Multicolor light fixtures: color on the ceiling
Key takeaways:
- A multicolor light fixture is a pendant light, ceiling light or chandelier whose shade, glass or structure combines several colors, and which decorates the room as much as it lights it.
- Choose it first according to the room: a printed shade or colorful globes in a child's bedroom, colored glass in a living room, and a single statement piece in a neutral decor.
- A ceiling light fixture must be installed by a qualified electrician, and a fabric or paper shade should only take an LED bulb, which gives off little heat.
A multicolor light fixture is a light fixture whose shade, glass or structure brings together several colors, and which gives a room an energy that neutral shades do not offer. Printed patterns, colored glass, shimmering velvet or arrangements of globes in several colors: it becomes a decorative element in its own right, cheerful and full of character.
These light fixtures have become a must for anyone who wants to energize their home with original lighting full of life. In a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen or a children's room, they create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and suit a variety of styles, from the modern table lamp to the multicolor pendant light or chandelier.
This selection from Lustria, the online reference for light fixtures, brings together pendant lights and ceiling lights in multiple colors: printed patterned shades, retro-inspired colored glass pendant lights, ceiling lights with colorful globes, velvet with changing reflections and themed models for children's bedrooms. To see all of our models, browse our light fixtures collection.
The color of the object, not of the light
In this collection, it is the light fixture itself that is colored: shade, glass or structure. The light it emits generally remains white, warm or neutral depending on the model, and sometimes takes on a soft tint as it passes through colored glass or fabric. The light color and any options are specified on each product page.
The word "multicolor" also refers, more broadly, to lighting that uses several colors or a variable intensity to create different moods in the same room. These are LEDs that change color or mode, controlled by a remote control or a mobile app, to adapt the atmosphere to an evening, an event or your own wishes. A single remote control sometimes adjusts several light fixtures at once, or offers an automatic variation mode: when a model offers these settings, its product page says so.
Whether modern or vintage in design, industrial in spirit or made of stained-glass-style colored glass, the multicolor light fixture suits every decor, from an original touch to the soft light of a child's bedroom. Designed to last and to use less energy, our LED light fixtures also remain a sensible choice for the home.
The different styles of multicolor light fixtures
Multicolor light fixtures come in a wide variety of styles, depending on your tastes and the atmosphere you want:
Printed shades and themed models
To add a playful touch to your children's bedroom, pendant lights with printed shades come in a wide range of patterns: unicorns, cats, owls, fairies, galaxy, graffiti or world map. Several of our children's light fixtures take up these themes, and give the ceiling a decor of its own.
As for accent lamps, some LED lamps change color throughout the day, and are powered by a USB port, a plug or batteries, for very simple use: the power supply type is shown on the product page. A child's night light thus complements the ceiling light with a soft glow, to be placed out of reach of small children.
Colored glass, tubes and chandeliers
For a more sophisticated style, a multicolor tube pendant light brings a modern and colorful note to the living room or dining room. A glass model, among our multicolor chandeliers, also showcases the ceiling, as it gives the room both light and color.
Some models stand out for their details: suspension cables, an elegantly finished metal cable, velvet with changing reflections or colorful globes gathered under a single ceiling light. Each of our multicolor pendant lights is thus chosen to create the atmosphere that suits you.
Lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps, as a complement
A desk lamp or a multicolor wall sconce also provides decorative lighting and a warm atmosphere in any room. Like a pendant light, the wall sconce is connected to the mains: it must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Our multicolor lamps to place on a surface, on the other hand, plug into a simple outlet, and move easily from a bedside table to a desk. The same goes for a multicolor floor lamp, which brings the colors of the ceiling light down to eye level.
Choosing according to the room
The choice of a multicolor light fixture depends above all on the size of the room and the atmosphere you want to create in it. In a large dining room or a spacious living room, a chandelier or one of our multicolor ceiling lights gives a uniform, enveloping light. In a smaller space, a multicolor table lamp or an LED night light is a better fit, as they add a touch of color without overloading the room.
Also consider the dimensions of the light fixture, so that it fits the space perfectly: pendant lights range from the small compact size to the large spectacular model, the former serving as a decorative focal point while the latter lights a wider area. A multicolor spotlight or a string of lights can also create a festive atmosphere in a corner of the room. Finally, functionality and sturdiness matter just as much, since the light fixture must lend itself to varied uses.
In a child's bedroom, printed shades and ceiling lights with colorful globes create a playful world. In a living room or a dining room, a pendant light in colored glass or velvet, to be chosen among our dining room light fixtures, becomes the statement piece of an eclectic decor. In a neutral interior, a single multicolor light fixture is enough to add depth without overloading the space.
| Room | Recommended multicolor light fixture | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Child's bedroom | Pendant light with a printed shade or ceiling light with colorful globes | In the center of the ceiling, away from the bed and out of reach of small children |
| Living room | Colored glass pendant light or multicolor chandelier | A single statement piece, echoed by a cushion or a rug |
| Dining room | Pendant light above the table | Bottom of the fixture between 70 and 90 cm from the tabletop |
| Kitchen, office | Compact pendant light in bright colors | Neutral white LED bulb, around 4000 K |
| Hallway, small room | Compact ceiling light | Color as an accent, without obstructing the passage |
Pairing a colored light fixture with your decor
For a harmonious whole, pick up one or two colors of the light fixture in cushions, a rug or a painting. Light walls show off a very colorful light fixture, while dark walls bring out the vivid shades of colored glass.
