Capiz Shells Become a Fixture
Translucent shells add a pearlescent glow to your lighting and a romantic, beachy or glamorous look to your home
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
About 10 years ago it was hard to find a cascading capiz chandelier for under a few thousand dollars. These days the look has become so widespread that you can find them for about $100 at big-box stores. While usually this would mark a trend as well beyond its tipping point, the luminescent capiz shell is too beautiful and versatile to be a passing trend.
The capiz shell is found in the Pacific off the coast of the Philippines, and long before it became such a popular decorative item it was best known as a less expensive alternative to glass in windowpanes. In fact, one of its other names is "windowpane shell." It is also known as a jingle shell.
Whatever you call it, capiz is absolutely gorgeous when used in light fixtures, whether tightly arranged in a drum shade or grouped in a cascading candelier.
The capiz shell is found in the Pacific off the coast of the Philippines, and long before it became such a popular decorative item it was best known as a less expensive alternative to glass in windowpanes. In fact, one of its other names is "windowpane shell." It is also known as a jingle shell.
Whatever you call it, capiz is absolutely gorgeous when used in light fixtures, whether tightly arranged in a drum shade or grouped in a cascading candelier.
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This gorgeous drum is by Oly Studios, one of the first companies to start the capiz-shell-light trend. It's called the Serena Drum Chandelier, and the capiz shells are arranged within an intricate brass structure.
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This cascading sconce plays off the unique mirror and the paisley wallpaper.
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by Kraig Kalashian
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| This intricate lotus flower chandelier adds a feminine touch to this clean-lined room. Pottery Barn offers a similar fixture. |
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by FrontPorch
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| A cascading capiz chandelier draws the eye upward in this sophisticated living room. |
by Amy Lau Design
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While the pearlescent look of a capiz fixture is glamorous, it also works well in contrast to wood. The circular shells play off the curved lines of these Cherner chairs.
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| As you can see in this living room, the shells reflect light. In fact, some capiz fixtures don't even have a light inside; they hang like chandeliers and get their glow from other light sources. |
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| A large cascading capiz chandelier can stand up to the scale of a spacious loft with high ceilings. |
| What's better than one capiz chandelier? Two of them. Because this table is rectangular and longer, it works well with a pair of chandeliers. |
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by Axis Mundi
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| Of course if the table is even longer, go for three fixtures. |
by Chris Kauffman
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A capiz fixture is the perfect topper for a romantic bedroom, from shabby chic to super sleek.
This long fixture dangles the capiz shells into a more linear arrangement. I love the way the stylist has paired it with a long box of grass.
by Candelabra
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This chandelier is a true work of art. The shells have been cut into delicate butterfly shapes.
This particular fixture brings a question to mind that you may already be wondering: How the heck do you clean one of these? The best suggestion I've heard is to use a compressed-air container like the ones for cleaning out your DVD drive or keyboard.
This particular fixture brings a question to mind that you may already be wondering: How the heck do you clean one of these? The best suggestion I've heard is to use a compressed-air container like the ones for cleaning out your DVD drive or keyboard.
by At West End
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Capiz can be more playful as well; mixed colors give this fixture a Moroccan feel.
Other decorative items with capiz shells include placemats, coasters, mirror frames, curtain trim and candleholders.
More:
Cascading Chandeliers: All Kinds of Gorgeous
So Your Style Is: Coastal
5 Seriously Glamorous Homes
Other decorative items with capiz shells include placemats, coasters, mirror frames, curtain trim and candleholders.
More:
Cascading Chandeliers: All Kinds of Gorgeous
So Your Style Is: Coastal
5 Seriously Glamorous Homes
Comments
Sonja Hilliard, DVM Love these! Looking for a small one (no bigger than 12 in. at widest) chandelier style. Any suggestions?
2 years ago · Like
Cathy Lara yay, capiz! my mother-in-law is coming to visit from the philippines in a few months, this totally reminded me to have her bring over capiz chimes. thanks!
14 months ago · Like
platypus Sonja- I've found a few in varying sizes on etsy.
14 months ago · Like
Becky Harris Sonja, try westelm.com. I think they still sell some smaller capiz fixtures.
14 months ago · Like
ane_2176 I hailed from a province called Capiz in the philippines, from where it was called. Capiz shells here are so cheap!!! Eorting it though made it expensive.
10 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 22, 2012.
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