Skip to main content

Molecular Chandelier

Molecular Chandelier by Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Chicago, IL
Chandelier by Kalmar, intersecting rods joined to form sculptural sphere.
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Molecular Chandelier by Kalmar
Molecular Chandelier by Kalmar
H 44 in W 36 in D 36 in
Molecular Chandelier by Kaiser with Hand Blown Opaline Glass
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure. A brass central body is surround by 8 hand
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Steel

Molecular Chandelier by Kaiser with Hand Blown Amber Glass
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure. A brass central body is surround by 6
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Steel

Twelve-Globe Gloss Black Molecular Chandelier by Kaiser Leuchten
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Stamford, CT
Kaiser Leuchten Germany, 1970s Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure, much more
Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Molecular Chandelier by Kaiser with Six Smoked Hand Blown Glass Globes
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure. A brass central body is surround by 6
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Steel

Indoor / Outdoor Molecular Hanging Light Sculpture Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Studio Lloyd’s exclusive handcrafted light sculptures are made to order. The organic shapes are being created by the use of a mathematical formula which makes it hard to copy the des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Rope, Fabric, Wood

Custom Exclusive Polished Nickel & Murano Glass Molecular Snowflake Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished Nickel and Handblown Murano glass Molecular "Snowflake
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Gold, Nickel

Custom Polished Brass and Murano Glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished brass and handblown Murano glass molecular "Snowflake" was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Modernist Polished Gunmetal and Murano Glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished gunmetal and hand blown Murano glass molecular "Snowflake" was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass

Indoor / Outdoor Molecular Hanging Light Sculpture Chandelier by Studio Lloyd
Located in New York, NY
Studio Lloyd’s exclusive handcrafted light sculptures are made to order. The organic shapes are being created by the use of a mathematical formula which makes it hard to copy the des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Rope

Kaiser Green Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Metal

1 of 3 Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Indoor / Outdoor Bohemian Molecular Hanging Light Sculpture by Studio Lloyd
Located in New York, NY
Studio Lloyd’s exclusive handcrafted light sculptures are made to order. The organic shapes are being created by the use of a mathematical formula which makes it hard to copy the des...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South African Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Rope

1 of 2 Sputnik Molecular Shape Pendant Light, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Chrome, Metal

Recent Sales

Black Kaiser Molecular Chandelier with Satin Opal Glass
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Stamford, CT
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure, much more dense visually than comparable
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Molecular Modern Chrome Chandelier with 12 Opaline Glass Globes
Located in Retie, BE
Modern chandelier of chrome with opaline glass globes - Molecular chandelier. The chrome of this
Category

Late 20th Century European Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Atomic Chandeliers with 12 Lights, 3 Pieces Available
Located in Retie, BE
3 Midcentury atomic chandeliers with 12 handblown opaline glass globes. 12-armed molecular space
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Midcentury Metal Ceiling Lamp Designed by Cubic Sciolari-Roma
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Vienna, AT
Molecular Chandelier (1955) produced by Stilnovo, for instance, showcases his penchant for blending
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern More Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

Chandelier by Gebrüder Cosack, Molecular Optic, as Wall-Lamp or Ceiling-Lamp
By Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Nürnberg, Bavaria
Chandelier by Gebrüder Cosack in molecular optic, silver chromed Space Age sputnik. Can be mounted
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Plastic

Atomic Pendant Round Light in Brass and Steel w/ Glossy White Finish
By Delightfull
Located in New York, NY
Atomic round chandelier was inspired by the molecular composition of the atom as a nod to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers ...

Materials

Steel, Brass

Aluminum with Bakelite Molecular Chandelier
Located in Ferndale, MI
Aluminum with Bakelite Molecular Chandelier. Studio Design and Manufacture.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Chandeliers and Pendants

Molecular Chandelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
newly chrome plated brass six lamp chandelier
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Molecular Chandelier
Molecular Chandelier
H 38 in Dm 34 in
Molecular Chandelier II
Located in Los Angeles, CA
newly chrome plated brass four lamp chandelier, satin glass bulb covers
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Molecular Chandelier II
Molecular Chandelier II
H 24 in W 30 in D 6 in
Molecular Chandelier by Kalmar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kalmar of Austria created this large chandelier.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Atomic Age Two-Tiered Molecular Chandelier in Chrome
Located in Astoria, NY
Mid-Century Modern molecular style chandelier with a two-tiered chrome structure and white glass
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Striking Molecular Chandelier, Space Age Designed by Robert Haussmann
By Robert Haussmann, Swisslamps International AG
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible 19 lights, polished aluminum with plastic connectors large chandelier by Robert
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Space Age Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum

