The chandelier has long been an indispensable lighting fixture for any Russian apartment or private house. We use pendant lights in the living room, bedroom, hallway and even children’s room. In this publication we will try to figure out what kind of chandelier models are used by designers and homeowners to create a modern, practical and beautiful kitchen interior. Despite the active use of built-in lighting in modern design projects of kitchen premises, the chandelier for many owners of kitchens of various sizes and configurations remains an integral part of the lighting system and room decor.
The modern lighting market offers a variety of chandelier designs for integration into kitchen spaces, designed in different stylistic directions. Every homeowner will be able to find his pendant lamp, suitable not only in design, but also in cost. The choice of a chandelier for the kitchen will depend on several factors:
- the dimensions of the room and, above all, the height of the ceilings;
- the location of the lamp (in the center of the room, above the dining area or kitchen island);
- the number of natural light sources;
- the presence of other sources of artificial lighting (built-in lighting over work surfaces, wall sconces or false ceiling lamps);
- the location of the room in relation to the cardinal points;
- interior decoration style;
- your personal preferences in choosing a practical and beautiful device.
Chandelier classification
By type of construction and installation
A suspension chandelier is a lighting fixture that consists of one or more shades attached to a cord, string or chain. The name of the chandelier speaks for itself – the lamp is suspended from the ceiling. As a rule, the length of the string or chain can be adjusted and it depends on the height of the ceilings and the expected effect of the luminaire when installed. Shades in such chandeliers can be made of glass, plastic, fabric and even paper. Of course, pendant chandeliers are available in a wide variety of modifications, nothing hinders design ideas..
A ceiling chandelier is an artificial lighting fixture mounted directly to the ceiling. This type of chandelier is ideal for rooms with low ceilings. Plafonds for ceiling lamps are also made of various materials, many models have decorative elements. The only inconvenience that ceiling lighting devices can deliver is that most often in such structures there is no way to replace a light bulb without first removing the plafond. But with modern energy-saving bulbs that are designed for a long service life, this inconvenience is practically no hassle.
By style of performance
The style of execution of a chandelier does not always directly indicate the need to use a lighting device only in interiors of the corresponding design. For example, a classic chandelier with many decorative elements will be appropriate not only in a kitchen space decorated in a traditional style, but also in a room furnished in a contemporary style, for example. While an eco-style chandelier can bring a touch of originality to the kitchen, decorated in a modern style.
A classic chandelier is a pendant lamp, the appearance of which many associate with the concept itself «chandelier». This is one of the most popular and in many ways a universal type of lighting fixture that looks organic in rooms with different functional loads and kitchen spaces are no exception. A traditional style chandelier is graceful and beautiful, it is able to bring notes of festive mood, luxury and grace into any interior. Thin lines, brilliant decor, graceful shapes – in such lamps, bulbs are often stylized as small candles.
For the production of classic lamps, glass, crystal, fabric, metal and plastic are used with a spectacular imitation of glass surfaces. But, by far, the most popular raw materials for the production of frames, shades and decorative elements are glass and crystal. A crystal chandelier can rightfully be considered a separate (and very popular) type of pendant lights that fit organically into many styles of room decoration.
But a crystal chandelier is not a lamp for every room. In addition to matching the stylistic identity of the interior, the ceiling height will be an important criterion for choosing a chandelier. Classic chandeliers are most often presented in fairly large sizes – even small models hang from the ceiling so low that, with a standard room height, they can become an obstacle to traffic. But even in this case, designers and homeowners find a way to use luxurious models of pendant lamps, placing them directly above the dining table..
A crystal chandelier differs from the traditional one in that it has a much larger number of decorative elements. Streams of light, reflecting from crystal surfaces, multiply and create around the lamp «cloud» out of shine. As a result, not only the lighting fixture, but the entire interior acquire a festive, solemn look.
The classic chandelier practically does not undergo design changes over time. This is a reliable investment – by purchasing an expensive crystal chandelier, you can be sure that the interior with such a lighting fixture will be relevant for a long time.
One of the variations of the classic chandelier is the floristic lamp. The imitation of flowers, leaves and other plant elements in the design of the chandelier creates a fresh, light and spring-like festive appearance of the lighting fixture. Plafonds in the form of flower buds, decorative elements similar to leaves, thin connecting twigs-twigs: such models refresh the interior, bringing originality even to the most ordinary room.
