Parisian classic lighting in a contemporary home
Classic contemporary style pairs the architecture of a Paris apartment, with moldings, high ceilings and herringbone oak floors, with modern furniture and a light palette.
In short
Parisian classic lighting pairs traditional pieces, such as chandeliers, arm sconces and bronze lamps, with a pared-back modern room. The base is a statement ceiling fixture, wall light that brings out the moldings and table lamps for the evening, all in warm 2700 K light and on a dimmer.
Lamps for a classic contemporary room
Crystal or glass chandelier
The centerpiece of the dining or living room. Under high ceilings it can have several tiers of arms. Surrounded by simple furniture, it looks current rather than fussy.
Arm sconce
In brass or bronze, with one or two arms, on either side of a mirror or fireplace. It lights up the moldings and adds light at mid height.
Bronze table lamp
With candle-style arms and a painted metal shade, it is a classic of French salons. On a marble table it gives a golden, focused light.
Flush mount under a ceiling medallion
Where the ceiling has a plaster medallion, a glass flush mount or a simple ceiling light lets the original ornament show.
Brass floor lamp
With a light fabric shade next to an armchair, it is the reading light of the style. Its golden finish echoes the sconces and chandelier.
How to light a Parisian-style room
- 1
Respect the ceiling scale
Under high ceilings, a chandelier can be bigger than you think. In walkways, leave at least 7 feet between the floor and its lowest point.
- 2
Feature the walls
Sconces on both sides of a mirror, fireplace or doorway create the symmetry that defines the style.
- 3
Add table lamps
In the evening, dim the chandelier and leave the table lamps on. The room becomes more intimate.
- 4
Match the color temperature
Keep every bulb at 2700 K, or 2200 K for candle bulbs, so the gold of the brass and the white of the walls do not clash.
Materials and palette of the Parisian classic look
White or off-white walls with moldings, herringbone oak floors, marble fireplaces and tall windows. The furniture is modern and simple, in linen, bouclé or velvet, in cream, stone gray or sage green.
The lamps bring the shine, with brass, bronze, crystal, blown glass and fabric or painted metal shades. The contrast between a calm room and a classic piece is what makes the style feel contemporary.
Color temperature for Parisian classic lighting
The base is 2700 K. For chandeliers and lamps with candle bulbs, 2200 K gives a more golden light, close to candlelight, that brings out crystal and bronze.
A dimmer is worth it in this style. A chandelier at full power causes glare and flattens the moldings. Dimmed, the crystal sparkles and the ceiling gains depth.
A Paris apartment by day and by night
By day, light comes in through the tall windows, bounces off the pale walls and shows every molding. Even when it is off, the chandelier stays the star because of its size and sparkle.
At night, the room turns golden. Crystal and glass multiply the light, brass gleams and the moldings cast soft shadows. A chandelier changes completely between off and on, which is why it pays to show it both ways.
Common mistakes in classic lighting
Most of them are about scale or relying on a single source.
- A small chandelier lost under a high ceiling.
- Using the chandelier as the only light source.
- Mixing cool and warm bulbs in the same room.
Show your chandeliers and sconces in a classic room with Lucy
Chandeliers, ceiling lights and classic sconces are a big part of a lighting store's catalog. With Lucy they are staged in a Paris apartment with moldings, herringbone oak and modern furniture, starting from each product's photo.
The scenes on this page show a colorful blown glass chandelier over a dining table and a bronze lamp with a black shade next to a fireplace. Your customers see them by day with the light off and at night with it on, with one switch.
Frequently asked questions
What is classic contemporary style?
A room with classic architecture, such as moldings, high ceilings, a fireplace and herringbone wood floors, furnished with modern pieces with simple lines. The best-known model is the Paris apartment, with chandeliers and sconces against a light, calm background.
What lamps suit a Parisian-style apartment?
A crystal or glass chandelier as the centerpiece, brass or bronze sconces on the walls, bronze table lamps with shades and a floor lamp for reading. Mixing a classic piece with modern furniture is what gives the room its contemporary feel.
How high should a chandelier hang over a table?
A common guideline is 30 to 36 inches between the tabletop and the bottom of the chandelier. Under very high ceilings you can raise it a little, as long as it still relates to the table. Over a walkway, leave at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor.
How do I show chandeliers and sconces in my online store?
With Lucy, each chandelier or sconce is staged in a Paris apartment and shown by day with the light off and at night with it on. Our team migrates your catalog, and your customers browse your showroom on their phone and message you on WhatsApp. It costs US$20 a month, everything included.
Keep reading
- Who it’s forLighting storesYour catalog with every lamp in a room by day and lit at night, ready to share.
- FeaturesDay and nightEvery lamp in a real room, switched off by day and lit at night, one tap apart.
- GuidesOnline lighting catalogWhat each product page needs, how to organize the catalog and how to keep prices current.
Your catalog, by day and lit at night
We migrate your catalog, stage every lamp, and you edit prices whenever you want.