The modern and cheerful design of multicolor light fixtures also suits very different decor styles, whether industrial, minimalist or close to our vintage light fixtures. In a decor that is already rich in patterns, prefer a model whose shades echo those of the room.
Why choose a multicolor light fixture?
Choosing a multicolor light fixture lets you create a unique atmosphere in every room of the house. These light fixtures are not only practical: they are also decorative elements, which bring color and personality to the interior. For an evening, an event, or simply to improve the lighting of an office or a bedroom, they transform the mood of the place.
With low-consumption LED bulbs, they also offer a long lifespan, and add a modern or festive touch to the decor. On one of our dimmable light fixtures, fitted with a bulb bearing the "dimmable" marking, the light becomes bright for entertaining, then softer for relaxing.
Price and purchase of a multicolor light fixture
The price of a multicolor light fixture varies according to the model, the complexity of its design and the materials used: a simple pendant light with a printed shade takes less work than a high-end colored glass chandelier. The price is shown on each product page.
Before buying, read the product description and its features carefully: dimensions, materials and compatible bulb type. Whether a ceiling light, a wall sconce or a pendant light, you will thus find options suited to your budget as well as your preferences.
Installation, safety and maintenance
A pendant light or a ceiling light is connected to the mains: have the installation carried out by a qualified electrician. The electrician cuts the power, fixes the light fixture to the ceiling with anchors and screws suited to the support, then connects the cables following the instructions, a ceiling light being installed in a comparable way. In a child's bedroom, place the pendant light away from the bed.
These light fixtures are intended for indoor use. For a garden party, only a model designed for this use is suitable, with its IP rating shown on the product page, like our outdoor light fixtures. For fabric or paper shades, use an LED that gives off little heat and respect the maximum wattage shown on the product page.
For maintenance, switch off the power, let it cool down and dust dry. Depending on the materials (colored glass, metal, ceramic), follow the care instructions specific to each. Replacing LED bulbs may become necessary after several years, even though they last much longer than traditional bulbs.
Frequently asked questions about multicolor light fixtures
The answers to the most common questions before choosing:
Does a multicolor light fixture change color?
No, in this collection it is the light fixture that is colored, not its light. The light color is shown on the page of each model.
There are also LED lighting systems able to change color, controlled by a remote control or a mobile app, for a festive or restful mood depending on the moment: when a model has this feature, its product page says so.
Is a multicolor light fixture suitable for a living room?
Yes, especially in an eclectic decor or to bring character to a neutral interior. It transforms the atmosphere there depending on the moment and the occasion.
With a dimmable bulb on a dimmer, the light becomes bright and festive for an evening, then softer for resting. At a party or an event, its colors add an original and dynamic touch.
How do you pair it with your decor?
Pick up one or two of its colors in the textiles or objects of the room. A cushion, a rug or a painting is enough to create this echo.
Leave the rest of the decor in calm tones: light walls show off the light fixture, dark walls bring out a colored glass.
How do you choose the model suited to your room?
By taking three criteria into account: the surface area of the room, the ceiling height and the lighting effect you want. In a spacious living room, a multicolor chandelier or a multi-light ceiling light lights the whole space.
In a smaller bedroom, a table lamp or an LED night light may be enough to bring color without taking up space. Also look at the materials (glass, metal or ceramic), so that the light fixture fits your decor.
What are the advantages of a multicolor chandelier over a standard ceiling light?
A multicolor chandelier has a stronger decorative effect than a standard ceiling light, and it plays with colors to create different moods. Some LED models add intensity adjustment, for more flexibility.
It exists in stained-glass-style colored glass as well as in a more modern version, depending on your tastes. Finally, it suits large rooms, where it spreads a wider and more uniform light.
How do you install a multicolor pendant light?
By entrusting the installation to a qualified electrician, since a pendant light is connected to the mains. The power is cut before any work, then the light fixture is fixed to the ceiling with anchors and screws, on a solid anchor point.
The cables are then connected following the instructions, the height is adjusted to suit the room, and a test confirms that everything works.
Which multicolor light fixture for a child's bedroom?
A model that is both playful and functional: a pendant light with a printed shade, a ceiling light with colorful globes, or a decor of stars or flowers, fixed to the ceiling, out of reach of small children.
In addition, an LED table lamp or a night light gives a soft, reassuring light. Some can be adjusted by remote control, in color as well as intensity: the product page says so.
What materials make up a multicolor light fixture?
Most often metal, colored glass, ceramic or rattan, to which are added printed fabric shades. Each material gives a lighting effect of its own.
Metal and ceramic are chosen for their sturdiness and the consistency of their light, while glass, through its transparency, allows more subtle effects, as on our glass light fixtures. The choice also depends on the style you want, modern, vintage or more traditional.
How do you care for a printed fabric shade?
With the power off, dust it with a soft brush, without water. Brush from top to bottom, without rubbing, so as not to mark the pattern.
Avoid household cleaners, which may fade the colors, and use only an LED bulb under this shade, which gives off little heat.
How do you care for a multicolor light fixture to keep it for a long time?
Switch it off first, then remove dust and dirt with a soft cloth, without abrasive chemical products, which would damage materials such as glass or metal.
Avoid touching the LEDs directly, and replace the bulbs as soon as they show signs of weakness. If the light flickers or the power supply seems unstable, have the installation checked by a qualified electrician.