Chandeliers – a glittering trend in the world of light

In the centre of the room, the glittering attraction of pinpricks of light entwined in elegant ethereal design, the bold glamour and cheeky edge of modern metals and distinctive styling, the sophisticated grandeur of traditional crystal tiers… the chandelier is back and Radiant Lighting's broad collection is a delight, reflecting the latest trends in chandelier design, and is available at your local Builders Warehouse.

 

 

 

"The ability of a chandelier to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary has designers continually rediscovering its appeal. And the timelessness of the chandelier has seen it reinvented to meet the most modern tastes and almost any budget," says Valerie Poyurs at Radiant.

Today, chandeliers are available in an array of contemporary and traditional designs that can be installed in any room – the bedroom, living room, dining room, bathroom, hallway or even the kitchen. And if you are pressed for space, some chandeliers even have down lights to double up as a source of light for workspaces.

"Lighting, like fashion, can be a luxury," notes Poyurs," but lighting fixtures can also be selected, like a good coat or little black dress, to last for many years. Lighting designs are seasonal, trend driven and constantly changing so they offer an ideal means to express yourself, to create the right atmosphere and ambience in every room as you and your needs change. With chandeliers, you add beauty and interest to a space, even when the light is not on."

Contemporary chandeliers can be breathtakingly beautiful, made from a variety of materials, whereas the traditional chandelier’s look is European, elegant and refined, adding a touch of class to elegant settings. "Traditional chandeliers include designs with two or three tiers of lighting," explains Poyurs. They often comprise upturned bowls or mini lampshades, but the design is always elegant, creating a refined and often sophisticated space for conversation. Oval-shaped chandeliers also work well to fill the space over a big dining room table.”

Crystal with its many facetted translucent and opaque surfaces that capture the light and make it dance has caught the imagination of chandelier lovers.

Says Poyurs: "There is a mystique to light that can immediately lift a mood or set the tone of a room or gathering – and taste is a very personal choice. Thus, crystal chandeliers are today available in a wide range of contemporary colours and in many sizes. The current trends run from sparkling designs in black crystal to sleek and original minimal creations."

Modern chandeliers run from an array of shiny metal frames that outline the simplest of glass sconces, to unique, futuristic art sculptures in paper that hang from the ceiling and reflect delicate lighting across a room.

Placement of the chandelier is quite important. Practical considerations would be the height at which you hang the piece and the strength or volume of light it exudes. "Choose the right chandelier for a particular space, looking at factors like size, mood and brightness," says Poyurs. "You don’t want guests bumping into the fixture or needing to lean around it to chat, nor do you want it to be overly bright. A dimming switch would be a useful tool."

In selecting your perfect centrepiece, look out for quality workmanship. "A lot of attention is given to detail in the designing and constructing of contemporary chandeliers and rightly so since they are often the centre of attention in a room and need to bear considerable scrutiny," says Poyurs.

"The current array of chandelier designs will meet the requirements of even the most discerning customers, so whatever your needs, perhaps consider how incorporating these beautiful pieces into your living and working space can add value and quality to your life."

For further information, visit the website: www.radiant.co.za