Capiz Shells Become a Fixture
Translucent shells add a pearlescent glow to your lighting and a romantic, beachy or glamorous look to your home
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.
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.
This cascading sconce plays off the unique mirror and the paisley wallpaper.
This intricate lotus flower chandelier adds a feminine touch to this clean-lined room. Pottery Barn offers a similar fixture.
A cascading capiz chandelier draws the eye upward in this sophisticated living room.
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.
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.
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.
Of course if the table is even longer, go for three fixtures.
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.
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.
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
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