When it comes to crystal chandeliers, most people will probably think of the big, earthy ceiling lamp in their parents’ living room.
When choosing lamps for their new home decoration, 90% of people will make a cross in their minds about crystal chandeliers.
We must now correct the name of a crystal chandelier. It’s not that the crystal chandelier is too ugly or expensive, but that you didn’t choose the right one!
In Nordic homes, crystal chandeliers are used very often. They do not necessarily have to be paired with intricately designed carved plaster lines, heavy furniture and wallpapers.
As long as they are simple tables and chairs and large white walls, they create a wonderful sense of conflict and eye-catching effect. Full.
Crystal lamps are generally priced between 8,000 and 10,000 yuan in local stores. Crystal chandeliers, compared to the local per capita income, is relatively affordable. However, they are not luxury items.
Crystal lamps can add color and style to any style, including the Nordic light style.
This piece of furniture will make your home look elegant and noble.
Ugly and rustic? Only nobles can have it
Crystal lamp is actually a type of 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 made from the paintings of Jan van Eyck (15th century).
And people made more expensive and more exquisite crystal chandeliers, which first appeared in castles and palaces in the 17th century.
Because crystal refracts light better than metal, it makes large spaces appear brighter, luxurious and high-end enough.
The glass industry developed in the 18th century and gradually glass replaced natural crystal for 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. It was first used in formal occasions such as the Great Hall of the People and Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Crystal lamps were used in homes and villas after the reform and opening.
Crystal lamps were popularized in 2006 for decorating and creating an atmosphere.
The crystal lamps that we find ugly are by no means the darlings of the European courts mentioned above.
They are “ceiling crystal lamps” that have been localized after being imported to China, and some modern crystal lamps with spherical and thick branch 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.
No wonder young people find crystal lamps with random elements piled on top of them tacky and expensive. In fact, the problem is not the crystal lamp itself, but the wrong style. The classic design of the crystal lamp is elegant and grand.
It is easy to clean the crystal chandelier!
In addition to style, many people are also afraid of crystal lamps because they are worried about the trouble of cleaning.
In fact, you can clean crystal lamps that are suitable for the majority of families with a duster every day. This isn’t a problem at all. It can be cleaned every six months, just like any other home furniture.
A wool duster is also very 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. It can be cleaned 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.
Crystal lamp should be chosen like this
The crystal lamps available on the market make me so confused. How can I pick one without going overboard?
Classic styles are timeless and you cannot go wrong when buying them. The most important thing is to look at the thickness, shape and material of the lamp stand.
Lamp stand
In Europe, the shapes of crystal lamps are modified and designed based on the original ones in palaces and castles.
Common crystal lamp styles include Louis, Eugene, Maria Theresa, Empire, Waterfall, etc.
Louis style (Louise)
Influenced by the Baroque style of the Louis XIV period, the palace buildings at that time were all extremely magnificent, so the selection of indoor furniture also deliberately emphasized exquisite skills and pursued the luxury of large spaces.
In addition, the craftsmanship of casting brass became more sophisticated in the 18th century, and Louis-style crystal lamps made extensive use of brass materials, which became a symbol of power and status in the upper class.
The Louis style lamp has a spindle-shaped thick trunk. The brass lamp branch curve is fairly gentle and extends into the flat area. Even today, the curved outline and textured shine are fascinating.
Eugene style (Eugene)
Metals became scarce after the European Wars of the 17th century. Glass became a replacement for metals due to its ability 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 transparent trunk gives the chandelier a sense of lightness as a whole. 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
The Maria Theresa style was the most opulent of the styles, and this chandelier illuminated the coronation of Maria Theresa, Queen of Bohemia, in 1743.
The Maria Theresa-style crystal chandelier is also a typical Rococo style, bright and complicated. If Baroque expresses the world of men, then the feminine characteristics of Rococo style are more obvious.
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 decoration 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.
Napoleon, up until the beginning of the 19th century followed the example set by the ancient Roman Empire in unifying Europe. Interior decoration and furniture designs were also influenced by the imperial style, which emphasized clarity, symmetry and elegance.
