With guidance from Kersey in mind, we researched standout fixtures for every room and decor taste. Boasting contemporary clean lines with a classic appeal, our favorite is the Kichler Crosby 5 Light Chandelier. Check out the best chandeliers below. It has five lights within clear glass shades and takes E12 candelabra-style bulbs up to 60 watts. You’ll have to buy the bulbs separately, and you can opt for LEDs if you want to save energy. The Crosby can be installed on a flat or sloped ceiling, and the included chain can hang anywhere from 20 to 72 inches. This chandelier comes with all the necessary hardware, including a canopy. Since it weighs just 10.5 pounds, installation should be relatively easy, but don’t hesitate to hire a professional if you’re not up for it. Price at time of publish: $310 for the black model It takes six E12 candelabra bulbs (LED or incandescent), which you’ll have to buy separately. The Richeson comes with all the hardware needed for installation. We also like that it’s compatible with sloped ceilings and dimmer switches. Price at time of publish: $131 As with many of Pottery Barn’s offerings, this chandelier is Fair Trade certified, meaning that it’s made by fairly paid workers in a safe facility. The unit is compatible with a flat or sloped ceiling, but professional mounting and hardwiring are recommended. Price at time of publish: $999 The Hallum takes 12 candelabra bulbs (not included) to deliver bright illumination that really makes it sparkle. It’s also dimmer-compatible for an adjustable ambiance. We should note that due to the iron base and hundreds of crystals, it weighs 68 pounds, which might make installation tricky. Price at time of publish: $880 This fixture is sloped-ceiling adaptable and compatible with a dimmer switch. Note that you’ll have to assemble it at home and that you may want to hire a professional for hardwiring and installation. Price at time of publish: $300 You can choose from two sizes and five bead colors, including natural wood, white, blue, mint, and distressed black. This chandelier calls for three standard bulbs up to 25 watts, which you’ll need to buy separately. We wish the price were a little more accessible, but other than that, we have no complaints. Price at time of publish: $393 This handsome light fixture has a metal frame in your choice of brushed nickel, distressed black, or vintage brass. It takes five standard LED or incandescent bulbs, which are sold separately. We recommend Edison-style bulbs for a warmer ambiance. For a more cohesive decor scheme, you can pair this chandelier with other pieces from the Boswell line, including a flush mount, vanity light, or pendant. Price at time of publish: $229 This piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans who lacquer the shells, frame them in thin brass bands, then string them together. It’s made in the Philippines, where windowpane oysters (the source of capiz) are abundant. Some assembly is required. Price at time of publish: $399 The ring is suspended by three thin cables, which you can easily adjust, even after installing it. We’re big fans of the pared-down, low-profile design. One thing to note is that the canopy (ceiling mount) is 11 inches in diameter—nearly double the average size. Price at time of publish: $360 The bulbs are sold separately, though you have the option to add one of seven styles to your order for an extra fee. And while there’s only one finish available, the aged-brass frame is undeniably chic. Price at time of publish: $349 This reasonably priced chandelier takes B12 candelabra bulbs up to 40 watts (sold separately). The exposed-bulb style offers ample illumination, but it’s also conveniently dimmable. Price at time of publish: $115 This contract-grade fixture is built for long-lasting durability, and while we wouldn’t call it budget-friendly, it’s more affordable than many other chandeliers from West Elm. If you’re not up for hardwiring and mounting it, you can add professional installation to your order. Price at time of publish: $239 It comes with all the necessary hardware and can be hung at an adjustable height. The Bungalow Chandelier is also fitted for plug-in installation and has an on/off switch, but if you opt to hardwire it, Anthropologie says professional installation is required. Price at time of publish: $268
Bulbs
Most chandeliers are sold without light bulbs, which means you’ll likely have to buy them separately. Keep in mind there are different types of lightbulbs out there, from LEDs to incandescent to smart bulbs, which come in a variety of shapes. “Your chandelier may require a special type of bulb, depending on the socket size,” says Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com. “Some take an E12 bulb, also known as a ‘candelabra bulb,’ and others take E26 bulbs, which is a standard size.”
Ease of Installation
Chandeliers aren’t the easiest fixtures to install on your own, between the technical expertise of hardwiring and the structural know-how of how much weight your specific ceiling can hold. If you plan on DIY-ing the installation, consider the ease of hanging it—larger, heavier fixtures tend to be tricker. “If you feel comfortable and are confident in your installation knowledge, go for it,” says Knopfler, noting that most chandeliers come with step-by-step guidelines. “There are also plenty of videos on YouTube about installing different lights.” Hiring a pro is the best option in many cases. “There is no shame in keeping your installation safe and hazard-free,” says Knopfler. “Remember, you are dealing with electricity.” If you don’t plan to DIY, factor the cost of professional hardwiring into your budget.
Why Trust The Spruce?
For this story, Theresa Holland interviewed Sheva Knopfler, co-founder and creative director of Lights.com, and Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects. With their expert insights in mind, she considered myriad chandeliers from various brands and retailers. The selected models are stylish, functional, and versatile enough to work in a wide range of spaces. Bear in mind that this is just a guideline. Many designers consider it more modern to hang a chandelier a bit lower to ground the dining area and create a pleasing ambient light for diners. A licensed electrician is the safest bet to ensure that your chandelier is properly wired and supported. In any case, Knopfler says to “always shut off the power at your breaker box before beginning the installation.” Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, covering home decor, organizational solutions, lifestyle products, and consumer tech. You can read more of her articles on Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, and People.