India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
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Chandeliers in India are no longer just lighting fixtures, they're timeless storytellers that blend heritage with modern elegance.
Once a hallmark of regal havelis and grand palaces, chandeliers have gracefully transcended time and trends to become a defining element in modern Indian home décor. From ornate crystal creations dripping with vintage opulence to sleek, minimalist pieces that accentuate contemporary spaces, the evolution of chandeliers in India tells a story of nostalgia, innovation, and enduring beauty.
'Chandeliers have long been icons of class – from gracing the high ceilings of ancient royal havelis to anchoring the ambience of modern interiors, these showstoppers have never gone out of style," says Ashok Viswanathan, Senior VP, Lighting, TISVA. 'What makes their journey fascinating is not just their endurance, but their evolution."
Indeed, what was once reserved for grand drawing rooms and banquet halls is now finding pride of place in urban apartments, bedrooms, and even home offices. This shift is reflective of a larger design movement—one that blends heritage sensibilities with modern aesthetics. According to Viswanathan, chandeliers today 'are no longer just ornate fixtures of the past, but expressive design statements that reflect changing lifestyles and personal aesthetics."
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In this renaissance of lighting, variety and versatility have become central. Indian consumers are now embracing everything from elaborate, multi-tiered crystal chandeliers that echo bygone eras to fluid, sculptural forms crafted in matte gold and smoked glass that speak to contemporary tastes. 'Designs like the Aria from SLAMP-ITALY, created by Zaha Hadid, bring graceful movement and architectural flair, while CLOVEL from TISVA, handcrafted using authentic Bohemian crystal glass from Spain, merges old-world charm with avant-garde sensibility," he explains.
It's not just about looks anymore—today's chandeliers are smarter, more adaptable, and technologically advanced. With dimmable, tunable LEDs and precise colour consistency ensured by SDCM calibration, modern chandeliers offer both aesthetic and functional brilliance. 'They're as smart as they are stunning," emphasizes Viswanathan. 'Whether in a curated living room or an intimate bedroom, they create mood, rhythm, and visual texture."
Complementing this technical and design-driven perspective is a more emotional, almost poetic take on India's continued fascination with chandeliers. Prateek Singh of The Black Steel captures the sentiment perfectly, 'India's love for chandeliers is like a cozy embrace from the past, lighting up homes with a touch of magic. They're not just lights, they're the heart of a room."
In Indian culture, lighting has always held symbolic significance marking celebrations, invoking warmth, and bringing people together. Chandeliers, with their cascading shimmer and nostalgic grandeur, add that ineffable something to a space. 'For Indians everywhere, chandeliers scream family, festivity, and flair," says Singh. 'Picture a lively wedding or a quiet dinner; they bring that extra glow."
More than just decorative accents, chandeliers have become memory-makers. They are often the centerpiece around which special moments unfold, from festive gatherings to quiet evenings. 'Chandeliers weave our stories, our passion for beauty, our knack for making spaces sing," Singh reflects. 'They're not just décor; they're memories in the making, casting a warm, inviting light that feels like home."
In today's design landscape, where every element is carefully chosen to reflect personal identity and aesthetic, chandeliers offer a rare blend of tradition and transformation. Whether it's the sculptural sophistication of a contemporary masterpiece or the intricate sparkle of a classic crystal design, the emotional pull remains timeless.
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As Viswanathan sums it up, 'Above all, what remains unchanged is their emotional pull – a chandelier still has the power to transform a space, it draws the eye, stirs nostalgia, and often becomes the soul of the room. It's not just about lighting—it's about stirring the soul to create memories in the right atmosphere, and a connection to something enduring yet ever evolving."
In India, where past and present often coexist in harmony, chandeliers continue to cast their spell—illuminating not just rooms, but stories, traditions, and the evolving language of beauty.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi
Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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First Published:
June 02, 2025, 10:52 IST
News lifestyle India's Love Affair with Chandeliers: From Haveli Glamour to Modern Homes
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