Everything you need to know about a crystal chandelier.
Date : 15 Aug 2021
Everything you need to know about a crystal chandelier.
Chandeliers have always been a symbol of wealth and elegance, a major mood setter and centerpiece of every dining hall and ballroom. Dating way back to the fifteenth century when these light fixtures used to be simple candle holders, they have now developed into stunning crystal lighting fixtures. And these days, if you wish to add some extra luxury to your place or go for a sophisticated and classic look it might seem that a chandelier would be the perfect option.
However, you should keep in mind, that when it comes to crystal chandeliers, one size doesn’t fit all. There are numerous different types of chandeliers, and each one of them might complement a various range of styles. That is why it is best to educate yourself on this important matter first and then shop around before making a final decision.
So, with all that being said what are these various types of chandeliers and what makes them unique? All of that will be explained in more detail below.
What is a chandelier?
First of all, let’s figure out what is a modern-day chandelier? Essentially, a chandelier is a lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling. It features multiple lamps that arranged in multiple tiers and are used to create the ambient atmosphere. While chandeliers are usually placed in the halls and dining rooms, they also can be used in the living rooms and patios to create a statement.
There are several different types of chandeliers, like candle-styled, shaded, drum, sputnik, globe, wagon wheel, and many more.
But today we will focus on the most luxurious and elegant type of chandeliers – crystal chandeliers.
Crystal chandeliers are made of glass, but not the regular type that is usually used to make a cup or a window. These crystals are produced by merging intricate glass parts at a very high temperature and milting hot ash, lead, and silica sand along with the other ingredients which make them heavier and way more sparkling. All the pieces are then hand-cut and polished into various angles and shapes.
Nevertheless, not all the crystals are alike. There are lots of various types of crystal glass available coming in a range of cuts, styles, and price points.
The types of chandelier crystals:
1. Swarovski Crystal
Manufactured in the Austrian Alps following a generations-old secret process by Swarovski AG, Swarovski Elements are the finest crystals in the world. Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors these crystals are flawless, brilliant, and uniquely pure. Generally, machine cut and polished these crystals obtain razor-sharp faceting and ideal optic clarity.
2. Morrocan/Egyptian (Gemcut) Crystal
Though not as perfect as Swarovski Crystals, Gemcut crystals possess flawlessness and clarity beyond industry standards. They are characterized by visual purity, precise polishing, and prismatic brilliance.
3. Turkish Handcut Crystal
The method of creating this type of crystal is labor-intensive and dates back centuries. At first, a crystal is manually cut in two stages and then polished on a wheel covered with marble dust.
4. Italian (Venetian) Crystal
This crystal has a very unique feel and look and it comes from the famous glass-making region nearby Venice. Italian crystal is fire-polished in comparison to the hand or machine cut, ensuring the mesmerizing delicate luminosity. It is very reasonably priced, in contrast to the other cut-type crystals.
5. K9 (Chinese) Crystal
This mass-produced crystal type is a perfect choice for value-minded consumers. It is machine cut and then polished to appear like more expensive grades and has precise facets.
Now let’s talk about things you need to know to ensure the perfect appearance of a chandelier in the interior design.
Things to consider when choosing a perfect crystal chandelier:
• Positioning
When assembling a crystal chandelier, you need to make sure that the placement is centered as possible, due to the following reasons:
- Symmetry: To create a perfect visual balance a chandelier is best placed in a central location.
- General Light: Centered position will ensure an even distribution of the artificial ambient light.
- Aesthetic: A perfect placing will offer an ideal 360-degree view to admire all the stunning elements of the chandelier.
• Installation Height
If you decide to hand the chandelier in the dining room you should ensure at least 30 inches above the dining table to allow people to see each other without getting a glare in their eyes.
For the installation in the other rooms always keep the safe clearance and the line of sight in mind. The chandelier should not block the view or interfere with the safely moving around the room.
• Brightness
The perfect lumen count for an ambient lighting fixture is based on the space’s square footage. Usually, per 100 square feet, one needs around 300-400 lumens. So, it would be wise to consider the lumen output of a chandelier as a part of your selecting process.