A chandelier in the Art Nouveau style is usually called a lamp, the appearance of which is strikingly different from traditional appliances. The name of the pendant lamp does not mean belonging to the style of modernism or art nouveau, but speaks of the original origin of the very principle of creating models of lighting devices devoid of luxury and pathos. For modern, minimalist interiors, Art Nouveau lamps are the perfect choice..
Art Nouveau chandeliers are also subdivided into subtypes. Among such models, you can find avant-garde options, vintage, creative designer pendant lamps. Many of the original design models are able not only to decorate a modern interior, but also to become its main highlight, a focal point around which the whole concept of decorating the kitchen space is built.
Eco-style chandeliers have not ceased to be popular for a long time. Natural materials and original design appeal to the owners of modern and «village» interiors. Kitchen spaces in country style, chalets and some varieties of modern style are transformed after the integration of original lamps made of wood and metal, twigs, twigs, paper or textiles.
By color scheme
The simplest version of the chandelier from the point of view of color combinatorics is a transparent frame with similar decorative elements. Such a lighting device will organically fit into the interior with any color palette. A light, translucent chandelier will look great against the background of a dark kitchen set or bright, colorful finishes. If you need to create a light, light, relaxed image of the kitchen space without bright accents, then a colorless, crystal or glass lamp is ideal..
In contrast to translucent pendant lighting fixtures, modern stores offer dark models. Contrasting dark colors of the base (lamp frame) or plafonds look great in the bright interior of the kitchen. The dark silhouette is especially clearly visible against the background of a light, snow-white kitchen set.
This classic dark glass chandelier is luxurious and dramatic at the same time. The interior of the kitchen with such a pendant lamp cannot but delight, surprise and bring notes of solemnity to the mood.
A pendant lamp in a bright design is the highlight of a light or neutral room in terms of color choice. Just one colorful piece of furniture can bring uniqueness to the kitchen design, color variety, accent and a bright note of positive.
A bright pendant lamp can be the only contrasting spot in the interior of the kitchen space or form an alliance with other items of room design – furniture, other lighting fixtures, decorative elements.
Pendant lamps with a metallic luster or chrome finish will be the perfect addition to a kitchen decorated in a modern or high-tech style. At the same time, the modification of the chandelier can be any – stylized as a traditional or in an avant-garde style, with original shades or open bulbs.
Place to install the chandelier
The most common place to mount a pendant light is in the center of the room. But this option is suitable for mounting the lighting system only for standard kitchens. If your kitchen is connected to the dining and living area through an open plan, then a central chandelier won’t be enough. Each functional area of the room needs its own source of artificial light.
Even in a small kitchen space, one central chandelier will not be enough as a source of artificial lighting. At a minimum, it will be necessary to organize the illumination of the work surfaces. Wall sconces and a central chandelier, made in the same style, will become a harmonious decoration of the kitchen interior, not to mention the main function of illuminating the room segments.
A large chandelier can be hung over the kitchen island even in a kitchen area with a low ceiling. With such an installation, you can be sure that no one will touch a low-hanging chandelier with many decorative elements with their head, and the room will look festively elegant.
The location of the chandelier above the dining table is another common way of not only lighting the segment for eating, but also zoning the room. As a rule, in such cases, the kitchen working area has its own light sources – built-in lighting in the lower part of the kitchen cabinets of the upper tier, lamps in the suspended ceiling or wall sconces.
A pair of absolutely identical pendant lights will not only provide your kitchen space (large) with the necessary level of illumination in the dark, but also bring order and symmetry to the image of the room. Such chandeliers can be hung above the dining area and the island, on either side of the latter, or in two sectors of the room – work and for eating (it all depends on the shape and configuration of the room, layout, furniture arrangement)
Several creative ideas for a modern interior
In order to transform the most ordinary interior of the kitchen space, it is enough to purchase an original designer pendant lamp. An unusual chandelier (in color, design, method of choosing materials) will not only fulfill its main functions, but also bring non-triviality to the interior, make it unforgettable and unique. We bring to your attention several interesting design projects for kitchens with original chandeliers.
