Most people think of crystal chandeliers when they picture the large, earthy ceiling lamps in their parents’ living rooms.
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!
In Nordic homes, crystal chandeliers are used very often. It is not necessary to pair them with heavy furniture, wallpapers and intricately carved plaster designs.
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.
Good-looking crystal lamps are not only suitable for the most popular light luxury style now, but can also add color to the light and refreshing Nordic 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? Only nobles can have it
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. Metal could reflect candlelight and was used in many churches and wealthy noble’s homes.
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.
Crystal reflects lightbetter compared to metal. This makes spaces look brighter and luxurious.
After the 18th century, the glass manufacturing industry developed, and glass gradually replaced natural crystal in crystal lamps. Crystal lamps became more popular as the production costs were reduced.
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. 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.
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.
The design level of these new crystal chandelier lamps is mixed, and the proportions of the shapes are much worse than the original classic designs. The materials have also been replaced with cheaper acrylic or plastic, and the texture is very poor.
It’s no wonder that young people think crystal lamps that are randomly piled with elements are earthy, tacky, and expensive. In fact, the problem is not the crystal lamp itself, but the wrong style. The classic crystal lamp design is elegant and grand.
Cleaning the crystal chandelier is no trouble at all!
In addition to style, many people are also afraid of crystal lamps because they are worried about the trouble of cleaning.
But in fact, crystal lamps suitable for most families can be cleaned daily with a duster. It is not troublesome at all. It can be cleaned every six months, just like any other home furniture.
A wool duster is also very useful. It can reach some tiny places that cannot be cleaned with ordinary methods, such as the gaps between lamp stands, gaps in cabinets at home, and plant petals. 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. It is so convenient to clean the crystal lamp!
Crystal lamps are not for those who only want to keep their home clean.
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?
When buying styles that have existed in history, you can’t go wrong by following the classic style. It is important to consider the material, thickness and shape of the lamp.
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 (Louis)
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. 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. It is eye-catching, and it reveals elegance and grace that will never fade.
The transparent trunk gives the chandelier a sense of lightness as a whole. Later designs retained Eugene’s simple, smooth style but the material changed from glass into metal.
Maria Theresa style
This chandelier was used to illuminate the coronation ceremony of Maria Theresa 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. Sometimes, the ceiling and wall are connected with arcs or murals that cover the ceiling. The overall decoration is romantic, luxurious and Leisure.
Empire style
At the end of the 18th century, the Maria Theresa style with its overly pretentious curves and gorgeous decorations was abandoned in favor of simple forms, and the decorative styles were unified to those of ancient Rome and Greece.
Napoleon, up until the beginning of the 19th century followed the example set by the ancient Roman Empire in unifying Europe. The resulting imperial style also affected interior decoration and furniture design, emphasizing clarity, symmetry, moderation 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.
Electric and natural gas lamps were introduced in the late 19th century. 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 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
It is possible to consider the waterfall-styled crystal lamp as an improvement on the Imperial style. It retains the lower part of the Imperial style. The crystal hangs down naturally. You can choose between round or square bases.
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 also suits a modern, simple and minimalistic room.
Among these five styles, the most recommended ones for everyone to buy are the imperial style and the waterfall style. These styles are characterized by simple shapes, less metal frames and long, streamlined designs that do not appear bloated and are more versatile.
Louis style, Eugene style and Maria Theresa style are too obvious in style and have a strong sense 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.
The simple Eugene style is a good choice if you like the traditional look. Try to select a style that has fewer layers and branches, as shown in the image below. The decorative elements of the room should also be simple, so that it is not easy to be confused.
Check out the material
Crystal lamps are mainly made of metal arms and glass arms. Avoid buying crystal lamps that have 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.
Look at the size
The height of most domestic residential buildings is 2.5~2.8m, which inevitably makes many people worry that crystal lamps are not suitable and can easily appear high, crowded and depressing.
In fact, there is no need to exclude crystal lamps. Crystal lamps in the imperial style or waterfall style are good choices. Crystal chandeliers of several other styles usually hang down 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 frame of the crystal lamp above the dining table does not have a heavy sense of oppression. Instead, it lowers our attention and ignores the ceiling, which is very effective in increasing the distance between people and the ceiling.
If the floor height of your home is more than 2.8m, you don’t have to worry about the floor height at all. 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 height of the lamp is the main factor that determines the size. If it is installed as the main light in the living room, it will not touch the head. The bottom should be at least 22.1m above the ground.
The bottom of the crystal chandelier, when hanging directly above a dining table and not above a restaurant, should be 75-90 cm away from the top surface.
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. For use in large living rooms, the diameter of 50~60cm is most suitable. 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.
You can use two or three crystal chandeliers that are 1/3 the size of the table if the tabletop is long.
Lighting method
The bulbs of Louis style, Eugene and Maria Theresa crystal lamps are shaped like upward candles. The light is emitted by E14 LEDs and is aimed upward.
Imperial style and waterfall style light bulbs are designed horizontally and downwards. E14 and E27 bulbs are large and have spherical bulbs.
It is installed directly on the ceiling and does not require light lines. This has a decorative effect but also brightens the 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. The light would be insufficient and the texture of the light too monotonous if it were used elsewhere.
Inexpensive but expensive, super cost-effective!
Crystal chandeliers on the market all start at a thousand 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.
If you just like the shape of the crystal lamp, you don’t necessarily have to pursue the high-end texture of Swarovski crystal. 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.
This kind of artificial crystal is about 15% lighter than natural crystal, so you don’t have to worry too much about load-bearing when installed on the ceiling.
The majority of China’s crystal lamps are produced in Zhongshan. Most of the crystal lamps listed below are also produced in these places.
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. Each model has different models of large, medium and small to choose from.
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.
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.
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.
This one is also a good choice if you want more crystals. The retro and elegant hanging shape stretches the space without looking bulky and depressing. When paired with American, Nordic and light luxury styles, it looks grand and romantic.
The style without candlesticks is visually more concise, and the classical and romantic brass lamp ring shape is exquisite enough to attract 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. 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. The price will be a little more expensive. When purchasing, you should check whether the crystal has cracks, bubbles, water ripples and Impurities.
A summary of some tips:
The crystal chandelier can be installed directly on a 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.