Chandelier Designs in the Adam Style

Chandeliers come in a wide range of different styles and configurations, from simple wooden cross fixtures through to elaborate crystal chandelier (Lüster) installations. One style of chandelier that is very popular around the world is the Adam style, an 18th century neoclassical style of interior design and architecture. There are many famous examples of Adam style interior features and environments, including a number of chandelier variations.

Adam style design was given its name by the thee Adam brothers from Scotland, especially the very well known duo of Robert Adam (1728-1792) and James Adam (1732-17194). The Adam brothers were one of the first people to initiate an integrated style of design and architecture, with all aspects of a building designed in a single unified scheme. Along with attention being given to the walls, ceilings, fireplaces, furniture, carpets, and fittings, the design and placement of chandeliers also played a big role. The Adam style was at its most popular during the 1760s, especially in upper class houses in England, Scotland, and Russia. However, it did also become popular in the United States, where it became known as the Federal style and morphed into its own distinctive style. The Adam style of design was superseded by the Regency style and the French Empire style from around 1795 onwards.

The Adam style can be described by a multitude of features, including curved walls and domes, decorated plasterwork, and colour schemes that used pea green, lemon, lilac, sky blue, bright pink, and terracotta. In terms of chandelier design, the Adam style is recognised by particular curved shapes and geometries, along with highly ornate and detailed ornamentation. Chandeliers in the Adam style are still popular today, as are many variations of the traditional Adam form. There are chandelier production houses around the world that specialise in Adam designs, and many that have been inspired by Adam style chandeliers and other similar styles.