I’m a big fan of bathroom chandeliers. A huge fan, even, and not just certain bathrooms, but almost any bathroom big enough to justify one. Modern bathrooms, vintage bathrooms, country bathrooms, you name it – the right chandelier can do wonders for your bathroom ambiance. Really, this stems from my deeper love of lighting fixtures, but bathroom chandeliers are a unique, surprising way to add personality to your bathroom. For example, today I’d like to take a look at some pretty fancy bathroom chandeliers and what they can do to casual vintage, country, or even shabby-chic bathroom spaces.
On its own, the bathroom above is a pretty straight laced cottage style bath that wouldn’t look out of place in any turn of the century home. With traditional tiling, neutral palette, and emphasis on natural light, this bathroom is nothing if not conventional… until you look up. The inclusion of a crystal bathroom chandeliers, similar to this Mirablla Chandelier from Crystorama, instantaneously alters the way we see the room, giving it a much more luxurious and sophisticated finish. The designers of the bathroom are smart, too, carrying the shine of the crystal fixture throughout the bathroom in the silvery wall sconces, mirror and shower door frame, and the hardware on the console sink and tub, giving the whole room a gleaming, bright, clean finish that’s one part modern chrome and one part heirloom tea set.
The Edwardian-Inspired bathroom above is perfectly polished and sophisticated all on its own, with subtle white paneling on the walls, a luxurious wood floor, and just the right accent furniture and decor to really tie the space together. But the inclusion of a chandelier marks a fabulous – if not strictly necessary – finishing touch. In this case, bathroom chandeliers like this Flatiron Crystal Chandelier seem a fairly logical inclusion, especially alongside the massive antique mirror. But it not only lends luxury and antique authenticity to the space, but also helps fill out a rather high ceiling, and again changes the way we look at the simple wood floor and pedestal tub.
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But while bathroom chandeliers can be a fantastic and logical finishing touch to a period inspired bathroom, I’m honestly more interested in what they can do for a more conventional bathroom space. Take the bathroom above. It’s got a totally ordinary tub, toilet, and pedestal sink, and all around isn’t any bigger or more impressive, probably, than any of the bathrooms in your home. But the inclusion of a simple white chandelier like this white Vogue Chandelier (and, okay, the silver candelabra doesn’t hurt!) takes this simple beige coat of paint and amps it up into something truly impressive despite its simplicity.
Even in an extremely small bathroom like the one above, bathroom chandeliers and some other smart decorating techniques can really make your space come alive. The clawfoot tub is placed at a jaunty angle, probably because there isn’t room to put it flat against the wall. Everything else is very traditional and intelligently compact – 1/3 beadboard wainscotting, hexagonal tiles, pedestal sink and space-saving pocket door. But the inclusion of a simple but stylish vintage bathroom chandelier like this fun Mardi Gras Chandelier from Triarch International makes the slightly sassy “fix” seem intentional, and casts an air of high design on what’s really a rather makeshift space.
Similarly, this turn of the century bath is extremely traditional and very, very small. A petite chandelette, though, like this Emilion Chandelier from ELK Lighting, not only adds a touch of old world style, but also offers a little permission to play. Though small, the bathroom is pretty radically decorated, using everything from mounted jackalope style horns to old luggage to add a little personality. But it’s that little chandelier that ties it all together, making the design seem intentional as well as eclectic and making it really seem elegant where the list of components might seem haphazard.
I also really love bathroom chandeliers in more natural spaces. The rustic stone floor and open veranda are all Italian villa, a simple, natural space with largely unadorned walls. Really, the vanity mirror and chandelier are the main points of decoration, and the latter especially underscores the decadence of the space. Though the bathroom itself is rugged and natural, the inclusion of a bathroom chandelier like this Etta Chandelier is a nice reminder that indulging in the simple things can be as decadent as the most luxurious of spaces.
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In fact, bathroom chandeliers are a great way to bring a stark, open bathroom to life. I’m in love with the bathroom above, with the slightly scuffed wood floors and white on white decor wit chocolatey accents. But its the inclusion of an ornate, decadent chandelier like this Rochelle Chandelier that makes the difference between the bathroom looking a little sparse and masterfully minimal. And once again the bathroom chandelier (combined with that fantastic vintage scale) add vintage authenticity to what’s ultimately a rather modern space.
Whatever kind of bathroom you put them in, bathroom chandeliers do a lot of jobs at once. Not only do they offer important functional bathroom lighting and the obvious style of the fixtures themselves, they also serve to dress up simple spaces, accentuate complicated ones, or answer a whole host of design problems by, quite simply, distracting the eye away from them. What kind of bathroom chandeliers are you interested in. Do you want one for a high design, a vintage bath, a modern space, or something else? Let me know in the comments!
