Chandeliers are the ultimate opulent form of decorative lighting. As much of a statement of wealth and taste today as they have always been.
The crystal chandelier historically would have multiple arms or branches with crystal beads and droplets adorning each branch, however, modern crystal chandeliers are now available, some that echo the styling of the past while others are far removed from the traditional.
Modern chandeliers can be organic twisted shapes, crystal-encrusted globes or long-tiered waterfall styles, all have crystal, glass or acrylic jewels to reflect and maximise light.
Crystal Chandeliers
Crystal is by far the most impressive style of chandelier giving the most sparkle, typically the crystal is cut much in the same way as a diamond to make the most of the reflective qualities.
The crystal cut into faceted shapes allows light to pass through and splits colours, this is known as prismatic. These prisms are almost like rainbows, the crystal looks equally beautiful with artificial light and natural light.
The joy of seeing a crystal chandelier when sunshine catches it is very special, you’ll find little rainbows dancing on the walls around your room.
Glass Chandeliers
These chandeliers have a lovely reflective quality and sometimes you can see the rainbow effect, but often the colours found in the cut crystal are not so prevalent with glass chandeliers. Glass is a slightly more affordable option for many and certainly looks opulent.
Acrylic Chandeliers
Acrylics are the cheaper option for chandeliers. This is the choice if you want a large chandelier on a budget. However, this doesn’t mean that acrylic chandeliers can’t still look stunning, the high quality and detail will look incredible.
There is a chandelier for almost every situation from small easy-to-fit chandeliers right up to chandeliers dripping with crystal that is super-sized at over a meter wide.
Large Chandeliers
The largest chandeliers are often used in large entrance halls, hotel foyers or above dining tables. Smaller chandeliers are often used in rooms with lower ceilings.
Flush Chandeliers
Period Chandeliers
In the past chandlers would have been used in the reception rooms. They were a status symbol even the Victorians, Edwardians and Georgians liked to show off. They too like their friends to envy their exquisite taste and wealth.
We are much the same today although we also want opulence in other rooms too. Chandeliers are now often used in all rooms of the home.
Chandeliers in bedrooms create a romantic fairy tale feel. Some chandeliers are made in colours red or black or even multi coloured jewel coloured chandeliers. These create a little more of a boudoir feel (think bordello or moulin rouge) a tad braver than the Georgian style.
Easy-fit Small Chandeliers
Easy-fit small chandeliers can be used to bring a little glamour to the smallest room in the house. This is also a perfect solution if you either can’t change your light fitting (for example, if you’re renting) or if you simply just don’t want to.
Bathroom Chandeliers
When using chandeliers in a bathroom however take care, whilst the chandelier hung low over a roll-top bath looks super and evoke, they are not always suitable. Any light fitting used in bathrooms should meet exacting standards for safety.
Lights in bathrooms need to be sealed against water ingress. Never just buy a light to fit in the bathroom without checking if it is suitable. Electricians simply cannot install lights that are unsafe to use in bathrooms – no matter how much you like the lights.
However, this isn’t really a problem, as we have many stunning bathroom chandeliers available!
What chandelier will you choose for your home?
Worried about how to clean and care for your chandelier? Check out our definitive Guide to Chandeliers.
