Sometimes when I’m on the hunt for lighting, a piece of furniture, or a new home accessory, I quickly find what I want, know it’s “the one”, and buy it. Done! But other times I spend hours searching, labor over which would be the best one, search again, labor over my options again, etc., etc. The more money I’m spending on something, the more likely it is that the decision is going to take me an eternity. Our dining room chandelier is the perfect example. When we bought our house, it was in the contract that the previous owners were going to take the chandelier with them. Knowing how chaotic our lives would be after moving in, I picked up a chandelier on the cheap at our local Ballard Designs Outlet before our move so I’d have something to put up right when we moved in:
I figured I would just have it for a few months or so and then sell it after having the time to shop and find the perfect one. Fast forward over five years and I’m finally getting around to swapping it out! While I like our rope chandelier, as soon as the doors between our dining room and kitchen were removed as part of our kitchen renovation, allowing you to see from one room into the other, I knew that it was definitely time to replace it.
Scroll & Click/Tap to Shop Our Kitchen:
I’d love to have a chandelier that’s less rustic and more similar in design and finish to our kitchen pendants (found {here} – mine is the small in gilded iron) so that there’s better flow between the two rooms. I’ve been searching on and off for months and have a few final contestants but have yet to pull the trigger – I thought I’d share all of my favorites so that you guys could benefit from my hours of searching and I can benefit from your opinion on which one you like best! (affiliate links included in post – full disclosure statement available {here})
one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten
The very first chandelier that I crushed on when I started my dining room chandelier hunt was this gilded iron beauty found {here}. It’s stunning, the perfect size for my table (the chandelier is 28″ wide), and I LOVE the design. What I don’t love is the price so that’s what kept me searching but it’s such a stunner that I keep coming back to it! Maybe it was meant to be??
It comes in a blackened rust finish too if you’re not a brass person!
I also really like this sleek, simple 6-arm chandelier with linen shades found {here}. It’s a nice size (30″ in diameter), makes a beautiful statement, and is a little easier on the budget. I just worry that the design and shinier brass are a bit modern for my current dining room furniture and will result in a domino effect to a new table and chairs (cover your ears honey – I didn’t just say that 🙂 )
With a similar simple design but a few less curves, I also love this chandelier (found {here}) for the same reasons – it has five finish options including a pretty polished nickel but I’d go with the antique brass:
I’ve also considered choosing something that has a bit more sparkle. One of my two favorites if I went that route is this round drop crystal chandelier found {here}:
I’m actually totally fine with mixing metals if I think they’ll work well together and the antique nickel finish of this chandelier would pair beautifully with the gilded iron of my kitchen pendants.
I also love this round crystal chandelier found {here} that comes in two sizes – the large is 26″ which is a good size for most dining room tables:
I think it’s a no-go for my house because it’s just not the finish I’m looking for but I wanted to share because I think it would be gorgeous in the right space!
I also love the softness of a drum shade chandelier! My favorite chandelier in this style is this beauty found {here} that’s available in oil rubbed bronze and aged brass:
Unfortunately (but not surprisingly) the dining room chandeliers that I love the most for my space are more money than I was originally planning to spend. But our dining room is the first thing you see when you walk into our home so maybe it’s worth it to get exactly what I want and like the previous owners, I can write it into the contract when we sell our home that I’m taking it with us when we move?? Decisions, decisions…
If any of you guys are on the hunt for a dining room chandelier too, I did find three well-priced options that aren’t right for my space but I love the look of so wanted to share since they may be right for yours. They include {this} slightly more modern drum shade chandelier, {this simple 6-arm chandelier} that’s currently under $100 and {this wagon wheel chandelier} that comes in three finish options. All three are under $250:
So what do you think? Should I wait for my favorite one to go on sale and snag it or is there another chandelier I shared that you’d go with instead? Or maybe you have a suggestion to add to the possibilities list? Dish it! And if you’re not on the hunt for a chandelier right now but you might be in the future, be sure to Pin this image for later:
Thanks for your input everyone! Hope you’re all having a great week!
Bonnie says
January 30, 2019 at 7:50 pmNumber five is my favorite!
Michele M. says
January 30, 2019 at 7:55 pmWell, they’re all beauties in their own rights – but for your space I think those drum shade chandies are perfect.
You didn’t make it easy to choose – you have exquisite taste – and I liked them all very much.
