Chandeliers can be a beautiful focal point in any room. Their sparkling crystals and elegant designs instantly add a touch of luxury. But do all the chandeliers in your home really need to match? The short answer is no. Mixing and matching chandeliers can actually create a more interesting look. Here’s what you need to know about coordinating your chandeliers.
The Pros of Matching Chandeliers
Having matching chandeliers throughout your home does create a cohesive look. It makes each room flow together seamlessly. Matching chandeliers are especially common in more formal home styles like traditional and transitional. It gives the home a polished, put-together aesthetic. If you prefer a very coordinated look, choosing matching chandeliers is one way to achieve it.
The Cons of Matching Chandeliers
On the other hand, having all matching chandeliers can also feel a bit boring after a while. It lacks character and individuality. If you want each room to have its own distinct personality, mismatching the chandeliers is one easy way to accomplish that.
Matching chandeliers in every single room also tends to look very “matchy-matchy.” It can almost seem like you’re trying too hard to coordinate everything. Opting for some different chandelier styles makes the home feel more natural and relaxed.
When to Use Matching Chandeliers
Here are some tips on when matching chandeliers work best:
- In formal room styles like traditional, French, and transitional
- When the chandeliers are a real focal point, like over a dining table
- If you want a very cohesive, coordinated look throughout the home
- In open floor plans where the rooms connect
When to Use Mixed Chandeliers
Here’s when mixing up your chandeliers can work beautifully:
- In more casual room styles like farmhouse, cottage, or eclectic
- If you want each room to have its own vibe and personality
- When the chandeliers are smaller accent pieces
- In closed floor plans where rooms don’t connect
Tips for Mixing Chandeliers
If you do opt to mix up your chandeliers, follow these tips:
- Choose a mix of styles rather than just different sizes of the same style
- Include a common finish, like brushed nickel or antique brass, to tie them together
- Repeat common design elements like candle covers or crystal strands
- Keep the scale and proportions compatible even if the styles differ
Chandelier Styles to Mix and Match
Here are some gorgeous chandelier styles that complement each other beautifully:
| Formal Style | Casual Style |
|---|---|
| Crystal | Rattan |
| Ornate brass | Woven abaca |
| Curving arms | Wagon wheel |
| French inspired | Farmhouse |
Pairing a crystal chandelier over your dining table with more casual abaca chandeliers in your family room is a great example. The two styles balance each other out.
Should Foyer and Dining Room Chandeliers Match?
The foyer and dining room are two spaces where matching chandeliers is commonly recommended. But again, it’s not an absolute necessity. Here are some tips on handling these two important rooms:
- Do match them if your foyer opens right into the dining room for a cohesive look
- Size is more important than style – keep the two chandeliers proportional
- If they don’t connect, it’s fine to mismatch them
- Just pick chandeliers that coordinate through finish, colors or detailing
Your dining room chandelier will likely be your largest and most formal chandelier. But the foyer chandelier doesn’t have to directly match it. Just aim for general compatibility.
Should Bedroom Chandeliers Match?
Bedrooms are another area where matching chandeliers aren’t strictly necessary. Consider these tips:
- Match children’s and guest room chandeliers for consistency
- The master bedroom can have its own unique chandelier
- If bedrooms connect via a hallway, coordinate the chandeliers
- Or let each bedroom’s style determine the chandelier
Bedrooms tend to be more intimate spaces than main living areas. So they’re a great place to express your individual style through your chandelier choice.
Examples of Mixed Chandeliers
Here are a few inspiration photos showing how mixing up chandelier styles can look in real homes:
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| Ornate brass dining room chandelier complements casually woven living room chandelier | Foyer and dining room chandeliers share crystalline style but different shapes |
These photos show how you can pick chandeliers that coordinate through either material, finish, or style while still allowing each room to have its own look.
Chandelier Finishes
The finish you choose for your chandeliers also determines how well they blend together. Here are some finish options to consider:
- Brushed nickel – Modern silver tone goes with everything
- Polished chrome – Bright and shiny for glamorous rooms
- Antique brass – Warm gold tone for traditional and vintage styles
- Bronze – Darker, more matte option good for Arts & Crafts styles
- Wood tones – Natural option for rustic styles
Sticking to one consistent metallic finish can help tie disparate chandeliers together. But it’s also fine to mix black, brass, and nickel finishes within the same home if it fits your eclectic look.
Chandeliers Based on Room Style
If you want each of your chandeliers to complement the existing room decor, here are some stylish options to suit various room aesthetics:
| Room Style | Chandelier Styles |
|---|---|
| Rustic/Farmhouse | Wagon wheel, wood branch, woven abaca |
| Traditional | Crystal, curving arms, ornamental metal |
| Modern | Geometric shapes, straight lines, globe styles |
| Glitz/Hollywood | Crystal strands, oversized rings, polished chrome |
| Cottage | Colorful beads, flowers, candle covers |
| Coastal | Driftwood, woven seagrass, nautical rope |
Let your existing furniture and architecture guide your chandelier choices for each room. The styles above complement those aesthetics.
Crystal vs. Non-Crystal Chandeliers
Crystal chandeliers instantly add drama and elegance. But they also cast rainbow prisms around the room, which isn’t always desirable. Non-crystal chandeliers like rattan, metal, or fabric offer an alternative. Here are some pros and cons of each:
| Crystal Chandeliers | Non-Crystal Chandeliers |
|---|---|
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In general, crystal chandeliers work best in formal spaces, while non-crystal options are great for casual, contemporary rooms. Mix the two together for the best of both worlds.
Large vs. Small Chandeliers
Chandelier sizes range from giant statement pieces to tiny accent pendants. Here are some tips for incorporating different sizes:
- Choose one large chandelier as your focal point, likely in the dining room
- Flank it with smaller secondary chandeliers in other rooms
- Or do one large and several small for variety and contrast
- Very small chandeliers work well in hallways, bathrooms, kitchens
- Adjust wiring for low-hanging mini chandeliers
A mix of statement chandeliers and understated mini options helps differentiate the main entertaining zones from more intimate spaces.
Where Exactly to Place Chandeliers
Proper chandelier placement is key. Follow these guidelines:
- In dining rooms, center over table with room to see diners’ faces
- In foyers and hallways, hang in center of space
- In living rooms, place in front of seating area to illuminate sofas and chairs
- In bedrooms, install over nightstand area, not over the bed itself
Measure carefully so your chandelier is hung at the ideal height. The bottom should be 30-36 inches above the table or focal point underneath it. This creates beautiful ambient lighting.
Multi-Chandelier Designs
Using multiple chandeliers in one space creates drama. Some ideas include:
- Line a long entry hallway with identical smaller chandeliers
- Hang mini pendants along the length of a kitchen island
- Place same-sized chandeliers over multiple seating areas in an open great room
- Cluster small chandeliers over a large dining table
- Flank a fireplace with matching chandeliers
Repeating the same chandelier multiple times makes a strong statement. But creatively mixing different styles in one space can look equally striking.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, don’t overthink your chandelier coordination too much. Choose styles you genuinely love room by room. An eclectic mix of chandeliers shows off your personality and keeps things interesting. The most important design principle is simply ensuring all the proportions suit the size of each space. With that in mind, you can happily mix and match chandeliers for a home full of your favorite styles.