1 of the 7 Molecular Chandeliers by VEB, Amber Glass Globes
By VEB Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 7 gorgeous chandeliers with a molecular structure, a brass central body is surround by 6
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

Molecular Chrome 18 Light Chandelier
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Molecular shaped chrome chandelier with 18 milk glass globes
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

George Kovacs Molecular Style Chrome Chandelier
Located in Astoria, NY
George Kovacs Mid-Century Modern Molecular Style Chrome Chandelier. 12" H x 17" W x 17" D.
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

George Kovacs Molecular Style Chandelier in Chrome
By George Kovacs
Located in Astoria, NY
George Kovacs Mid-century modern Molecular Style chandelier with chrome structure. The piece is in
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Large 1950's Stilnovo chandelier with molecular structure.
Located in New York, NY
Stilnovo 1950's chandelier is iconic as it is timeless. Made with twelve glass globes on a brass
Category

20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

1960's Molecular Form Sputnik Chandelier in Chrome
Located in Hanover, MA
Watson & Crick would be proud to hang this tubular chrome sputnik chandelier in the form of a
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal

Stunning Mid-Century Molecular Sputnik Chandelier with Murano Glass Adornments
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modernist chandelier features a Sputnik design emanating from a central
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Metal

Chrome "molecular" ceiling fixtures
Located in New York, NY
Chrome "molecular" style ceiling fixture with six lights arranged around a large sphere at center
Category

Vintage 1960s French Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Kalmar Molecular Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional "Molecule" pendant light composed of 10 crystal interlocking shaped forms on a polished nickel stem and ceiling cap. Stem can be lengthened or shortened upon request.
Category

20th Century Swedish Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Nickel

Kaiser Green Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Metal

Pair of Kalmar Molecular Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
"Molecule" pendant light composed of 10 crystal interlocking shaped forms on a polished nickel stem and ceiling cap. Stem can be lengthened or shortened upon request.
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

Sputnik Molecular Shape Flush mount, 8 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opal, Brass, Metal

Chrome 15 Light Chandelier
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Chrome chandelier in a molecular design featuring 5 arms holding 3 candles each
Category

Vintage 1960s American Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

Exceptional Original Stilnovo Serie S5050 Chandelier 12-Light, circa Late 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in London, GB
can be easily contrasted with the highly balanced look of Gaetano Scolari’s molecular Stilnovo
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Molecular Chandelier by Kaiser with Smoked Hand Blown Glass Globes
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure, much more dense visually than comparable
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

2 Molecular Chandeliers by VEB, Amber Glass Globes, For Taylor
By VEB Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of gorgeous chandeliers with a molecular structure, a brass central body is surround by 6
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

1 of the 3 Molecular Chandeliers by VEB, Amber Glass Globes
By VEB Leuchten
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 chandeliers with a molecular structure, a brass central body is surround by 6 attached
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Glass

CUSTOM LISTING FOR ALESSANDRA: 30" drop rod, natural brass
Located in New York, NY
price includes shipping. customer requested new drop rod for Molecular chandelier previously
Category

2010s Chandeliers and Pendants

Custom Polished Brass and Murano Glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished brass and handblown Murano glass molecular "Snowflake" was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Custom Polished Brass and Murano Glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished brass and handblown Murano glass molecular "Snowflake" was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Custom Polished Brass and Murano Glass Molecular "Snowflake" Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and dramatic polished brass and handblown Murano glass molecular "Snowflake" was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opaline Glass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opaline Glass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opaline Glass

Kaiser Sputnik Molecular Shape Chandelier, 12 Opal Glass, Germany, 1970s
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Sputnik chandelier made by Kaiser Leuchten, Germany, circa 1970-1979. Great Atomium
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Opaline Glass

