Chandeliers come in a variety of shapes and sizes

If you want to give your home that added bit of glitz, why not try a chandelier?
chandeliers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can transform the whole look of a room simply by hanging one in your living room, or above the dining room table to give mealtimes that added sparkle.
In recent years, the not-so-humble chandelier has made a big comeback, providing ceiling lights everywhere from dining rooms to hallways and from bedrooms to lounges. In the past the basic four arm design took on a different dimension as it gradually became more and more ornate, but now there are still simple, cast iron or brass designs which can look beautiful without being too glam, depending on the overall décor.
But if it’s glitz and glamour you are going for, you could do worse than try a mock crystal or glass chandelier. These can look beautiful in dining rooms, particularly on special occasions, but you’d be surprised what a feature of your bedroom they can make when combined with rich jewel colours and luxurious fabrics to give a real opulent feel to your boudoir. Try contrasting colours such as purples and reds or smoky grey glass for a more subtle, yet effective touch. Glass chandeliers are fabulous because the light reflecting off them has the effect of transforming the whole room.
Alternatively, a stunning effect can be created using porcelain chandeliers. These chandeliers either come in a simple, circular drum form made of cut tiles or are cut into shapes so that a cloud of butterflies or birds can form at the centre of the ceiling. Porcelain ceiling lights are stunning and produce translucent light in a room, perfect for bedrooms where the light doesn’t necessarily have to be so bright. They also give a pretty, delicate and modern looking alternative to the traditional cut glass chandelier.
Even more contemporary designs can be found incorporating wood or other natural materials. These are great at producing a lovely, ambient feel to a room without overpowering it and would be suitable for a dining room or lounge. Other, more eclectic designs can look surprisingly effective too when used combined with an assortment of other random decorative items picked up at the local antique or 2nd hand shop –try a chandelier made from bottles or go green and explore chandeliers made from other recycled materials.
To make sure you get the right look for your room, take into account the overall effect you want, as the chandelier is going to be the centerpiece. If you want the bohemian look, go for strings of elegant glass beading or cut glass, even crystal if you’re really able to splash out. But if you want to tone it down and get a more minimal feel, try using neutral colours in natural materials or porcelain.