When it comes to crystal chandeliers, most people will probably think of the big, earthy ceiling lamp in their parents’ living room.
90% of people cross out crystal chandeliers when choosing lamps for a new home decor.
Today, we must correct the name of the crystal chandelier. The crystal chandelier may not be too expensive or ugly, but you chose the wrong one!
Crystal chandeliers are very commonly used in Nordic homes. They do not necessarily have to be paired with intricately designed carved plaster lines, heavy furniture and wallpapers.
They create an eye-catching and conflicting effect as long as the tables and chairs are simple and there are large, white walls. Full.
Crystal lamps are generally priced between 8,000 and 10,000 yuan in local stores. Compared with the per capita income of local people, which is well over 20,000 yuan, crystal chandeliers are relatively affordable, but they are definitely not luxury goods.
Crystal lamps can add color and style to any style, including the Nordic light style.
If you want your home to look noble and classy, this treasured piece of furniture is definitely worth owning.
What is ugly and rustic? It’s only for the nobles
A crystal lamp is a chandelier. The earliest chandelier originated in the European Middle Ages. At that time, the design was simple: two wooden beams formed a cross with spikes on each end to hold candles.
Medieval 1460 illustration of a chandelier from King Rene’s Tournament Book
By the 15th Century, gold-plated chandeliers were becoming more complex due to the advancement of production techniques. The metal could reflect the light of candles and became an important element in churches and the homes of wealthy nobles.
Amsterdam church, antique chandelier with candles
Chandelier from the work of 15th-century painter Jan van Eyck
In the 17th century, crystal chandeliers became more and more elaborate. They were first seen in castles and palatial buildings.
Because crystal refracts light better than metal, it makes large spaces appear brighter, luxurious and high-end enough.
After the 18th century, the glass manufacturing industry developed, and glass gradually replaced natural crystal in crystal lamps. The production cost was greatly reduced, and crystal lamps began to spread into ordinary people’s homes, becoming more popular.
Crystal lighting was only developed in China after 2002. Crystal lighting was used for the first time in official occasions, such as the Great Hall of the People or Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. After the reform and opening up, many crystal lamps entered homes and villas.
Around 2006, crystal lamps became popular in various European and Chinese style model houses, and many ordinary families would buy one to decorate and create an atmosphere.
The crystal lamps that we find ugly are by no means the darlings of the European courts mentioned above.
These are ceiling crystal lamps that were imported into China and localized, as well as some modern crystal lights with thick branches and spherical elements.
These new chandeliers have a mixed design, and their proportions are far worse than original classic designs. Materials have been substituted with acrylic or plastic that is cheaper, and the texture of these lamps are very poor.
It’s no wonder that young people think crystal lamps that are randomly piled with elements are earthy, tacky, and expensive. The problem isn’t the crystal lamp, but rather the style. The classic crystal lamp design is elegant and grand.
It is easy to clean the crystal chandelier!
Crystal lamps are not only beautiful, but they can also be difficult to clean.
In fact, you can clean crystal lamps that are suitable for the majority of families with a duster every day. It is not troublesome at all. It can be cleaned every six months, just like any other home furniture.
Wool dusters are also useful. Wool can be used to clean tiny spaces that are difficult to reach with other methods. They can be reached by using thin wool.
It has strong dust cleaning ability. After absorbing the dust, you only need to turn it around and shake it, and all the dust will be dusted off. You can clean it directly without washing. The crystal lamp can be cleaned so easily!
If you only pursue absolute cleanliness in your home, then crystal lamps are really not suitable for you.
But as long as you spend a little more effort, an exquisite crystal lamp can help you achieve a life of quality and style, just like ironing your clothes and cleaning your shoes will make you look more energetic.
Choose crystal lamps in this way
I have decided to buy a crystal lamp, but the crystal lamps on the market are so confusing. How do I choose one without being overstepped?
Classic styles are timeless and you cannot go wrong when buying them. It is important to consider the material, thickness and shape of the lamp.
Lamp stand
In Europe, crystal lamps are designed and modified based on originals found in castles and palaces.
Crystal lamp styles include Louise, Eugene Maria Theresa Empire, Waterfall etc.
Louis style (Louis)
The palaces of that period were influenced by the Baroque-style of Louis XIV. Therefore, the interior furniture was also chosen to emphasize the exquisite craftsmanship and the luxury of spacious rooms.
