Living Room, Texas, USA

This shows a real, lived-in family living room: a big sectional sofa with a knitted throw, a solid wood coffee table, a TV on the wall, plants by the window and a toy left on the rug. It is a room that has to work for movie nights, homework and guests, often all in the same evening.

Many living rooms like this are lit only by recessed ceiling lights, which leaves the space flat and a little anonymous. A statement chandelier above the coffee table gives the room a center, makes the ceiling feel higher and adds warmth that downlights alone cannot create.

The Portofino round crystal chandelier pairs a modern black frame with gold accents and layers of clear crystal. The black bands tie in with the dark pillows, the TV and the door frames, while the crystals keep the fixture light and bright during the day. In the evening, switched on as the main light, it fills the room with a soft, warm glow and gentle reflections on the ceiling.

The result is a living room that still feels relaxed and family-friendly, but now has a focal point that makes it feel finished.