There’s just something about a chandelier that adds that certain extra something to a room. No matter what the style, chandeliers have a dramatic appearance that is eye-catching, giving a room, hallway or foyer an elegance and sophistication that is unparallel. Say “chandelier” and the image that comes most readily to mind is a traditional chandelier with dripping crystals, elaborately scrolled arms and candlelight bulbs. But today, chandeliers are available in almost every décor style imaginable. If a chandelier appeals to you but you’re not sure what to look for, start with this quick chandelier style guide.

Contemporary Style Chandeliers

Contemporary chandeliers are typically less ornate and “busy” than traditional style chandeliers. They have sleek designs, with decorative accents that are relaxed and casual. While functional in design, contemporary chandeliers also offer style and versatility.





They tend to be more linear and utilize geometric shapes like round or oval shades or forms (the chandeliers overall shape or profile).

Characteristics of Contemporary Style Chandeliers

• Sleek designs
• Made with metals that have a highly-polished or matte finish as opposed to distressed
• Chandelier arms are typically linear or have simpler lines with less ornamentation
• Popular construction materials for the chandelier (base and arms) are chrome, nickel (brushed or polished and metal alloys with a low-sheen finish
• Shades, when used, are simple geometric shapes such as round, oval and square
• Glass shades or glass accents are often frosted or colored

Traditional Style Chandeliers

Traditional style chandeliers are unmistakable, instantly recognizable by their lavish and elegant appearance. They often have teardrop crystals, strings of crystal beads and other very elaborate or intricately detailed decorative elements.





The base and arms of a traditional chandelier are typically made of brass, wrought iron or cast iron. They tend to be impressive looking due to their ornate and sumptuous profiles. Metalwork accents can include ornate scrolls, twisted rope arms and acanthus leaf or other classical motifs.

Characteristics of Traditional Style Chandeliers

• Chandeliers have ornate designs and patterns
• Typical metals used are brass, wrought iron and cast iron
• Distressed metal finishes are common
• Gold gilded finish is a popular finish for very formal, traditional chandeliers
• Crystals (especially teardrop shaped), beading and etched glass or colored glass are typical decorative accents
• Shades are made of fabrics like silk, linen, brocade and velvet

Transitional Style Chandeliers

Transitional style can be easily described as old merges with new. While this style has the appearance of traditional, decorative accents are given a contemporary twist.






Ornamentation is pared down; lines are simpler; metalwork, while detailed doesn’t usually include ornate scrolls; and patterns are neutral and shapes and profiles are sophisticated. Blending elements of traditional and contemporary styles together, the emphasis of transitional chandeliers is on the interplay of the careful use of shape and decorative accent.

Characteristics of Transitional Style Chandeliers

• Has the appearance and elegance of traditional style but decorative accents are not as ornate
• Base and arms construction materials include iron, brass and alloys
• Shade construction materials range from fabric to glass – plain, colored, frosted or etched
• Lines and profiles, while curved are not “fussy” or “busy”

Modern Style Chandeliers

Modern style chandeliers have clean lines and streamlined detail. Profiles are strictly angular, geometric or asymmetrical. Usually made from highly polished chrome, brushed steel, polished steel or some other “space age” alloy, modern chandeliers typically have a futuristic appearance.




They have no decorative detail, depending instead on the combination of the design and the construction materials to create visual interest. The results can be dramatic and look like modern works of art.

Characteristics of Modern Style Chandeliers

• Has a futuristic or space-age appearance
• Base and arms construction materials are typically highly polished chrome, brushed steel, polished steel or some other alloy
• Often doesn’t have shades
• Shade construction materials include glass and plastics
• Lines and profiles are angular, geometric and/or asymmetrical