20 Living Room Chandelier Ideas for Luxe Brightness

Chandeliers are often thought of as a fixture strictly reserved for dining rooms. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Originally, they were constructed with an array of hanging crystals meant to illuminate a room with refracted light, but today there are a wide array of grand ceiling lights to choose from that would look great in the kitchen, bedroom, and, yes, even the living room. From brass to wood to glass, a unique chandelier will not only illuminate your space but will also take your decor to the next level. But before we show you some inspiration, let's define what makes a fixture a chandelier and not a pendant.

According to Lightology, a chandelier houses multiple light sources, usually arranged in a branch light system, whereas pendants typically suspend a single light or a cluster of lights from one source or chain. Make sense? Okay, now here are 20 gorgeous living room chandelier ideas that will give any space a major glow-up.

Add a whimsical feeling to your formal living room with a modern twist on a traditional chandelier. This pretty fixture employs capiz shells, instead of classic teardrop-shaped crystals, to communicate an elegant finish with a boho edge.

​Get the look:​ CB2 Teardrops Capiz Chandelier, $399

Not all chandeliers are dripping with crystals — a modern fixture like this sculptural gem can be just as awe-inspiring. The light rods provide directional illumination, all while looking like a sleek work of midcentury modern art.

​Get the look:​ Lightology Stix 3-Arm Pendant, from $1,224

The light fixture in this living room by Studio McGee combines the best of traditional and farmhouse styles with a rustic wagon wheel-base topped with classic lampshades. The design says, "I'm playing it a little safe," but the scale says, "I am the center of everyone's attention, deal with it." Complete the country-inspired look with wood beams on the ceiling.

​Get the look:​ McGee & Co. Hackney Large Chandelier, $1,970

There's nothing more striking than a crystal chandelier, and this one spotted at The Harper is all the proof we need. Its lustrous brass frame, along with what looks like an over-the-top cluster of precious stones, is just the right amount of fancy to take any living room to the next level.

​Get the look:​ Shades of Light Crystal Dandelion Chandelier, $2,124

Keep it simple yet striking with a midcentury modern number à la this living space by interior designer Emily Henderson. It's functional, but it also packs a punch with a three-arm black and brass frame.

​Get the look:​ Jason Koharik 3 "J" Arm Chandelier, $4,250

These ultra-modern light fixtures are all about the wow factor. Hang one (or follow the lead of Chango & Co. and splurge on two) in the center of your living room for a guaranteed conversation starter.

​Get the look:​ Overstock 10-Light G9 Branch Modern Chandelier, $211.91

When it comes time to decide what kind of chandelier to hang in your living room, there are no rules. Take this delightfully eclectic fixture by Jonathan Adler — we double dare you not to smile at the groovy, retro design. And if you want to make your setup even more playful, opt for the version with multicolored glass orbs instead.

​Get the look:​ Jonathan Adler Globo Five Light Chandelier, $1,995

We love light fixtures flaunting a black finish, and an old-school iron chandelier is no exception. In this farmhouse living room belonging to Katie-Rose and Rob of The Wild Decoelis, the candelabra-style ceiling light adds a sophisticated touch — and a welcome dose of contrast to boot — that works so well with the warm neutral palette.

​Get the look:​ Birch Lane Ableton 6-Light Candle Style Chandelier, $135.47

Ceiling lights present an excellent opportunity for homeowners to make a big statement in any space. Take the coastal-inspired chandelier in this seating area designed by Bungalow 56. While the tiered silhouette and neutral finishes are relatively straightforward, the intricately beaded design takes this simple vignette to new heights.

​Get the look:​ Pottery Barn Amelia Wood Bead Chandelier, $809

Sticking to a boho theme? Then this DIY tassel fringe chandelier by Hunker contributor Trisha Sprouse is definitely worth considering. Pick a color that will work with your living room palette or try something more neutral. Either way, this eye-catching fixture promises to be a delightful visual treat, especially if you add a dimmer. However, if you're not into craft projects, we've found a similar option that's just as pretty.

​Get the look:​ Litfad Tiered Round Handwoven Fringe Chandelier, starting at $436.55

When it comes to interiors, nothing is quite as striking as the right light fixture. And sometimes less is so much more, as proven by this stunning setup from Avenue Design Studio. Forget all of the fussy frills and decorative details and take a minimalist approach to your lighting design. Think clean lines and simple silhouettes, like the handblown glass orbs that make up this chic LED chandelier.

​Get the look:​ Bover Ilargi LED Double Pendant, $1,326.40 - $1,565.60

If you have high ceilings and want to go big with your lighting, then look no further than the dramatic wireframe chandelier in this rustic living room. The large scale doesn't weigh down the overall design scheme, yet it stands out in this otherwise white and airy space.

