Collection: Modern Brass Chandeliers

Modern Minimalism & Soft Diffusion

When the design is pared back, brass does more of the work. These three keep the structure minimal and let a thin line of warm metal, plus well-diffused light, carry the look.

• Flock of Light LED Chandelier by Moooi: Studio Toer's 2020 design for Moooi, made in the Netherlands, uses thin brass wires that end in tiny LED points, like a flock of birds caught mid-flight. It comes in 11-light (31.5"), 21-light (53"), and 31-light (71") configurations, with 1240 to 2582 lumens at a warm 2500K to 2700K and 90+ CRI. Each version weighs about 3 pounds or less. Mood: a few lines of brass drawn in the air.
• Aro LED Chandelier by Generation Lighting: A low-profile ring in Satin Brass, with a smooth silicone diffuser that sends soft light both up and down. It is offered at 24" or 36" across, with integrated LED at 90 CRI and color temperature you can set from 2700K to 5000K. A 48" linear version is also available for islands. Mood: a halo of brass that suits almost any room.
• Stagger LED Linear Suspension Light by Visual Comfort Modern: Mick De Giulio's design is a blade of light about 1" thick, in Natural Brass, Nightshade Black, or Polished Stainless Steel. It comes in 48", 60", 72", or 84" lengths, with 1100 to 3780 lumens at 2700K and 90 CRI. Dims on 0-10V, ELV, or TRIAC, damp-rated, Title 24 compliant, with a five-year warranty. Mood: a single thin line of brass over the dining table.

Mid-Century & Sputnik Statement Makers

Brass and the Sputnik shape grew up together in the 1950s. Rods radiating from a center hub look best in a warm metal, and these three show how far the idea can stretch.

• Eastyn Chandelier by Visual Comfort Studio: Chapman & Myers' 2022 design arranges steel rods, lit at both ends, in a seemingly random burst, finished in Burnished Brass, Midnight Black, or Polished Nickel. It comes in Medium (27.5"), Large (35"), or X-Large (42"), each with twelve candelabra lamps. Damp-rated and Title 24 compliant. Mood: a Sputnik that looks gently scattered.
• Sparta Chandelier by Hudson Valley Lighting: Aged brass rods tipped with clear glass, radiating from a central hub, in a 32" twelve-light or a 48" eighteen-light version. It uses candelabra lamps and is damp-rated. A heavy, substantial fixture built for big rooms. Mood: a full mid-century starburst.
• Axton Chandelier by Lark: Curving steel arms ending in globe bulbs, in Lacquered Brass or Black. It measures 28" wide by 18.75" tall, takes ten candelabra globe lamps, and is backed by a three-year warranty. Mood: a constellation over the dining table at a starter price.

Antique & Vintage Elegance

Aged brass, opal glass, alabaster, and fabric shades are the materials of older houses and hotels. These three use them without looking old-fashioned.

• Paige Chandelier by Mitzi: Opal glass globes topped with decorative cutout caps, in an aged brass frame with an Art Deco feel. It is offered as a 26" six-light or a 33" nine-light in two tiers, both on standard medium-base lamps. Damp-rated. Mood: a 1930s hotel lobby, without the stuffiness.
• Melange LED Multi-Positional Chandelier by Visual Comfort Signature: Kelly Wearstler's 2024 design sets alabaster discs into metal holders that you can reposition to change both the look and where the light falls. It comes in Antique-Burnished Brass, Bronze, or Polished Nickel, measures 48" wide by 19" tall, and delivers 4900 lumens from integrated LED. Damp-rated, five-year warranty. Mood: stone and brass you can rearrange.
• Emily Chandelier by Z-Lite: A slim rubbed brass frame carrying off-white fabric shades, in five-, six-, or nine-light versions on candelabra lamps. Dimmable. Also offered in Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel, and Matte Black. Mood: the classic dining room chandelier, kept simple.

Brass Finish Guide

"Brass" covers several different finishes, and they don't all age the same way. Some change over time and some are sealed to stay as they are.

The sizing rule: Add the room's length and width in feet, and use that number in inches as the chandelier's diameter. Over a dining table, aim for one half to two thirds the table's width. Linear fixtures like the Stagger should be about 12 inches shorter than the table on each end.

Clearance: Hang the bottom of the fixture 30 to 36 inches above a tabletop. In an open walkway, keep at least 7' from the floor, and add 3 inches for every foot of ceiling height above 8'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between brass and gold finishes?

Brass usually reads warmer and slightly deeper, with a hint of brown, while gold finishes tend to be brighter and more yellow. Brass also often refers to the actual metal, while "gold" is almost always a plated or painted finish. Aged and antique brass sit closest to bronze, while satin and lacquered brass sit closest to gold.

Will a brass chandelier tarnish?

It depends on the finish. Natural or raw brass will darken and develop a patina over time, especially in humid rooms. Lacquered brass is sealed and will stay bright. Aged, antique, and rubbed brass finishes are designed to look aged already, so further change is minimal.

How do I clean a brass chandelier?

Turn off the power and let bulbs cool, then dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid brass polish on lacquered, aged, or plated finishes, since it can strip the coating. Natural brass can be polished if you want it bright again, but many owners prefer to let the patina develop.