Sonneman Molecular Chrome Globe Flush Mount Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Wilton, CT
Like a UFO in descent, a glistening Robert Sonneman molecular chrome globe chandelier. The design
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-Century Italian Brass And Glass Ceiling Lamps By Gaetano Sciolari, 1970s
By Gaetano Sciolari
Located in Bastogne, BE
designer during the 1950s. Some of his more famous works are the Molecular Chandelier (1955) for Stilnovo
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Molecular Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Molecular-design chandelier with 12 lights. Nickel-plated.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Molecular Chandelier
Molecular Chandelier
H 24 in Dm 24 in
Black Kaiser Molecular Chandelier with Satin Opal Glass
By Kaiser Leuchten
Located in Stamford, CT
Gorgeous Kaiser chandelier with a molecular structure, much more dense visually than comparable
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Rare Pyramid Form Molecular Chandelier in Brass and Opal Glass
Located in Stamford, CT
A fantastic sputnik or molecular form chandelier with nine opal glass globes on a brass structure
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

1970s Molecular Design Hanging Light
Located in TUJUNGA, CA
Hanging light. Polished chrome with round glass bulbs. Measures 38"H as shown in photos.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

White Corkscrew Form Chandelier
Located in Stamford, CT
A fantastic sputnik or molecular form chandelier with eight opal glass globes on a white enamel
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

White Corkscrew Form Chandelier
White Corkscrew Form Chandelier
H 17 in W 16 in D 12 in
Corkscrew-Form Chrome Chandelier with Twelve Opal Glass Globes
Located in Stamford, CT
A fantastic sputnik or molecular form chandelier with twelve opal glass globes on a chrome
Category

Vintage 1960s German Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Chrome

People Also Browsed

Contemporary Chandelier 'Cirkus' by AGO 'Large - Charcoal' (in stock)
By AGO Lighting
Located in Paris, IDF
Cirkus chandelier by AGO Lighting Coated ABS, aluminum UL Listed LED GU10 110-240V (not included) Two sizes available: 4 pairs of lamps / 6 pairs of lamps Four colors available: Ch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pend...

Materials

Aluminum

LUdown Cylinder Flush Mount
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The LUdown cylinder flush mount fixture by Lumfardo Luminaires is part of our contemporary collection. Available In patinated unlacquerd brass or aged silver and steel with (1) E26 m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Brass, Silver, Gold, Steel

Corbu Bedside Table by DeMuro Das in Charcoal Carta and Solid Walnut
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the graphic motifs of Le Corbusier's mural paintings, the solid form of the Corbu bedside table is defined by rhythmically placed handles. Architectural legs lend support...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Murano Sputnik Spherical Green Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1990
Located in Rome, IT
A fantastic emerald green sputnik, with a surprising design and for its very low height, which allows it to fit in both high and low ceilings. Very elegant, it will furnish and decor...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Sistema Solare Chandelier Piattelli Design, Calacatta Gold Marble Brass 8 shades
By Silvio Piattelli
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The sistema collection now has a new unique version, Calacatta gold marble. An elegant rare marble extracted from the Tuscan Alps. This prestigious Italian marble stands out among ot...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble, Brass

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Molecular Chandelier", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Molecular Chandelier For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the molecular chandelier you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A molecular chandelier — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a molecular chandelier, we have 35 options in-stock, while there are 7 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a molecular chandelier — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each molecular chandelier bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made molecular chandelier over the years, but those crafted by Kaiser Leuchten, VEB Leuchten and George Kovacs are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Molecular Chandelier?

A molecular chandelier can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,249, while the lowest priced sells for $1,092 and the highest can go for as much as $34,975.

Finding the Right Chandeliers-pendant-lights for You

Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.

While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.

The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)

Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.

Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.

Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.

For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.

The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.

With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.

Read More

This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet

The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.

Ettore Sottsass Captures a Shooting Star in This Rare 1970s Floor Lamp

Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.

You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp

Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.

Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.

With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production

Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.

Christopher Tennant’s Lamps and Dioramas Evoke Sunny Days and Seaside Locales

The former magazine editor blends elements of the Far East and America’s eastern shores, bringing wit and delight to his handmade, upcycled designs.

Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room

This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.

NASA Parachutes Inspired Lighting Designer Bec Brittain’s New Collection

In "Paraciphers," now on view at Emma Scully Gallery in New York, Brittain introduces works that were more than a decade in the making.