​Get the look:​ Visual Comfort Thomas O'Brien Erika Three Tier Chandelier, $2,103.20

Midcentury modern light fixtures are in a class of their own, especially the sputnik silhouette that was super popular in interior design during the '50s and '60s. The cool part about the style is that it works just as well today. Take this contemporary take on the look with a black and brass finish that truly livens up botanical stylist Manuela Sosa's living space.

​Get the look:​ France & Son Midcentury Sputnik Chandelier, $799

While there is nothing wrong with a wrought iron wagon wheel fixture or a tiered crystal ceiling light, if you want something really unexpected, a suspension-style chandelier is definitely the way to go. In this modern living room by Dekar Design, the sculptural installation is simply stunning.

​Get the look:​ Artemide Suspension Light, $1,335

Bronze and iron are beautiful, but brass is where it's at when it comes to livening up a chandelier design. The elegant drum-shaped fixture showcased in this living room by Jean Stoffer is the perfect combination of modern and transitional styles, with its classic silhouette and warm lustrous finish. With this kind of ambiance, even the most uneventful afternoon at home can become a memorable affair.

​Get the look:​ Barbara Barry Halo Medium Hanging Shade, $959.20

You want something modern for your living room light fixture, but you don't want it to feel too stark or aggressive. Get a chandelier that features matte white finishes to soften the impact. This room by Chango saves the bright hues for art and furniture and lets the rest of the space act like an extremely stylish canvas. Take note: that overhead light may be stunning, but it doesn't need to be the center of attention.

​Get the look:​ Bubbles Brass Ring Light, $479

If you've decided to go with a chandelier in your living room, then why not make some noise? If you're all about the luxe life, hang an oversized circular shape like this design from Restoration Hardware in your space and we guarantee just about everyone who enters will stop in their tracks. Yes, including you. This style adds some sparkle to industrial looks and puts an interesting twist on tradition.

​Get the look:​ Spiridon Round Chandelier, from $6,783

If you're into things being easy breezy with your living room decor, a chandelier doesn't have to be ultra-glamorous. Hang a wicker or cane look over your seating area to create a cozy and chic vibe with boho undertones. The neutral look works with countless decor styles.

​Get the look:​ Nessa Basket Light, $299

If you like a minimalist vibe but want your chandelier to be the conversation piece in your living room, try something unexpected like a geometric shape. This room inspiration spotted on CB2 checks off all the serenity now boxes with a fixture that will truly capture everyone's attention.

​Get the look:​ Braydon Studio Geometric Chandelier, $349.99

Got a narrow living room you want to make feel wider? Or perhaps you're interested in hanging a chandelier at one end of your space versus in the middle of your seating area. This linear-shaped branch look we found on Wayfair will work wonders for either concern and provides an interesting focal point where there wasn't one before.

​Get the Look:​ George Oliver Linear Chandelier, $339.99

Before you take the plunge and purchase a chandelier you love for your living room, there are a few things to take into consideration. First, you need to know how large you can go with your light fixture. Of course, the first rule of thumb is: if you love it and it speaks to your own personal style, then go for it. But remember, you'll be sharing your space with this investment for many years to come. And more often than not, a chandelier is a pricey item on anyone's decor list. According to Design Morsels, the math for measuring how big your chandelier should be for any room should be done as follows:

1. Take the width of the room in feet.
2. Add the length of the room in feet to that.
3. The sum of those two measurements should be the same number in inches.
4. For example: a 15 x 15-foot room adds up to 30. So your chandelier should be 30 inches wide.

You've figured out how large your living room chandelier should be in terms of width -- now let's learn how tall this fixture needs to be. According to this handy guide on Overstock, you should hang your chandelier at least 7 feet above the ground in a living room or entryway. While you can hang a light fixture like this lower if it's over a dining table, you want it to be high enough so people can pass under it easily in other spaces.

In most cases, determining where to place a chandelier in a living room comes down to the default: hang it in the very center after measuring the dimensions of your living room. But if you live in a home with a more open design and your dining and living spaces flow together, figure where you want to arrange a seating area first. Wayfair suggests positioning your light fixture directly above a coffee table around which couches and chairs sit. And remember to hang it high enough so no one bumps their head — at least with a 7-foot clearance.

As you can probably tell, we can't get enough of living room chandeliers. And while we could keep the list of inspiring examples going, you're probably ready to do a little shopping. In that case, here are some of our favorite spots to hunt for luxe lighting.

​West Elm​

​Shades of Light​

​Lightology​

​AllModern​

​Wayfair​

​CB2​