KT says
January 30, 2019 at 7:57 pmThe answer was obviously #8 or #4 but the I clicked through to the prices. Ouch. But you’ve waited so long and can you really put a price on the joy you’ll feel seeing one of those lit up? You’ll have to entertain more to drive down the cost per use but that’s not really a bad thing : ) #8
Nancy Guerra says
January 30, 2019 at 8:05 pmHi Kris,
Number 4 is my favorite! I think it’s stunning.
deanne says
January 30, 2019 at 8:06 pmI like number 6 the best,classic but fresh and edgy, doesn’t match the other but they are friends.
Karen says
January 30, 2019 at 8:09 pmKris, go with number 8! It sounds like you truly love it and if you do, you’ve probably been dreaming about it too! If you chose something else and you’re like me, you’ll always be thinking of it in the back of your mind and at some point wished that you had. Not sure what compensation you may have received from Serena & Lily, but you chose those kitchen stools which are a tad pricy … so …. go for it! And good luck! Can’t wait to see what you decide.
Anonymous says
January 30, 2019 at 8:10 pmI think your first choice is WAY too expensive. And the crystal drop chandeliers are too fancy for your furniture. I think one of the antique brass ones would be best…..like # 6……Your house is modern, but classic and these would be best. You have beautiful taste…..I always enjoy your posts.!
Shirley Bassett says
January 30, 2019 at 8:13 pmMy vote is for #4-I have it over my dining room table and I absolutely love it!
Nicole Hunt says
January 30, 2019 at 8:27 pmI vote either 1 or 4. Both are fabulous.
Joanna says
January 30, 2019 at 8:24 pmI vote for #6. I think it would be perfect in your dining room. It won’t date quickly as it is truly classic. And, I think it suits your aesthetic.
Sandi says
January 30, 2019 at 8:26 pmNumber 4 is my favorite! I love the open and breezy beachey look of your kitchen renovation. And I think a touch of this bling adds just a touch of glamour to the rest of your gorgeous space. Though your first choice is certainly a great choice and if it makes you excited and happy then I say go for it. And definitely take it with you!
Barb says
January 30, 2019 at 8:44 pmHi Kris, If this was my space, I’d go with #2. I love the vertical lines that refer to your kitchen pendant, plus the brass. I love the large round shade that distinguishes it from the kitchen. Just my opinion. Thanks for sharing what you’ve found.
Susan Horn says
January 30, 2019 at 8:45 pmLife is short! Go with your favorite but wait till it goes on sale. You have waited this long and as mentioned you see immediately ! Trust your judgement! Love your home!
Nicki Lossing says
January 30, 2019 at 9:00 pmI read somewhere that if you spend too much on something you love, you only cry once. If you settle, you may cry every time you look at it because you wish you had what you REALLY wanted. That has been true for me more than once. I am usually very conservative with my spending but every once in a while something comes along that you’ve just GOT to have! 🙂
Caroline says
January 30, 2019 at 9:03 pmWell, I ADORE your favorite, number 8, and if I had that kind of price range to work with, that’s the one I would choose. But I think that it (and most of these) are really too much money. You didn’t talk about number 6 in your notes; I really like that one also. Or number 2 or 10 would look great there. I don’t like the crystal ones for your room, although they are very pretty. Number 5 is a terrific price! And for some reason, I really do NOT like number 9. But if you can, just go with Etoile and love it!
Regina says
January 30, 2019 at 9:17 pmI vote #4! Some bling but the metal has almost a rustic look to me. Just gorgeous!
Jerry says
January 30, 2019 at 9:17 pmNumber 8 is my favorite with # 6 my second, if #8 isn’t in the budget. IMO #8 makes more of a statement. If #8 is really calling your name, but you are concerned about what you perceive as the price possibly being too much, I would discuss it with your husband and get his opinion and input. Thumbs up: get that order entered pronto, thumbs down: go with your #2 or keep looking and waiting for #8 to go on sale. My wife and I enjoy the items in our house the most when we both have given our input and come up with the same choice as being one which we like and one which we agree on the amount being spent. So this is my 2 cents, actually 0 cents since it is free advice, and you asked for it. :-]
Siobhan says
January 30, 2019 at 9:29 pmDefinitely #6. Gives a more formal look than #3 another of my favorites. I think over time their classic style will hold. I REALLY ENJOY your blog. I particularly love your “finds” and where to purchase. I find my taste to be very similar to yours. Thank you for sharing.