Imperial style crystal lamps have a more robust material structure and are more stable. They are often arranged in geometric shapes, and the structures are hidden and wrapped in shadows.
The upper part of the ring is conical and the lower part has a bowl shape arc that looks like a big water drop.
After the 19th century, people began to use natural gas lamps and electric lamps. Human lighting sources in the form of candles replaced real ones, reducing the risk of fires and preventing wax tears.
Imperial-style crystal lamp designs also remove the candlesticks, leaving only the main design. They looked more simple and modern, and were suitable for decoration in 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 triangular shape is more comfortable than previous spherical designs. This is a good choice for small apartments or families with low ceiling heights. It is also more suitable for modern and simple room atmosphere.
Among these five styles, the most recommended ones for everyone to buy are the imperial style and the waterfall style. 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. These are better suited for palaces, luxury hotels or homes that have a lot of color. Ordinary people just can’t hold them.
If you really like the traditional style, the simple Eugene style will match better. Try to select a style that has fewer layers and branches, as shown in the image below. It is important that the decorative elements in the room are simple so as to not be easily confused.
Check out the material
Crystal lamps are mainly made of metal arms and glass arms. Do not buy crystal lamps with thick branches. If they are thick, they tend to look rustic. Avoid carvings that are too intricate. Golden metal arms with thin branches are the most versatile.
The golden metal arm appears more delicate than the glass.
Size matters
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. Ceiling height must be 3m or more.
As shown in the picture below, you can see from the door frame that the floor height of the room is about 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. The small crystal chandelier is prominent enough without being too flashy. 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 diameter of the crystal lamp mainly depends on the volume of the crystal lamp. 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.
The branches are horizontally arranged, just like the traditional chandeliers. The diameter of 5060cm works best in large living areas. When installed, it is the focus of the room.
For a crystal chandelier in a restaurant, the diameter should be 2/3 or 3/4 of the tabletop. The width should be reduced if the design is complex. This will make it appear larger than what it really is.
If the tabletop is relatively long, you can consider two or three small crystal chandeliers with a diameter of 1/3 of the table.
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 style and waterfall style light bulbs are designed horizontally and downwards. Both E14 and E27 light bulbs have large lamp mouths, and most use spherical light 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.
Inexpensive but expensive, super cost-effective!
All crystal chandeliers available on the market start at 1,000 yuan. The origin and purity of the crystal determine the price difference. Crystals with better crispness and transparency are of better quality and more expensive.
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 shopping around for crystal lamps in China, j@s lighting has the majority of products, mainly chandeliers, which are transparent and exquisite and suitable for use on balconies and 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. Installed next to the bedside in the bedroom, it is full of romance.
Taobao is not a good place to buy Imperial style crystal lamps, but we do have a few that are worth recommending.
There are candlestick styles that complement warm light bulbs. The number of arms can be chosen according to the size and shape of the installation area.
Four heads are suitable for a space of 5~15m^2; six heads are suitable for a space of 15~25m^2; eight heads are suitable for a space of 25~35m^2.
If you like more crystals, you can check out this one. The elegant and retro hanging shape expands the space without making it look bulky or depressing. When paired with American, Nordic and light luxury styles, it looks grand and romantic.
The brass lamp rings are a classic and romantic shape that is sure to catch the eye. This is a great choice for those who like a romantic, light style.
The store has a 10 year experience in manufacturing copper lamps. You can visit the store in person and consult with customer service about designing crystal lamps for your entire home.
Crystal lamps are European made. They can only look good if they are completely copied from domestic designs. There are also relatively few styles in China, making it difficult to purchase them.
It is best to buy original crystal lamps, vintage and retro from overseas. The price will be a little more expensive. Check the crystal for cracks, bubbles or water ripples.
A summary of some tips:
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.
The reason why classics crystal chandelier are classics is that unlike Internet celebrity models that become obsolete and eliminated after a few years, classic designs will still have vitality in modern times after thousands of years of updating and upgrading of aesthetic trends.