When Sydney-based fashion designer Genevieve Smart dropped by Home Beautiful to talk about all things home-related, we didn’t quite expect her to summon the return of chandeliers.
“I wish a chandelier moment would come back,” she lamented to Home Beautiful editor, Elle Lovelock, on The Edit podcast. “I feel like it’s going to happen.” The question then becomes: Well, is it?
Listen to Genevieve Smart on The Edit podcast:
Creative lighting – from wall sconces to statement lamps – is all the rage in 2026. From kitchens to bathrooms, lighting design can help round-out your style theme and instantly add a touch of excitement to an otherwise bland room.
In her own home, Genevieve has an antique, 1920s chandelier from Argentina hanging above the tub in her bathroom. This had us thinking about the other places in the home that call for “a chandelier moment”.
Whether you’re working with a classic Hamptons interior, a coastal cottage or a modern urban apartment, scroll on for some striking examples of how to use a chandelier in your home.
Are chandeliers out of style?
Absolutely not. In fact, chandeliers have become more versatile than ever. Designers are pairing traditional silhouettes with modern materials, or using bold, unexpected shapes to turn lighting into an art form. Whether you love old-world charm or minimalist flair, there’s a chandelier that works for you.
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Kitchen sparkle
A pair of antique chandeliers are suspended over a timber island topped with marble, bringing elegance and symmetry to illustrator Alexandra Nea Graham’s farmhouse kitchen.
Where should you hang a chandelier in the kitchen?
Over islands or dining nooks is best. Be sure it’s centred and allows for plenty of clearance when prepping food.
Dining room drama
Chandeliers with coloured glass, gold hardware and intricate metalwork add moody drama to these dining space, proving that lighting can anchor a room just as powerfully as furniture.
How high should a chandelier hang above a dining table?
Ideally, the bottom of the chandelier should sit 30-36cm above the table surface to avoid obstructing the view while casting an even glow.
Entryway elegance
A grand chandelier creates a warm, welcoming first impression in the entrance hall of this Hamptons-style Mornington Peninsula home.
How do I choose the right size chandelier?
Add your room’s length and width (in metres), multiply the total by 10, and that number in centimetres is a good guide for the ideal chandelier diameter.
Example: A 4m x 3m room = 7m. 7 × 10 = 70cm diameter chandelier.
Bedroom luxe
Soft draped crystals add a dreamy elegance to this bedroom in The Block judge Shaynna Blaze’s 120-year-old country home, delivering the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
Can you put a chandelier in a bedroom?
Yes – especially when paired with soft, dimmable lighting. Choose a smaller fixture or one with diffused shades for a calming effect.
Living room radiance
From classic to contemporary and French provincial, see how chandeliers can elevate any style living room. Each room offers a lesson in scale, material and placement – making it easy to find inspiration for your own space.
What’s the best chandelier for a living room?
When choosing a chandelier for your living room, scale and style are key. For standard ceilings, opt for a chandelier that’s 1/2 to 2/3 the width of your coffee table or seating area. For higher ceilings, go bigger or choose a multi-tiered design to fill the vertical space.
Bathroom glamour
While wall sconces may be the lighting of choice around your mirror and vanity, if you have a bathtub, you can’t go wrong with a chandelier.
Small space, big impact
Even in a space as compact as a dressing room (like the one in this graceful Cape Cod-style home), a chandelier adds glamour and charm.
Can chandeliers work in small rooms?
Absolutely. Look for mini or flush-mount designs that add sparkle without overwhelming the space.
Trending chandelier styles and materials
- Crystal – Classic and elegant
- Rattan/wicker – Perfect for coastal and boho homes
- Brass – Adds warmth and modernity
- Black iron – Industrial chic or farmhouse style
- Glass or acrylic – Light and contemporary
- Mixed materials – Eclectic interiors
Final word
Whether you’re building, renovating or refreshing a single room, a chandelier can transform your space instantly. Use our handpicked examples to guide your own lighting decisions – and don’t be afraid to go bold. After all, when it comes to chandeliers, it’s not just about lighting the room – it’s about defining it.
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