'140 years after Thomas Edison applied for a patent on his electric bulb, we have eventually realised that, in most circumstances, lamps are better at eye level or below,' wrote Country Life's interiors editor Giles Kime in an article last year about pendant lights.
'It’s a lesson we’ve learnt from all sorts of good examples: the giant shades that are now almost obligatory over kitchen islands, the flattering glow of wall lights on either side of bathroom mirrors (rather than above it), the relaxed feel of restaurants and hotels that are lit exclusively by table lamps.'
Yet as Giles mentions, one size doesn't fit all, and there are circumstances and spaces where nothing can touch the drama of a grand chandelier, as in the case of Victoria Wormley's oak leaf chandelier in her kitchen, designed by French-Brooks Interiors, which we looked at more closely last week.
As the example above shows, chandelier design has gone well beyond the crystal archetypes you'd see on episodes of Dynasty or Footballers' Wives. Arabella Youens has picked out some examples below which add a real decorative flourish, as well as a grand way to shed light on your room.
Credit: Designer Susie Atkinson
Designer secrets: Susie Atkinson on the keys to perfect lighting
Susie Atkinson, a designer whose projects include Soho House, shared her best lighting tips with Country Life.
Six illuminating tips for restoring old lighting to it former glory
Lighting restoration expert Jolene Farmer has weaved her magic everywhere from the British Museum to the artisan workshops of Venice.
How to create the perfect bedroom: 7 things you have to know, by Henriette von Stockhausen
Interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen shares her thoughts on how to create the perfect bedroom.
Credit: Radu Palicica
The secrets of good lighting, from plug placement down to dimmer switches
Interior designer Charlotte Crosland reveals the secrets of good lighting.
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How to put your money where your mouth is: 20 Eco-friendly products for home, garden and drivewayFrom veg boxes and green toilet paper to vehicles which will help save the planet, here's our pick of some of the best eco-friendly products on the market.
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Bringing a touch of French chic to an English country houseTaking a cue from our cousins across the channel is never a bad thing. Amelia Thorpe picks out some French-style accessories for your home which will lend some Gallic flair to your home.
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Why it's easy being green – start small and take it from thereIt's a big decision to go green with an entire room, but the right furniture, fittings and accessories can let you try before you go headlong.
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How a collection of first editions can make your personal library just that little bit more specialFew things are more alluring than a spectacularly beautiful library within a fine country house. But should you be fortunate enough to own such a room, the problem of what to keep within can be tricky — though rare first editions are always a good bet.
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Perfect pendants: Shedding light on why they've taken over from our precious table lampsPendant lights are plumbing new depths - Giles Kime finds out why.
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An antique wallpaper so extraordinary that an entire room was built around it — including raising the ceilingThe Court of Noke in Herefordshire is the home of designer Edward Bulmer, and the antique wallpaper in this bedroom shows some of his thought processes in action.
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The luxury of an armchair which one wishes to sink into and never escapeThe activity of sitting has been much-maligned, but now receives an elegant makeover in the form of a moss green armchair from The Queen of Serene.
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The joys of a shower which offers a touch of luxury and theatre on a daily basisA beautiful bathtub is a splendid feature for any bathroom, but given how often you use the shower it makes sense to get something which feels special every day.