Rita says
January 30, 2019 at 9:39 pmOuch is right, but you know you will love it and it goes well with your kitchen pendants! Go for the one you love and take it with you it you ever move!
Lynn says
January 30, 2019 at 9:42 pmHi Kris — After looking through them, and looking again, 2, 4 and 6 are my top picks, with 4 pushing forward. That surprised me because at first I thought it was too different, but in the end that what makes it special — it’s different and unexpected. The feature that had me hesitating was that it’s round. I like an oblong or oval fixture better. I found one on Houzz: the Jaden 4-Light Crystal 30″ Chandelier. It’s price seems decent. You’re always giving us ideas, I had fun finding something for you.
I’ll be interested to see what you end up getting.
Stay warm.
Robin says
January 30, 2019 at 9:45 pmI prefer #2. Just enough it is.
Debbie says
January 30, 2019 at 9:52 pmI think you should go with the one you love #8
Mary says
January 30, 2019 at 9:56 pmI recently went through this! It’s a tough decision.
I initially purchased #6, but that solid piece that extends to the ceiling did not work with my ceiling height. It was either going to be to high or too low. Had to send it back. Ha! Then I bought #7 and I’m very happy with it. Love the sparkle. I think you should get #8. It is beautiful and would go so well with your kitchen fixture. It’s about the same price as some of the others. Don’t settle just to save $200. I don’t throw money around, but when you love something and it’s a highly visible feature in your home, get the one you really want.
Janet says
January 30, 2019 at 10:07 pmHello
I have the same PB Clarissa chandelier & matching sconces in my dining room. I do love it, but will love it more once I change our dining table. If you have the opportunity to view in person at a Pottery Barn store, I’d recommend doing so. In photos on their site, it appeared to me a bit more antique silver, it’s certainly not super shiny silver though. I have used led bulbs, but next time I’ll go for less bright white bulbs. I highly recommend getting a dimmer for this, (if you chose this one), it’s gorgeous in the evening turned low. I have the chandelier & sconces on separate dimmers. I’d be happy to send you a photo via email if you’d like. The thing I like about this chandelier IMO, it can go casual, glam, or traditional formal. If you decide on this, let me know, I’ll give you a couple of pointers before you begin set up on crystals (lots & lots of crystals). I try to go with less trendy and try to think, will I love this in 5 years. I’ve had this about 5-6 years now & still love it. Good luck with your decision.
Gail Storti says
January 30, 2019 at 10:09 pmYour favorite wins my vote, I love it and think it’s perfect. The others are nice but very ordinary and I’ve seen them everywhere. Start saving and watch for a discount code! I’d like to change ours but haven’t found one that I love. Actually, your favorite would be gorgeous so I’m adding it to my wish list. Can’t wait to see which you choose. Any one would be fab in your beautiful home.
Janet says
January 30, 2019 at 10:14 pmOops should have added, there is a rectangle & oval Clarissa through Pottery Barn as well. I have the round. They are all on sale right now too 🙂
Suzanne says
January 30, 2019 at 10:24 pmI love # 4 and # 6 … have you thought of refinishing your current light fixture ? New brass paint and new shades ? Just a thought as I do like the shape. Good luck, I know you will make a great choice!
Karen Bunch says
January 30, 2019 at 11:00 pmKris,
I don’t blame you for not wanting to spend more than you had budgeted, but if you love it, I think you would be wise to splurge and write it into the sale price, or better yet, take it with you to the next house. I’ve discovered (the hard way) that some items are worth the extra—amortized over the life of use, it is probably a bargain!
🙂
Karen
Tiffiny Wolf says
January 30, 2019 at 11:07 pmHi…I’m in the middle of a total renovation and love all your inspiration! I’d definitely go with number 8. It has the same medium but in a muted tone as your pendants over the island, the shape provides a nice contrast to your rectangular table and based on my initial browsing of your website, it looks like you love to decorate your lighting fixture so this will be perfect to drape a garland around or switch out the lampshades according to the season….
Debbie says
January 30, 2019 at 11:12 pmI like number six best.
Cindy says
January 30, 2019 at 11:38 pmLots of great choices which is not a surprise since you have impeccable taste. I would tough it out and wait for a sale and get the one you love—#8! I am sure McGee & Co would be happy to have you showing off their beautiful product;)
Jennifer says
January 31, 2019 at 1:20 amKris,
I have no 3 in my dining room and the Darlana in my staircase
Love them both – are in gold
Your favorite comes in a linear shape around $600, I considered that one for awhile – it should be easy to find – Visual Comfort
Knowing what I have, I am in the search for bathroom lights that will coordinate with my new chandeliers
Any ideas ?
