How to choose your Murano style chandelier: the complete buying guide

A Murano-style chandelier is not just a light source: it is the piece that structures an entire room, capturing natural light during the day and diffusing a warm ambiance in the evening. But you still need to choose the right model, the right size, and the right place. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.

What is a "Murano-style" chandelier?

The expression "Murano style" refers to blown glass light fixtures inspired by the historical glassmaking savoir-faire of the island of Murano, near Venice: organic shapes, glass petals or discs, amber, pink or blue-green hues, and a gilded metal or wrought iron structure.

It is important to be transparent on this point: unless explicitly stated otherwise on the product sheet, a "Murano style" chandelier is a piece inspired by this glass art, and not an authentic piece made in Murano. This does not detract from the quality of the hand-blown glass, but it is a nuance that matters when purchasing.

The 5 essential criteria for choosing your chandelier

1. Room size and ceiling height

A chandelier that is too imposing will overwhelm a small room; a model that is too discreet will get lost in a large space. A simple rule: add the length and width of the room in meters, and the result in centimeters gives a reasonable chandelier diameter. For a living room of 4 m x 5 m, you would aim for a diameter of around 90 cm. Also consider the ceiling height: for ceilings under 2.50 m, prefer a semi-flush mount model or a short chain to maintain at least 2 m of clearance above the floor.

2. Diameter relative to the table or space

Above a dining table, the chandelier should cover approximately two-thirds of the table's width, no more, no less. Too wide, it encroaches on guests; too narrow, it looks lost above the tabletop.

3. Your interior decor style

Disc and square chandeliers fit well into a contemporary or minimalist interior. Models with petals, flowers, or Tronchi, which are more organic, naturally find their place in vintage, Art Deco, or bohemian chic decor. Amber and golden hues warm up an interior; blue-green or powder pink tones add a softer and more modern touch.

4. Number of bulbs and light output

Count approximately 15 to 20 m² of illuminated area for a chandelier with 9 E14 LED bulbs. If your chandelier is to be the main light source in a living room, opt for a dimmer model to modulate the ambiance between functional lighting and soft light in the evening.

5. Type of installation

Check the available adjustable chain length (usually 50 to 100 cm), the type of ceiling fixture (simple plate or semi-flush mount), and whether LED bulbs are included or need to be purchased separately.

The main families of Murano-style chandeliers

Murano style actually encompasses several distinct families of shapes:

• Disc chandelier: superimposed blown glass discs, graphic and contemporary effect.
• Petal or flower chandelier: curved glass petals that evoke a corolla, romantic spirit.
• Tronchi chandelier: stacked twisted glass tubes or branches, distinct Art Deco look.
• Square chandelier: square or rectangular glass plates, more architectural silhouette.

Where to place your Murano-style chandelier?

In the living room

Center the chandelier relative to the main living area rather than the exact geometric center of the room, taking into account the arrangement of the sofa and coffee table.

In the dining room

Position it 70-80 cm above the tabletop for direct lighting without dazzling seated guests.

In the bedroom

A more compact model and soft lighting (dimmer or warm color temperature bulbs, 2700K) create a restful ambiance.

Maintenance and durability

Blown glass is fragile but easy to clean: a soft, slightly damp cloth is sufficient, without abrasive products. For hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled duster prevents marks on the glass. In case of impact or breakage of an element, it is better to report the problem with photos rather than attempting a self-repair, especially if the item is still under warranty.

Our selection

Find all our models classified by shape in our catalog sorted by style, or browse directly our collection of blown glass chandeliers and our wall sconces for smaller spaces.