There are lots of reasons why chandeliers continue to be a popular form of lighting fixture. They have a rich and varied history, which lends them an inescapable air of old world sophistication and wealth. Certainly, in the past, they were a staple of country houses, manor properties, and extremely lavish establishments. For instance, it has always been quite common to see chandeliers being used as luxurious dining room lighting.
Yet, while they have remained popular, there is much less of an emphasis on the trappings of wealth these days. In fact, the majority of modern homeowners prefer subtle and understated styles that create a strong mood. This means that many regard the chandelier form as being too fancy and overly intricate to be used as informal dining room lighting. What they don’t realise that, just like every other classic style, chandeliers have evolved too.
This guide to the delights of the contemporary linear chandelier will explain why these fixtures are a great addition to minimalist spaces.
What Is a Linear Chandelier?
This New Harbour Island fixture, from Abbeygate Lighting, is a great example of a modern, stylish linear chandelier. Rather than being arranged in curved fashion, around a central point, the bulbs are positioned in a straight line. This keeps the design clean, sharp, and super contemporary. It also makes for very effective dining room lighting, because the bulbs stretch along the length of a rectangular table. They provide a targeted form of task lighting, without being so narrow that they leave the rest of the room dark.
What Is So Different about Linear Lighting Designs?
The linear fixture is special, because it takes the traditional chandelier design that we all know so well and brings it thoroughly into the 21st century. It doesn’t have to feature intricate shades or lots of delicate glass; clean lines, chic metal frames, and elemental shapes are the norm here. Just look at this exquisite Midi 5 Bar Pendant, which has all of the presence and strength of a chandelier, but none of the fussy details. The modernist design is as intriguing as it is functional.
What Features Make a Good Linear Chandelier?
Well, the first thing that you need to consider is the size of your dining room – or the space where you plan to hang your chandelier – because this will determine what size of fixture you can get away with. Even if you have a reasonably spacious dining room, for instance, you don’t necessarily want to opt for the biggest, brightest fixture, because it might make the space look cramped. Consider height as well as length, because the last thing that you want is to have guests sending the lighting is swinging every time that they rise from their seat.
Are Linear Chandeliers Difficult to Maintain?
The only major drawback to investing in a chandelier is that they tend to be significantly broader and larger than other types of fixture. Therefore, they collect dust quicker and need to be carefully maintained. The more corners and intricate details are on your chandelier, the tougher it will be to clean, so linear designs are actually more convenient than traditional ones. Though, ideally, you do still want to dust the tops of the shades and bulbs once every month.