I would go with what you love and in the price range you are comfortable with – and I vote for no 3
It really is stunning in my dining room ( my dining room table has very large blue and white Chinese urns, looks nice with the bronze gold finish )
Happy Shopping!!
Jennifer
Cher says
January 31, 2019 at 1:34 amI like #4. I am wondering if you would need to change out your curtain rods if you had a shiny brass chandler in the dining room? #4 provides the right amount of bling and will remain timeless with the current furniture designs you have in the dining room.
Jeri says
January 31, 2019 at 1:57 amMy favorite is number 8! Beautiful!
Laura says
January 31, 2019 at 2:19 amNumber 4 is gorgeous; a sumptuous, timeless feel.
Doris Campbell says
January 31, 2019 at 5:09 amLove the drums. I have one in my dining room and another over my breakfast table. You can use anything with them because they are very classic. I get more compliments over them than any other fixture. We’ve been remodeling a 20 year old home that we recently purchased and have replaced all of the light fixture. The drum fixtures win, hands down. Good luck!
Barbara says
January 31, 2019 at 6:05 amGo with first choice, what you love. All of your choice are good. Trending today is “keep what gives you joy”. Price – where’s there a will there’s way. Maybe cut back on something in future less important.
Barbara
Maureen S Donahue says
January 31, 2019 at 6:48 amGo with what you love. It will bring you pleasure everytime you see it.
Shawn says
January 31, 2019 at 8:10 amMy favs for coordinating with your kitchen light are #3 and #6. That Pottery Barn Clarrissa chandelier is gorgeous in the room they photographed! I also like their Adeline line of lights for their sparkle. Good luck. I feel certain you will select the perfect one.
Mary T says
January 31, 2019 at 8:20 amNumber 8! It’s not only beautiful, it’s unique. Number 6 would be my second choice.
Penny says
January 31, 2019 at 8:56 amGo with your fave, but mine would be #5 for my décor.
Marilyn says
January 31, 2019 at 9:16 amYour favorite is head and shoulders above the others. It’s pricey, but save somewhere else and get it. If you don’t, you ll always be disappointed.
Beverly says
February 1, 2019 at 11:23 amAgree!!
Patti says
January 31, 2019 at 9:21 amGreat picks! I like #6 and #8 best for your space. I went through same process and was thrilled to find gorgeous fixture from Troy Lighting on sale for $500! Got it! You might love it too. Reminds me of modern bouquet of flowers. Can’t post photo(?) but here’s info: F6166Textured Gold Leaf Juniper 6 Light 25-1/2″ Wide Chandelier with Hardback Linen Shades.
Traci says
January 31, 2019 at 9:24 amI had a similar issue with my dining chandelier. The price was the only thing holding me back. I searched forever to find something I liked *as much* – – – I finally splurged and still, 2 years later, get a thrill whenever I see it. Go with what you love. Lighting is the jewelry for your room.
Teresa says
January 31, 2019 at 9:45 amLove #8, your favorite! It’s unique and beautiful! I also like #6. Go with what sparks joy every time you see it! It’s a focal piece 🙂
Thanks for your beautiful posts! Inspiration!
Charlene says
January 31, 2019 at 10:14 amI love #2 and #10. I’m partial to drum shades and it’s a clean streamlined look. Not sure the blingy chandeliers would be the best choice for your beautiful space!
Love your blog by the way!
Anonymous says
January 31, 2019 at 10:18 am#6 would be perfect for your space. My second choice would be #2 or #10.
Ann says
January 31, 2019 at 10:29 amI love #8 but as others said, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. I personally would go for it!!! Good luck …
Celeste says
January 31, 2019 at 10:57 amNumber 8 for the win!
Sherry says
January 31, 2019 at 10:58 am2, 6, or 10 are my faves. These would match your kitchen fixtures and would not go out of style so quickly as they are more classic in design.
Cathie says
January 31, 2019 at 11:02 amI like #s 3,6 and 9 . Honestly all ten are very pretty, and visually it’s an investment both aesthetically and monetary. Good luck with your search…your house is stunning! More importantly you are so real!,thanks.
