Crystal chandeliers

When it gets cold and damp outside, you want at least the house to be light and warm. The most important light source in most apartments is the chandelier. And if it is also crystal, then its value grows in multiples.

Many people associate crystal chandeliers with luxurious palace halls, where they fully correspond to the surrounding splendor. But in connection with the expansion of the market in this area, many manufacturers have appeared offering budgetary, but at the same time beautiful and elegant crystal chandeliers. If you still do not know what types of crystal chandeliers are, how to choose the right lamp and how to take care of it later, then this article is for you.

Crystal has long been considered a special material, it was endowed with healing and even magical properties. In terms of chemical composition, crystal is glass, which, among other things, contains lead oxide, which makes the crystal so unique. It increases the refractive index of light, which provides, in the literal sense of the word, the "brilliant" ability of crystal. In addition, lead oxide gives the glass plasticity and facilitates easier processing of the crystal.

Many different things are produced from crystal: these are dishes, jewelry, and including crystal chandeliers. The latter most clearly demonstrate the beauty and grace of crystal, because reflected from numerous surfaces, light is refracted hundreds of times, and this is how an amazing play of light is achieved. Even the most ordinary lamp, decorated with crystal pendants, becomes unique.

The main feature by which the lamps are divided is the method of attachment. Following this trait, there are two types: pendant and ceiling chandelier:

• Suspended attached with a hook and hanger (usually a chain). Such chandeliers make a stunning impression, their beauty, elegance and luxury are mesmerizing. We meet them in spacious foyers, halls, theaters and museums. Not a single palace hall is complete without a crystal suspended cascade.

• Ceiling crystal chandeliers are attached to the ceiling itself, preserving free space, making them suitable for ordinary living spaces such as a city apartment. For example, in the bedroom it would be a great solution to hang an arm lamp with a lampshade or with shades, complemented by crystal drop pendants.

A serious competitor to the pendant chandelier is a crystal chandelier with a ring and a dome. It looks not at all cumbersome, on the contrary: graceful pendants creating an inverted dome add lightness and airiness to the interior. Do not forget about this type of lamp as a sconce. A crystal sconce in the shape of grapes on the living room wall will be a highlight of the interior, and a comfortable chair next to it will become the most comfortable place in the house.

For those who prefer modern, innovative ideas, the engineers have created a crystal chandelier with LED bulbs. It can be controlled using the remote control, switching lighting modes, depending on the time of day, situation or just mood. The undoubted advantage of such a light source is the low consumption of electrical energy and super convenient operation.

Modern lamps delight with a variety of designs.If earlier the Czech Republic was considered the main supplier of crystal light sources, now glass factories in Spain, China, Italy and a number of other countries also create a huge number of high-quality chandeliers.

Healthy competition provides many stylistic solutions and forms: pendants, balls and drops - all this gives a lot of options for choosing a chandelier. In this case, one should focus on the design of the room for which the lamp is selected. For example, balls or forged candles would be a good solution for an Art Nouveau interior.

A chandelier with lenses and pendants in the shape of butterflies will suit the room of a young girl who is just as energetic and sophisticated. Lovers of the Middle Ages can recommend a crystal lamp with forging. By hanging it in the living room and complementing the interior with a fireplace and a carpet in the form of a wild animal's skin, you will create an indescribable atmosphere of that time.

For famous, influential people who value compliance with status, a chandelier with Swarovski crystal would be a worthy choice. Each lens in it is subjected to handmade jewelry processing. The purity of the morning dew, the transparency of a tear and the shine of the water surface under the midday sun - this cannot be found in any other type of crystal.

One of the most important criteria when choosing a light source is its size. Too small a chandelier will not provide enough light, and too large will look pretentious and cumbersome. To determine the optimal size, there is a special formula: the minimum diameter is the sum of the length and width of the room and multiplied by 5, and the maximum diameter is equal to the sum of the length and width of the room multiplied by 10. That is, for a living room of 6 m by 10 m you will need a chandelier with a diameter of 80 cm to 160 cm. In the dining room, be guided by the size of the table, in the bedroom - by the size of the bed.

The configuration of the chandelier frame can also be any:

• In offices, reception rooms and other rooms where you need to tune in to a business working mood, it is logical to use square and rectangular crystal chandeliers. They add completeness and rigor to the atmosphere. Also, geometric chandeliers are applicable in hallways, since they do not take up much space.
• Square ceiling chandeliers have a special effect with rhombuses and balls strung on crystal threads... Refraction and reflection of light from such elements creates an amazing radiance that gently envelops the room.

