9 of the coolest contemporary chandeliers

Make room for a modern chandelier and watch as your space comes to life

Long favored by stylish homeowners as the statement light of choice, chandeliers have undergone something of a makeover in recent years.

While the traditional brass candelabras and delicate cascades of crystal still have their place in a period living room or a shabby chic bedroom, today’s interpretations mix materials and styles to become everyday art objects that demand to be the center of attention.

So whether it’s gracing the empty space at the top of a staircase or adorning a long dining table that needs something suitably impressive to set it off, these seriously cool chandeliers will give you something worth swinging from... 

The feathered chandelier

Nothing expresses this new approach to an old favorite more succinctly than the runaway success of the feather chandelier, which has become decorating shorthand for bohemian glamor and is a future design classic. This stunning ostrich feather and brass creation is the chandelier version of the ‘it’ lamp you'll see in the most stylish homes and hotels, including designer Matthew Williamson’s London home and this bedroom at the exclusive bolthole Ayn Hoe Park. Buy from A Modern Grand Tour

The classic chandelier

When you think of a traditional chandler, this is probably the sort of thing that comes to mind, but the rustic framework saves this from looking ordinary. Look closely and you’ll see that the glistening crystal droplets hang suspended from a sturdy antique-style iron structure that tempers the sparkle. Sleek and oh-so glamorous, it will add intrigue and interest to any room but works best in a luxurious bedroom with lots of textures. Buy from The French Bedroom Company

The floral chandelier

These pink and peach-colored tulips have been placed between Murano glass lamps that illuminate them beautifully. This jazzy floral design is ideal for making a statement in a minimalist room and adding a slick of bright color while still looking terribly cool. Buy from VG New Trend

The arty chandelier

This dazzling fixture will fool your friends into thinking you’re secretly an interior designer with your finger firmly on the fashion pulse. Its cutting-edge looks will attract admiring glances from every angle – we love the effect when it’s hung in a pair over a dining table. Available in gold, chrome and copper, it's a blow-the-budget statement light that will become a family heirloom. Buy from KOKET

The 'out there' chandelier

If you want guests to look up and notice when they walk into your home, this feathery little lovely could be just the thing for your front room. The handmade shade uses fluffy ostrich and goose feathers to fabulous effect, then drapes them with gold chains, crystal droplets and an Edison-style light bulb for a mix and match approach that's very now. Buy from Out There Interiors

The ultimate crystal chandelier

Now this might be a stunning piece, but the good news is it’s not hard to pull off. It works in most homes thanks to its soft empire shape, cut glass and delicate intertwined beading. It’s also available in four different sizes, so you can find the perfect size to complement your room. Buy from Sweetpea and Willow         

The starry chandelier

With design inspiration drawn from the cataclysmic explosion of a massive star, this brass design lights up the whole room and looks marvelous when hung with another. Supernovas can briefly outshine entire galaxies and radiate more energy than our sun will in its entire lifetime, and we think this stunning addition might outshine your whole home! Buy from Boca do Lobo

The oversized chandelier

We’re head over heels for this eye-catching flock chandelier. It’s an interplay of dissipating shadow and radiant light made from steam bent curlicues of ebonized tulipwood and twists of opulent, golden brass. Illuminated by three warm-toned filament bulbs, each intricate piece is in constant motion to create a weightless rotation, an exhibition of eye-catching, elegant beauty. Buy from Tom Raffield

The most sought-after chandelier

For a more restrained take on retro, John Lewis’ sputnik-style Delilah ceiling light strikes a fine balance. It uses on-trend green agate and gleaming brass in a centerpiece that’s mid-century minus the hokey nostalgia and will definitely earn admiring glances from your guests. Buy from John Lewis

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