Drawn by gravity
A guide to draped strap alabaster chandeliers: how they work, how Anouk and Tessera differ, and how to hang yours so it looks effortless.
Most chandeliers are built around a fixed frame. A draped strap chandelier has none. Its shape is drawn by gravity, between fixing points that you choose.
At Vidirlighting we make two of them: the Anouk Draped Strap Alabaster Chandelier, with round alabaster spheres, and the Tessera Draped Alabaster Cube Chandelier, with softly rounded alabaster cubes. They share the same clever construction, yet they feel completely different in a room.
The strap is the cable
Instead of arms and a central body, a draped strap chandelier uses long, flat straps of woven cord. Each strap runs from a fixing point on the ceiling or wall, carries a shade of natural alabaster, and falls away in a natural curve to the next point.
- Power inside the strapThe wiring runs inside the woven strap, so there is no separate cable hanging beside it.
- A shape you decideFixing points close together give a deep, narrow drop; far apart, a long, shallow swag.
- Soft, strong webbingA tightly woven terracotta strap that holds the stone securely and drapes in clean curves.
Every stone can move
The stones are not fixed in place. Each one slides along its strap and locks where you set it, so you can fine-tune the height of every light on installation day, or change the look later.
Hang it anywhere, at any distance
Each strap is held by its own fixing point, on the ceiling or the wall. Place the points wherever your room needs them: the distance between them decides the shape. Tap to compare.
A deep, dramatic drop. Ideal for stairwells and tall, narrow spaces.
A balanced swag. The classic look over a dining table.
A long, shallow line. Lovely above a bed, a sofa or a wide wall.
- Ceiling or wallFixing points can go on either, or mix both for a drape that runs down the wall.
- Off-centre is fineThe power point does not need to be above the table; the strap carries the light to where you want it.
- Longer straps on requestFor very wide spans or tall ceilings, ask us before ordering.
No frame, no visible wiring: just stone, a line of colour and the curve you choose.
Anouk or Tessera?
Spheres of natural alabaster
Anouk
Round stones hang like moons along the strap. The form spreads light evenly in every direction, so Anouk feels soft, romantic and organic. It loves bedrooms, reading corners, curved sofas, plaster walls and linen.
Discover Anouk
Cubes of natural alabaster
Tessera
Softly rounded cubes, like the stone tiles of a Roman mosaic. Their flat faces catch the light in planes, so each cube glows a little differently from face to face. It suits modern rooms, gallery walls, stairwells and strong lines.
Discover TesseraWhich one suits your room?
Pick the space you are lighting.
Plan the hang in five steps
With no frame to guide you, a little planning before installation makes all the difference.
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Measure the spaceNote the ceiling height and the width of the table, bed or wall. Over a table, the lowest stone should sit about 75–90 cm (30–36″) above the surface; where people walk underneath, keep at least 2.1 m (7 ft) of clearance.
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Choose a sizeFewer stones suit a bedside, console or corner; more stones and a wider span suit dining tables, stairwells and double-height rooms. Compare your measurements with the dimension drawing on each product page.
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Mark the fixing pointsUse painter’s tape to mark each point on the ceiling or wall. Step back and look from the doorway and from your seat: the swag should feel relaxed, not stretched.
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Test the curveHang a piece of string between the marks to preview the drape. If your ceiling is high or the points are far apart, ask us about longer straps before ordering.
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Install with an electricianOnly one point is wired to the power supply; the others hold the strap. A qualified electrician should make the connection, following local electrical codes.
Unsure about your layout? Send us a photo of the space with your ceiling height and we will suggest where to place the fixing points. Longer straps and a dimmable version are available on request. Contact us
Where it shines
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Over the dining table
Let two or three stones dip low over the centre, with the strap swagging up to points near each end. It frames the table without blocking the view across it.
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In a stairwell
Stones at different heights follow the climb of the stairs and look beautiful from every landing.
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Above the bed
A wall-mounted drape replaces two bedside lamps with one sculptural line of light and frees the nightstands.
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In an empty corner
One or two stones hung low beside an armchair turn a dark corner into a reading spot, with the strap tracing a soft line up the wall.
Why natural alabaster?
Alabaster is a soft, translucent mineral that has been carved into lamps and windows for centuries. Light does not simply pass through it: it travels into the stone and glows from within, warm and diffused, with no glare.
- One of a kindEvery sphere and cube is cut from natural stone, so its veining and tone are unique. No two chandeliers are exactly alike.
- Warm, flattering lightThe stone softens the bulb into a gentle, candle-like glow that flatters faces and finishes.
- Easy to care forDust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water and chemical cleaners, as alabaster is porous.
Bulbs and dimming
Each stone holds its own small bulb, so the number of bulbs matches the number of stones. For the 2-head models, the product page lists 2 × E12 bulbs; check the bulb type and quantity for your chosen size on each product page. Warm white LED bulbs of 2700–3000K give the softest glow through alabaster and stay cool.
The standard versions switch on and off only. Dimmable bulbs alone will not make them dim, so if you want dimming, ask for the dimmable version before ordering.
These lights are rated IP20 for dry indoor rooms, so they are not suitable for bathrooms.
Questions we are often asked
What is the difference between Anouk and Tessera?
They share the same draped strap construction and natural alabaster. Anouk uses round spheres for a soft, organic look; Tessera uses softly rounded cubes for a crisper, more architectural look.
Is there a cable as well as the strap?
No. The braided strap carries the power inside it, so there is no separate cable to hide.
Can the stones be moved along the strap?
Yes. Each stone slides along its strap and is held by a tension buckle, so you can adjust the height of every light on installation day, or change the look later.
Can I change the shape after installation?
The shape comes from where the fixing points are placed, so moving a point changes the curve. Plan the points with tape first, as described above.
Will it work on a high ceiling?
Yes. For high ceilings and wide spans we can make longer straps. Send us your ceiling height and a photo before ordering and we will advise.
How long does it take to arrive?
Each chandelier is prepared at our factory in 5–10 business days, then dispatched. You will see the delivery estimate for your country at checkout.
