Kitchen Chandeliers: Interesting Ideas with Photos

Far from the last place is lighting, where one of the main places is occupied by a chandelier. How to choose a fixture so that it not only delights with its functionality but also blends organically into the interior?

Classification of Chandeliers

The modern market offers a quite extensive range of these lighting fixtures. Therefore, to avoid getting lost in the variety of products, they are usually divided by several criteria, the main ones of which are described below.

By Construction and Mounting Method

Choosing a fixture is primarily related to the area of the room. Therefore, it is important to correctly determine the type of construction so that a kitchen chandelier does not look too bulky or on the contrary, it is unobtrusive. What can you choose?

• Flush mount models. Their main feature (and in some cases, an advantage) is compactness. Such fixtures are ideal for a small kitchen with low ceilings. A ceiling chandelier does not consume space, but on the contrary, visually expands it. However, it should be remembered that this construction variant is preferable for rooms designed in modern style, because ceiling fixtures look strict and minimalist.

• Suspended. These are more substantial structures, mounted using a special rope or chain. Such chandeliers are magnificent and elegant, with substantial dimensions, and therefore they are placed on kitchens with large areas. These fixtures usually have several bulky shades. The materials of manufacture include glass, metal, plastic, wood, fabrics.

• Recessed (spotlight). These are compact fixtures, mostly used as additional lighting in rooms with low ceilings.

By Material of Construction

The cost of a kitchen chandelier is directly related to the material it is made from. Manufacturers offer several of the most common options:

• Glass. Beautiful, neat and minimalist chandeliers that blend into any style. However, these fixtures require careful maintenance – dust must be regularly wiped off. There is also a second drawback – low durability, which is especially relevant during transportation.

• Metallic. These are reliable and durable fixtures. Usually, the basis of such luminaires is bronze, brass, copper or steel. Large-sized fixtures look solid. If a small chandelier is needed, it is recommended to pay attention to forged fixtures – beautiful and elegant.

• Wooden chandeliers look great in houses where styles such as country or eco dominate.

• Fabric. A creative product of designer ideas. Macramé, lace and other original solutions are widely used here. It should be remembered that fabric chandeliers do not tolerate excessive humidity, so their use on kitchens is limited: the type of fabric must be taken into account.

By Style

In any case, the chandelier should fit into the kitchen interior to maintain stylistic unity. What is most popular today?

• Classicism. The concept of "chandelier" is associated with a suspended light fixture in many people's minds. This should be the classical piece. It is a universal and quite in demand fixture that can fit organically into any room – the kitchen is no exception. Traditional chandelier, with photos of variants on the site, is beautiful, sometimes luxurious, and can create a festive mood. Typical features are elegant thin lines, decoration, the use of metal (usually bronze or brass) in construction, and bulbs styled like candles.

Modern. Lighting fixtures of this type sharply differ from traditional chandeliers. Here you can find everything imaginable: fixtures in the shape of balls, ovals, elongated glass strips, etc. Modern chandeliers are divided into:

1. vintage;
   
2. avant-garde;
   
3. original designer.

• Country. These are chandeliers that look great on kitchens designed in a rural style. The fixture should be made of metal or wood (quality imitation is allowed). Cast iron items look great.

• Tiffany. The most luxurious and expensive variant of the fixture using stained glass, paintings, and sometimes mosaics. Tiffany chandeliers look perfect on a kitchen designed in classical style.

Color Solution

The simplest option is a frame made of transparent glass and decorative details of the same color. A light chandelier is a good solution for a kitchen with a dark cabinet, where it will look nice against the dark background. A white lighting fixture easily combines with any style. However, there are other options as well. Some shades should be considered in more detail.

• Black. A quite unconventional choice. Light fixtures of this color are suitable for kitchens designed in baroque or gothic styles. A black fixture accentuates a white ceiling, highlights light surfaces and draws attention to itself.

• Pink and red. A chandelier of such tones is appropriate for kitchens decorated in baroque or glamour styles. A red lighting fixture will always be the center of the interior, adding a unique touch. Many people claim that chandeliers of such shades stimulate appetite and remind of dessert.

• Violet. The color belongs to the category of dominant and vibrant shades. Chandeliers with such a tone look great on kitchens designed in oriental style, as well as baroque and glamour.

• Orange. Embodies a good mood and stimulates appetite. Therefore, it is in demand.

• Blue and turquoise. Also a popular color, reminiscent of the sky and freshness. Recently, turquoise bead chandeliers are in demand.

• Green. A chandelier of this color fits into a kitchen of any style, giving it nobility.

• Yellow. A quite rare color for decorating kitchen lights. Looks neutral.

How to Properly Place a Chandelier on the Kitchen

Proper lighting setup in the kitchen creates a cozy atmosphere and ensures convenience for cooking. Therefore, when installing a chandelier, it is important to find the optimal location for the light source, which is largely related to the dimensions of the room.

• Chandelier for a small kitchen. In a small room, it is best to place the chandelier in the center of the ceiling. If the kitchen height is low, choose a ceiling-mounted fixture. It is preferable that the shade be transparent so that it illuminates the maximum area. The total power of the bulbs should not be less than 100 W.

• Chandelier for a medium-sized kitchen. Here (assuming high ceilings) a suspended fixture can be used, which is best placed above the dining table (the distance from it to the light fixture should not be less than 1.2 m). For task lighting in work zones, use spot LED fixtures.

• Chandelier for a spacious kitchen. There is an opportunity to use several fixtures, placed over each zone. It should be remembered: if the shades face down, local lighting is achieved; if they are directed upwards, general lighting is provided.

• Chandelier for a long kitchen. For such a space, linear lighting fixtures arranged in a row along the center of the ceiling are more suitable.

Design: Yana Zhudanova

How to Choose Bulbs for a Chandelier

When purchasing, pay attention to the type of base: in the future, this will make it easier to replace a burned-out bulb. The fact is that some types of bases (pin type) are rarely found in retail stores. Therefore, it is preferable to buy chandeliers with threaded sockets. The next point is the type of bulb. Incandescent bulbs are practically not used today, so it is worth looking into other types of devices more closely.

• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). With the same level of illumination as incandescent bulbs, CFLs consume electricity 5 times less. The lifespan of such fixtures is 2-5 years, mostly depending on the manufacturer.

• LED bulbs consume even less electricity, last longer and are currently the most promising. When buying LED, pay attention to such a parameter as luminous flux. It should be 560-650 lumens if you want to replace an incandescent bulb with a power of 60 W.

Another important characteristic of the bulb is color temperature. In simple terms, this is the shade of glow. A regular incandescent bulb emitting a yellowish light has this parameter in the range of 2-3 thousand Kelvin (K). Therefore, when buying a bulb, take this characteristic into account to get the required lighting tone in the kitchen:

1. yellow: up to 3000K;
   
2. white: 3500-4000K;
   
3. cool white: 4500-5000K;
   
4. daylight: 5700-6500K.
   

Other Lighting Fixtures for the Kitchen

For greater comfort and convenience in cooking, additional lighting is often used. Most commonly, this is spot LED lights mounted above work zones. It is better to choose fixtures that can change the direction of the light beam, i.e., turn in the desired direction. These fixtures are placed around the perimeter of the ceiling or underneath suspended cabinets.

Choosing a chandelier is a responsible decision. If approached correctly, you will get comfortable and functional lighting that makes your kitchen cozy and attractive.