Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Decorating With Crystal Chandeliers



We are so enamored with the beauty of crystal chandeliers we tend to forget that the dazzling shine and light-reflecting qualities originally were used to enhance and distribute the soft light of the candles that once were used as the light source. Those crystals that we love to see sparkle actually served a utilitarian purpose.

I believe placing a crystal chandelier in any room can turn it into a breathtaking space. In the powder room, entryway, or in your romantic bedroom or dressing room, the delicate nature of a crystal chandelier adds a bit of romance to your life.

I have gathered some images that will excite some of you who already are under the spell of the crystal chandelier and hopefully inspire those of you who have never given them much thought....... to think again.


Crystal chandeliers are especially stunning when used in a French interior. If you will use mirrors in the same room you will get even more beautiful sparkle.

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Whether they are ornate and multi-armed or simply feature a large-scale bowl,  crystal chandeliers need a dimmer so homeowners can control the intensity of light. Usually the lighting capability of a chandelier is more than is actually necessary to light the space so they should always be controlled by a dimmer to add to the aesthetic appeal.


Oh my what a lovely space....made all the more divine by the presence of crystal.



Crystal chandeliers and weathered interiors....tres chic.


"Chandelettes," or mini crystal chandeliers, add a new sense of intimacy to small rooms and to corner spaces and alcoves of larger ones. "Minis are even being used as wall sconces in some instances -- and they look fantastic," says lighting and furniture designer Sergio Orozco. 


These compact crystal chandeliers are nine-12 inches in diameter to slip easily into tight spaces. For added impact, consider grouping them. 

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If you love the glamour of a crystal chandelier, you might also want to consider adding a touch of color. Also prisms can be ordered to match the decor of your room, giving you different lighting hues.


Muted colors are a nice addition but stay away from brightly colored prisms or you will lose the elegant antique look of your crystal chandelier.

vibekedesign.blogspot.com

Crystal chandeliers are so beautiful when used alongside rustic accessories.


I like the way this crystal chandelier has been dropped through the canopy!


Loaded with crystals and beads these chandeliers can be dressed up further by the addition of ribbons, lamp shades...... 

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and porcelain flowers and leaves to complete the vintage look. The small crystal chandeliers are less expensive yet they still are statement pieces.


There are so many lovely styles of crystal chandeliers it is hard to choose one. Maybe you are lucky and can afford several!


To me the crystal chandelier is even more elegant when used with stone in a rustic setting.

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A common feature seen on 18th-century chandeliers are daisy-shaped glass buttons.


Crystal chandeliers are one of the hallmark decorating pieces of the shabby chic decorating style. Chandeliers are common in the French cottage decorating style and shabby chic takes inspiration from this style.


DO use chandeliers in a variety of rooms. They look great in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and even home offices.


DON'T limit yourself to just one crystal chandelier. Instead opt for two slightly smaller fixtures.

belclairehouse.blogspot.com

This crystal chandelier relies more on beading than on hanging prisms.

Jane Hall

Crystal chandeliers can easily cross that fine line into garish territory.  Juxtaposed against a crisp and neutral palette, however, these ornate fixtures make a room utterly magnificent.

arcitecturaldigest.com

There is something about the all white background that brings the crystal chandelier to life.

Jacques Garcia

Chateau de Deulin, Luxembourg, via Pinterest


Don't let a crystal chandelier stand alone in a room. Like a star, they need a supporting cast of characters to help them do their job. A chandelier needs supplemental lighting around it in the form of sconces and lamps.


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When adding a crystal chandelier remember that higher ceilings demand larger fixtures.
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I like it when a crystal chandelier seems to float in a room.


It doesn't matter whether a room is casually elegant or opulent, the delicate nature of a crystal chandelier looks wonderful.


I think two crystal chandeliers instead of one is more interesting and a prettier effect.



DO go large rather than small in a dining room. If the crystal fixture seems too large hang it a bit closer to the ceiling so it doesn't feel so overwhelming.



I don't live and die by the rules so I say lower your crystal chandelier to where it just hovers above the table for a lovely effect.

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Hundreds of hand-cut crystal pieces make antique crystal chandeliers a work of art.




Sizing A Chandelier To Your Room

Again I don't usually live and die by the rules....just go by what my eye tells me. But here is a general rule of thumb to determine the proper size chandelier for the foyer add the dimensions together: For example if your foyer is 12’ by 16’, add the 12 plus 16 to get 28. The proper size chandelier would then be 28” diameter. This works for any room. Make sure the bottom of the fixture does not hang more than 7’ from the floor. If windows are present, center the fixture in the window so it can be seen from outside.

To determine the proper size chandelier for a dining table, choose a chandelier with a diameter 12" less than width of table. This assumes the table is sized appropriate for room. It should be hung with the bottom of the fixture 30” above the tabletop for an 8’ ceiling. Go up 3” for each additional foot of ceiling. For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style chandelier to fill the space from the fixture's top to the ceiling.

To size a chandelier for your dining room, or to be the focal point of your space, measure the length and width of the room and add those figures together. The sum, converted to inches, will equal the diameter of the correct-sized chandelier.In most cases, the bottom of your chandelier should sit approximately 30"-32" above the table top.


For more home lighting you might enjoy   Lanterns....An Elegant Way To Light Your Home






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Lisa Farmer