Take a passing glance at Jennifer Aniston's living room, and you'll likely be struck by the gorgeous teal walls. And I don't blame you – the color demands to be noticed. Cast your eye around the space, however, and I'll bet something else will pique your interest: the mid-century modern chandelier, which hangs like a sculpture from the ceiling.
Light fixtures as huge as this one can really tie a room together, but they can also be a risky choice. Designed by the esteemed Stephen Shadley, this space is warm and cocooning – so the dramatic living room ceiling light could feel a little unexpected. Yet to me, it's the contrast that makes the entire design scheme so impressive: there's a sense of playfulness that I truly admire.
Naturally, I'm keen to replicate Jennifer's look, and I've pulled together a wish list of sorts – from a handsome Mercer41 brass sputnik chandelier (at Wayfair) to a more budget-friendly mid-century modern globe table lamp at Amazon. No matter what I end up choosing, I'm looking for something striking, modern, and elegant – just like Jennifer's chandelier.
Shop the Jennifer Aniston-Inspired Lighting Edit
Channel Jennifer's elegant lighting look with a cluster pendant like this one. I love the subtle ribbed finish of the glass shades.
Don't fancy forking out on a new light fitting? Try a table lamp instead. I love the streamlined silhouette and contemporary feel of this brass lamp.
Jennifer's chandelier boasts a striking, vertical design, but this horizontal option is just as impactful. It's perfect for large living spaces and dining rooms.
This table lamp has well and truly won me over: it feels like a miniature version of Jennifer's chandelier, and I can't wait to show it off in my living room.
Floor lamps are another great investment if you're looking to accessorize your space rather than change your light fixture. This one is effortlessly elegant.
This chandelier provides a more vintage-inspired look, with frosted glass shades and sleek gold touches. It's also impressively affordable.
Filled with polished wood surfaces, vintage furnishings, and family treasures like books and photographs, there's no danger of this room feeling overly stylized – and in spite of its dramatic silhouette, the chandelier fits seamlessly into the design scheme.
In fact, while it hangs daintily from the ceiling, the light fixture adds a real weight to the space. The mid-century modern look is instantly striking, and it reinforces the sense of drama introduced by those stunning blue walls. If you're looking for living room ideas, I'd say that this room definitely deserves a spot on your mood board.
Jennifer's room is proof that sculptural pieces can take pride of place in the coziest of rooms. To me, the secret is texture: contrasted with the rich wood of the built-in bookshelves and the woven rug, the chandelier really sings. The elegant materials don't detract from other design details in the space, and the clear glass bulbs don't obstruct the view across the room.
Naturally, the sheer size of the fixture can seem intimidating, but it's an ingenious choice here. While it draws the eye upward, it also reaches right down to the table in the center of the space, creating an effortless sense of balance. It's a focal point, and yet it doesn't steal all the spotlight.
To make this kind of light fixture feel intentional and impressive, designers say that restraint is key.
'Statement fixtures work best when they have negative space or mixed materials,' says Lauren Lerner, Founder and Principal Designer of Scottsdale-based interiors firm Living with Lolo. 'You want to avoid a fixture that feels too solid or oversized, as this can compete with the furniture or art in the room.'
Another crucial consideration? Balance and juxtaposition – which is what Jennifer's space does so well.
'The irregular shape of the fixture contrasts with the more predictable vertical and horizontal lines of the built-in bookcase behind it, creating a strong focal point,' says Leah Connolly, Owner and Principal Designer at Studio Connolly in Sacramento. 'Similarly, the brass and glass materials provide an interesting contrast to the heavier wood of the shelves.'
It can be tricky to bring dramatic living room lighting ideas to life, but Jennifer proves that daring choices really are worthwhile. Playing with scale, texture and contrast can elevate any space – and rival the impact of even the most striking paint colors.
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