeliers plug into a standard outlet instead of being hardwired, allowing you to hang them from a ceiling hook and route the cord to a nearby outlet. This makes them a great option for rentals or spaces where permanent installation isn’t possible.

• Bulb-Included: Chandeliers with included bulbs take the guesswork out of setup, so you don’t have to worry about finding compatible bulbs separately.

• Sloped Ceiling Adaptable: Designed for angled ceilings, these chandeliers can be safely installed on sloped surfaces without compromising their look or function.

Tip!

For more information on finding the right hanging height and right size chandelier for your home, check out our guide on How to Find the Right Chandelier Size. Review our guide on Chandelier Installation 101: How to Install a Chandelier to set up yours like a pro.

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