Brass was used extensively in Louis-style lamps, and brass became a sign of status and power in the upper classes.
The Louis style lamp has a spindle-shaped thick trunk. The brass lamp branch curve is fairly gentle and extends into the flat area. The curved outline and textured luster are still fascinating to this day.
Eugene style (Eugene)
After the European Wars in the 17th century, metals became rare, and glass became a substitute for metals because of its ability to reflect light.
It was at this time that Josef Palme completed the Eugene-style chandelier in 1724 – the first chandelier with a complete glass chandelier in the history of Bohemia, lighting up the Austrian capital. The castle of the Golden Prince.
The Eugene style, in addition to its classic glass arm, is characterized by the simplicity of its trunk, the steep curvature of the lamp branch and the absence of any unnecessary decorations on the candlestick. On the contrary, it is eye-catching and reveals eternal elegance and grace.
The trunk is transparent, giving the chandelier an overall feeling of lightness. Later, there were designs that retained the simple and smooth shape of Eugene’s style, and the material was changed from glass to metal.
Maria Theresa Style
This chandelier was used to illuminate the coronation ceremony of Maria Theresa in 1743.
Maria Theresa’s style crystal chandelier, which is bright and complex, is also typical Rococo. Rococo is more feminine than Baroque, which reflects the world of the men.
The main trunk likes to use arcs and S-shaped shapes, which are full of feminine temperament. Metal and sparkling crystals are paired together. The hanging ceiling and wall are sometimes connected by arcs or ceiling-wide murals. The overall decor is romantic, luxurious and leisure.
Empire style
The Maria Theresa style, with its pretentious curvatures and beautiful decorations, was abandoned at the end of 18th century in favor of simpler forms.
Until the early 19th century, Napoleon followed the example of the ancient Roman Empire to unify Europe. Interior decoration and furniture designs were also influenced by the imperial style, which emphasized clarity, symmetry and elegance.
Imperial style crystal lamps are more stable and full in style, and the material structure is stronger. The structures are usually hidden in the shadows and are arranged in geometrical shapes.
It consists of two parts, the upper part is conical, and the lower part is a bowl-shaped arc, which looks like a large water drop.
After the 19th century, people began to use natural gas lamps and electric lamps. Candle-shaped human lighting sources replaced real candles, which not only reduced the risk of house fires, did not produce wax tears, but also saved the trouble of replacement.
Imperial-style crystal lamps also directly removed the candlesticks and retained only the main part of the design. These lamps were more modern and simple, making them suitable for decorating modern homes.
Waterfall style
The waterfall-style crystal lamp can be regarded as a modern improvement of the Imperial style. The lower part of Imperial style is retained. The crystal falls naturally. There are many shapes for the base, and you can choose from round or square.
The inverted triangle shape is less oppressive than the previous spherical styles. It is friendly to small apartments and families with low floor heights. It also suits a modern, simple and minimalistic room.
The imperial and waterfall styles are the two most popular among these five styles. They have simple shapes, fewer metal frames, and long streamlined styles that will not look bloated visually and are more versatile.
Louis style, Eugene Style and Maria Theresa Style are all too obvious and give off a strong feeling of age. They are more suitable for palaces, high-end hotels, or homes with heavy colors. Ordinary people just can’t hold them.
If you really like the traditional style, the simple Eugene style will match better. As shown in the picture below, try to choose a style with fewer branches and layers. The decorative elements of the room should also be simple, so that it is not easy to be confused.
Look at the material
The main components of crystal lamps are metal arms and arms made from glass. Avoid buying crystal lamps that have thick branches. If they are thick, they tend to look rustic. Do not have too many carvings. The most versatile are golden metal arms with thin branches.
The golden metal arm appears more delicate than the glass.
Look at the size
Most residential buildings are 2.52.8m high. This height makes people think that crystal lamps will not be suitable. They can appear crowded, high and depressing.
Crystal lamps are not excluded. Imperial style and waterfall style crystal lamps are friendly choices. Crystal chandeliers in other styles are usually suspended from the ceiling. The height of the ceiling must be at least 3m.
The door frame in the image below shows that the height of the floor is approximately 2.5m.
The transparent crystal lamp frame above the dining room table doesn’t have an oppressive feeling. Instead, it lowers our attention and ignores the ceiling, which is very effective in increasing the distance between people and the ceiling.
