Contemporary Chandeliers

Do you dream in chrome? Crave design with clean lines and unique silhouettes? Your taste is likely modern, and there's no better way to flaunt your keen sense of style than with a contemporary chandelier.

Although "modern" in its purest form suggests minimalist "form follows function" design, contemporary chandeliers can take the shape of anything from a dazzlingly daring crystal chandelier to a design that looks almost space-age. While contemporary is loosely defined, there are some common threads found in most contemporary chandeliers.

• Clean Lines. While traditional chandeliers tend to display heavy detailing and ornamentation, contemporary chandeliers (and other fixtures) are much more subdued in styling.
   
• Unique Silhouettes. Whether its asymmetrical styling almost resembles a modern sculpture, or it features unexpected sharp lines that give the piece an edge, there is just something about contemporary chandeliers that screams modern.
   
• Metallics. Many of today's contemporary chandeliers are finished in metallic hues like chrome and silver (even brass is making a comeback). Bronze and black finishes are certainly not out of the picture, however. Modern designs using dark finishes tend to feature flat bronze or flat black.
   
• "Green" features. More and more contemporary chandeliers are energy efficient, made from recycled/ reclaimed materials, or eco-friendly in other ways.

Since modern homes tend to be very minimalistic and "clean" in appearance, all sorts of contemporary chandeliers work well in these design schemes. An understated chandelier with a finish that matches the rest in the home can create a streamlined, seamless look, while a bold design makes a great focal point and offers a pleasant contrast against more minimalist surroundings.

Once very "exclusive" (read: expensive), contemporary chandeliers and other lighting designs are more readily available and affordable than ever before. If you're looking for the perfect one to fit your budget, check out Access Lighting or George Kovacs.

>See Also:

• Modern/ Contemporary 101
  
• Chandelier Lighting 101
  
• Energy Efficient Lighting