For some reason most of the questions submitted by readers to my design dilemma series have to do with light fixtures. It seems interior lighting presents a number of different challenges. In this series I’ve covered everything from how to go about Choosing Entry Foyer Lighting , Selecting Pendant Lights for Over a Kitchen Island, Coordinating Fixtures in an Open Floor Plan, How to Deal with Wonky Fixture Placements, and Coordinating Kitchen Island and Breakfast Nook Lighting . I also put together a Kitchen Island Lighting Guide after receiving tons of questions about that specific topic.
Separate Statements that Flow
In today’s reader design dilemma we’re talking how to coordinate two statement fixtures.
Sue wrote in asking for help in selecting a fixture for her den/office.
She has no need for the ceiling fan currently in the space and wants to bring in something really special to take its place. Since the den/office is open to the dining and living room, her dining room chandelier will be in the same visual plain (the spaces are only about 30 feet apart). So she wants the fixtures to coordinate.
Here’s a better look at the fixture she has hanging over her table.
The Issue?
While Sue would like for the den/office fixture to coordinate with her dining room chandelier, she wants both fixtures to make a statement. She doesn’t want one fixture to play second fiddle to the other. So in this case her issue is how to cast two leading roles or main players that coordinate rather than compete. And in an open floor plan that can be slightly tricky.
She inquired about this one wondering if I thought it would work.
I think going with the same overall style and shape will create too much visual competition. And while I do believe in mixing metals I think in this case, of wanting each fixture to shine yet also coordinate, it would be best to go with the same metal profile.
I think when you’re trying to coordinate statement lighting your best bet is to either go with a matching shape but different material or a different shape with matching colors. You want each fixture to be able to really stand alone yet be visually tied to the other with a similar thread.
Options That Would Work
Taking another look at the fixture she has hanging over her dining room table……..
Options 1 and 2 below coordinate in shape (they’re both round) and metal profile (gold) but are decidedly different in their overall design. I think I prefer option 1 to 2 because it feels a bit cleaner. I like its simple understated elegance.
Options 3, 4, and 5 are all sculptural options that differ in shape and style from the dining room chandelier but coordinate in color. These sculptural options bring a modern vibe to the space adding a bit of an edge to the mostly traditional style of the space.
Either of the options above would work well, adding a cherry on top of the den/office space and coordinating but not competing with the dining room chandelier. Which option would you choose? Or would go with something totally different?
Reader Design Dilemma?
Do you have a design dilemma that you would like some help brainstorming ideas to solve? Need some help making design decisions in your home? Send your submission to Carmel@OurFifthHouse.com with “Design Dilemma” in the subject line! I’d love to help you jump over the design hurdles in your space!
I would pick #1. Love the matching metal and clean lines. I personally feel that while both should make a statement, the dining room should be the star.