You don’t need to worry about floor height if the height of the home is greater than 2.8m. It is not too flashy, but it’s still prominent. It can be installed in the living room, dining room, entrance hall, or even bathroom.
The size of the crystal lamp mainly depends on the height from the ground. It will not reach the head if it is installed in the living area as the main lamp. The bottom is at least 2~2.1m from the ground.
Hanging directly above the dining table, not directly above the restaurant, the bottom of the crystal chandelier should be 75~90cm away from the tabletop.
The volume of the lamp is the main factor that determines the diameter. The main crystal lamp in the living room should be no smaller than 40cm. It is primarily for decoration. The lower effect is more attractive.
Like the earlier traditional chandeliers, the branches develop horizontally. The diameter of 5060cm works best in large living areas. When installed, it is the focus of the room.
The diameter of a crystal chandelier for a restaurant should be at least 2/3 or 3/4 the size of the tabletop. A more complex design will look larger than it actually is, so the width needs to be slightly reduced.
You can use two or three crystal chandeliers that are 1/3 the size of the table if the tabletop is long.
Lighting method
Louis style, Eugene style and Maria Theresa style crystal lamps, the bulbs are in the shape of upward candles. E14 LED bulbs are generally used, and the light floats upward;
Imperial and waterfall light bulbs are designed with downward and horizontal orientation. E14 and E27 bulbs are large and have spherical bulbs.
Installed directly on the ceiling, eliminating the need for light lines, it not only has a strong decorative effect, but also ensures the brightness of the vertical space below.
If a crystal light is used in the bedroom and other rooms, you will need to use other sources of light to help with the lighting. Otherwise, the light will not be enough and the light texture will be too monotonous.
Cost-effective but not cheap!
All crystal chandeliers available on the market start at 1,000 yuan. The origin and purity of the crystal determine the price difference. Crystals that are more transparent and crisper have a higher price and better quality.
You don’t have to go for Swarovski crystal if you like the shape. The production cost of Chinese crystal is low, and we can buy a good-looking crystal lamp at a lower price, which is very cost-effective.
Most of China’s crystal lamps use K9 material, which has higher light transmittance, refractive effect, hardness and texture than resin materials.
Artificial crystals are about 15% lighter than real crystals, so they won’t be as heavy when installed in the ceiling.
The majority of China’s crystal lamps are produced in Zhongshan. The majority of crystal lamps on this list are also made in these locations.
After searching in China for crystal lamps, J@s Lighting has the most products. These are mainly chandeliers that are exquisite, transparent, and can be used on balconies or restaurants. There are three sizes of each model: large, medium, and small.
Small-sized waterfall-style chandeliers and wall lamps are more suitable for small apartments. The combination of crystal and brass is classic and eye-catching. It is romantic when installed next to the bedside of the bedroom.
Imperial style crystal lamps are difficult to find on Taobao, but there are still a few good ones that we can recommend.
Candlesticks are available in styles to complement warm light bulbs. You can choose a corresponding number of arms according to the size of the installation space.
Six heads will fit a 1525m2 space; eight heads will fit a 2535m2 space.
If you like more crystals, you can check out this one. The retro and elegant hanging shape stretches the space without looking bulky and depressing. It looks romantic and grand when paired with American and Nordic styles.
The style without candlesticks is visually more concise, and the classical and romantic brass lamp ring shape is exquisite enough to attract the eye. It is very suitable for homes that like romantic and light luxury style.
The store has a 10 year experience in manufacturing copper lamps. It has an offline physical store, and you can also consult customer service to design crystal lamps for the whole house.
Crystal lamps are European made. Only by completely copying domestic designs can they be made to look good. There are also relatively few styles in China, making it difficult to purchase them.
The best way is to look at salted fish and go shopping for original, retro and second-hand crystal lamps from abroad. It will cost a bit more. When purchasing, you should check whether the crystal has cracks, bubbles, water ripples and Impurities.
Some tips summarized:
There will be no problem if the crystal chandelier is installed directly on the cement floor;
It is safer to install crystal and lamp panels in the suspended area by drilling them through the floor and installing them there.
Classic crystal chandeliers are considered classics because, unlike Internet celebrity designs that have become outdated and discarded after a few short years, they will remain relevant in the modern age after thousands of updates and upgrades of aesthetic trends.