Inspired: Dining Room Chandeliers

For many people, the dining room is the most important entertaining space in the home. One of our favorite ways to update the dining room is to change out the light fixture. Whether you’re looking for shopping guidance or inspiration, this inspiration board walks you through the different types of dining room chandeliers.

BRANCHED CHANDELIERS

The traditional branched chandelier uses a series of arms to bear the electrical lighting of the chandelier. This shape typically creates a ring of branches around a central trunk, a bit like a tree with branches, to give off a soft and elegant light. Most commonly, a branched chandelier also has small shades around each light source that diffuses the light from the bulb, creating a subtle glow.

From left to right: Hampton Bay 6-Light Tuscan Copper Chandelier; Hampton Bay Halina 15-Light Hanging Chrome and White Chandelier; Laura Ashley Josephine 6-Light Chandelier

CAGED CHANDELIERS

Caged chandeliers, as their name implies, feature a simple metal cage that surrounds the light source. You probably know this style by the name “lantern.” Lanterns give a very old-world feel to a space because their shape originated with the old method of lighting real flames to illuminate the streets of cities as far back as ancient Greece and Rome. The cage was an important aspect of the design of these light fixtures because it protected the delicate flame from the elements.

From left to right: World Imports Aged Bronze 12-Light Square Hanging Pendant; World Imports Dark Sky Rever Collection Flemish 6-Light Island Light; World Imports Hasting Collection 12-Light Hanging Lantern in Rust

SHADED CHANDELIERS

More recently, the shaded chandelier has seen a surge in popularity because of its simple shape and ability to cast a beautiful glow. This style of light fixture suits just about any style of space, whether modern or traditional, but its clean lines certainly appeal to those who prefer a look that’s less fussy and more contemporary than your traditional branched chandelier.

From left to right: Eurofase Solo Collection 4-Light Brushed Nickel Pendant; Glomar 2-Light Square Pendant with Khaki Fabric Shade finished in Hazel Bronze; Filament Design Lawrence Collection 3-Light Brushed Nickel Black Semi Flush Mount

BEADED CHANDELIERS

Beaded chandeliers, as you may guess, feature dozens, sometimes hundreds, of tiny glass or crystal spheres that bounce light around the room. Their intricate design and over-the-top luxury create a definite focal point in any space, whether that’s a dining room or entryway. Aside from their luxe look, beaded chandeliers also can bring a very whimsical element to a space; the fixtures featured above each have a very unique silhouette and feel quite playful when used as a light fixture over a dining table.

From left to right: PLC Lighting 8-Light Pendant Polished Chrome Finish Clear Glass; Eurofase Sola Collection 18-Light Chrome Ring Pendant; PLC Lighting 30-Light Pendant Polished Chrome Finish Clear and White Glass

Inspired is an editorial curation of products from homedepot.com and our sister site, Home Decorators Collection – along with irresistible finds from around the web.