Anonymous says
January 31, 2019 at 1:19 pmI like #8 (looks like it would complement your kitchen fixture?). #4 & #7 will be beasts to clean; I know, I have a similar chandilier … lol. They are all pretty so if #8 is too pricey, just go with another because they are all nice.
Jean Santosuosso says
January 31, 2019 at 1:21 pmDidn’t mean to post anonymously. My name is Jean.
Melissa Crider says
January 31, 2019 at 3:09 pmGo with your gut and get the pricier chandelier that you love. It’s absolutely gorgeous!!
Joan says
January 31, 2019 at 6:52 pmI love #6 (gorgeous and classic). However I would suggest whatever you LOVE the most is what you should go for. I never let a few hundred dollars dictate my decision. Now having said that if we’re talking thousands of dollars that’s a different story. In this case I see just a few hundred dollars difference . You will live with that chandelier for a long time. Good luck!
Jan says
January 31, 2019 at 9:31 pmLove, love your #8, but way way more than I would pay. Super cool if you could find on sale. Otherwise, I love #3 but was unable to see it when I clicked on “here”. Would be great for my DR, as I am looking to update mine too.
Jan says
January 31, 2019 at 9:40 pmOops, I did find #3. Love the simplicity.
Beverly says
February 1, 2019 at 11:22 am#8 is stunning, and my personal favorite. You should get what you love — don’t settle! Yes, it is rather expensive, but you can (and do!) find other ways to be frugal. Can’t wait to see your post showing #8 in your dining room! It is classic, but it is not boring. It will stand the test of time!
Kari says
February 1, 2019 at 11:48 am#8! It will refresh and elevate your beautiful dining room, is the perfect size – and you won’t be as tempted to change your dining table and chairs (that will be pricey) as you will be with other choices. Thank you for sharing!
Eleanor says
February 1, 2019 at 11:55 amTrust your gut and heart! And remember how hard YOU work! You deserve to get what YOU want. Shouldn’t they give you a decent discount for the one you LOVE with all the advertising you provide to THOUSANDS? I myself would encourage #4 for a touch of variety and dinning room SPARKLE! After all, you have other eating areas to do enjoy a matched light feature. But the dinning room is where we celebrate the special days and special people we love! Make those meals and guests SPARKLE!
Kelsey says
February 1, 2019 at 8:18 pmI love number 6…and totally affordable too!
Shari says
February 2, 2019 at 6:03 pmTen! Classy, not too spendy, and simple, clean lines that compliment, but don’t compete in your room or with the terrific lights in kitchen😎
Dian Owens says
February 3, 2019 at 3:21 amI like 2, 3 & 6. They all have clean lines and the squared-off candlestick bases like your gorgeous island carriage fixtures. My favorite is the #2 drum, which also mimics your plate collection.
Gayle says
February 4, 2019 at 2:50 pmLots of lovely options, but I’d wait for the one you love to go on sale, or decide it’s worth it to splurge & buy it now. You’ll be happier in the long run!
JennyBC says
February 4, 2019 at 9:20 pmThis is so unlike me…I am a bargain shopper by nature but I am going to say go with your gut and get #8. I recently swapped my living room and dining room. My original dining room was tiny and could not accommodate anymore people. My living room was bigger and seemed a waste of space so we swapped them. Why did I not do that 20 years ago? Now I have a table everyone fits around comfortably and a cozy living room space that is perfect for just another couple visiting. All that to say, I needed a new dining room fixture that had a little more presence than the other one. Like you, it’s the first room you see when you enter my house. I am so glad I went with the fixture I liked and one that had the weight and feel I was looking for. If you keep going back to it, I am betting it will be the finishing touch and will withstand the test of time as your color scheme and other decor changes. Enjoy!
Mary Wilburn says
February 6, 2019 at 6:02 pmThese are all fabulous choices Kris! Can’t wait to hear what you chose! would love your advice for 2 chandelier questions-
I love your kitchen island pendants so Im considering changing my existing entry/foyer pendant light for this one. How do I know which is the correct size?
Secondly, i have a round dining room table that extends to an oval shape. What shape chandelier would you suggest and should i get it in a size that is in proportion to the table when its extended or not?
Thank you so much for your help!
Dana says
February 7, 2019 at 1:39 pmI agree that if you go too sophisticated with the chandelier that you are going to be compelled to replace the dining room chairs. I like the wagon wheel in brass with the upscale rustic of your dining room. Shades are going to make the chairs look too casual I think. The wheel echoes the lovely pattern you’ve created on your plate display.