Why Not Choose a Crystal Chandelier?

On hearing that word chandelier most of us would probably immediately conjure up the idea of a crystal chandelier in some opulent setting of a Hollywood film or soap. The choice of these chandeliers available today though is staggering and runs into many thousands. What is more, they come in a huge variety of different designs and sizes to suit both your style and your room - not to mention your budget. And with crystals, size isn't everything, so it's worth knowing something about the different qualities of crystal that are available.

With imports coming from all over the world, you can be sure that there are many imitation crystals being mass-produced that are little more than simple glass or even some form of see-through polymer.

Swarovski crystals are considered the best in the world, and even they have a variety of different qualities of crystal depending on amongst other things the percentage of lead within their mix, the keenness of the cut and so on. The top crystal chandelier manufacturers like Schonbek and James Moder will insist on these for their high range models and this rockets the price into the tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately for most of us they have cheaper ranges in smaller sizes using varying qualities of crystals.

Fortunately again, there are many other cheaper crystal chandelier suppliers (and not necessarily from Bohemia either) with prices to match their lower quality crystal or glass products. So it's worth taking out time to check out the pedigree of your dealer and the wares he or she is selling. Now let's consider some practicalities.

If you're chandelier is planned to go in the hallway as the centerpiece, then obviously a fine quality with all those cascading prismatic rainbows will impress all who see it. On the other hand, no one stays in the entrance hall for very long. So, unless money is of little consequence for these considerations, you would do well to choose something at a more economic level. From the distant cheap chandelier crystal still looks impressive after all.

If you've selected the dining room to host this lighting feature, and if the room is not too large, you will no doubt be hanging the chandelier above the table in full view of all who will be gathering there. If it is a cozy size from with a cozy sized table, you will want to get a cozy sized model appropriate to the setting. If the ceiling is low then you need to hang it high enough to allow 30 or preferably 36 inches of space above the tabletop. That way it's close enough to see with plenty of space to avoid banging into it.

Since you and your guests will be so near to it, it's important that the finish, the structure and framework of the chandelier, is of good quality. If you're concerned with appearances and impressions you convey, then that will determine the quality of crystal you need to get. For instance there are some very beautiful chandeliers of a very small to moderate size that not only stand up to scrutiny but are a real delight to behold.

Some of the Trilliane and Rivendell collections of Schonbek Lighting have some outstandingly original examples of this. If you're dining room is somewhat grandiose, you may consider including some crystal wall sconces of the same theme or from the same collection.

Every room in the house will have different aspects to consider, but we've covered the basics in the dining room. One very important factor to bear in mind is the importance of good lighting. By that I mean sufficient lighting so that all that you intend to do can be done with ease. Reception rooms in general and particularly your principal living room will all need varying amounts of light for different activities and at different times of the day, evening and night.

Whether you are wanting to create a cozy or relaxed ambience with subdued lighting, brighter light for some family activities for instance, or selective lighting for reading, you will almost certainly need to consider combining a central lighting feature with complementary side lighting using table and floor lamps or wall sconces.

From a more aesthetic point of view, crystal chandeliers have it all and who would not want some spread strategically throughout their home. Crystal as a material has been valued for its unique qualities from the time it was first discovered. Whether kept as an asset to barter with or an amulet to enchant or be enchanted by, it was worth its weight in gold. Still today, and as part of a crystal chandelier, it is a highly prized family heirloom both for its beauty and its worth.