• Round or oval crystal beauty is a good option in almost any interior. Hang it in your living room and it will draw with it a special atmosphere of wealth and abundance. Elegant pendants will fill the room with lightness and illusion of magic. With a crystal lamp, you can feel like true masters.
• In rooms limited by low ceilings, designers suggest using flat crystal chandeliers. They consist of a panel pressed against the ceiling, metal fittings and lamps, which can be LED or halogen. This option can be used in a children's room, as the most vandal-proof and safe.

Contrary to stereotypes, crystal beauties can be not only transparent and white, but also colored. But then the question arises: which chandelier to choose - neutral or colored? Of course, in this matter it is worth focusing on the general design, taking into account the style, palette, and also the congestion of details.

Chandeliers in beige, smoky, silver shades will be universal for most interiors. Colored chandeliers are best used as light sources in modern interiors. For example, a monochrome interior in soothing colors can be diluted with blue pillows and a chandelier of the same shade.

For a clearer idea, let's see where a crystal chandelier of a particular shade will be most successfully applied:

• White. White is a classic.Any interior and any style will gratefully accept a white chandelier, filling the room with subtlety and elegance.

• Black. Black light fixtures give the room a dramatic, gothic atmosphere. Accordingly, it is a good choice for styles such as glamor, baroque and minimalism. If all the details are chosen correctly, then the chandelier will be an effective finishing touch in the chosen interior.

• Red and pink. Red is the color of sensuality and passion. He always attracts the eye and is able to draw all the attention to himself, therefore, the main thing is not to overdo it with him. In glamorous and modern interiors, a red crystal chandelier will be quite appropriate.

• Blue, blue and turquoise. Many people associate blue with the sky, lightness and serenity, which is why chandeliers of these shades are very popular. They are suitable for a wide variety of designs and provide many different stylistic solutions. One of the fashion trends is blue and turquoise beaded chandeliers. Hang them in your dining area for a smart, flirty kitchen.

• Green. A green crystal chandelier is like a breath of fresh air. Surely, it will brighten any interior and give it a clean, cool accent.

• Silver and chrome. Chrome chandeliers can be used in modern high tech style. Chrome serves as an excellent light reflector and shines brightly in the sun.

• Yellow. A chandelier with a yellow tint is one of the few unfortunate options. Such a chandelier will lack expressiveness, because the light emitted by bulbs initially looks yellow.

Do not think that crystal excludes the use of other materials. For example, the combination of crystal pendants and a thin fabric shade gives the lamp lightness and sophistication. Porcelain shades represent reliability and luxury, while brass fittings demonstrate durability and stability.

Glass pendants and shades can also be graceful and beautiful. For example, Czech glass, which is also called crystal, is actually not crystal; they are two different materials. But no one will argue with the beauty and luxury of Czech glass.

If you ask your parents about whose production was the chandelier that they bought before, then, undoubtedly, they will answer that it was the Czech Republic. In those days, it was the most popular crystal manufacturer. However, now the situation has changed and Czech companies have many competitors:

• One of the most expensive and prestigious manufacturers is the brand Swarovski... A small sconce made of such crystal will cost from $ 1000, and you will have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a large lamp. It is no surprise that Swarovski crystal chandeliers are found only in the homes of famous people, penthouses and halls.
• Another well-known company for the production of crystal - Asfour, Egypt. The prices for her products are much lower than for Swarovski, however, the Asfour chandeliers are no less elegant and also attract attention.

• In Italy, chandeliers are produced by companies such as Mariner, I. Veneziana Lampadari and J. Vila... They usually use floristic motives and copying of historical designs.
• Products and services Spanish firms has the highest quality and can compete not only with Italian, but also with German brands.

• The largest Czech crystal producers are companies Preciosa and Bohemia Light Crystal... Bohemian crystal chandeliers were one of the first to appear in Russia, and they are the ones that illuminate the halls of the State Duma and the Kremlin.
• Austrian chandeliers are considered one of the world leaders, crystal ceiling chandeliers Eglo and Globo (Austria) are popular with buyers.
• Crystal chandeliers from Germany Is a great investment in the future. Their luxury and sophistication are undeniable. Like a good, expensive wine, their value only grows over the years. You can rest assured that you will pass on the German chandelier from generation to generation.

• We have our own representative of the crystal business in Russia - this is a well-known city Gus Khrustalny... Many houses have chandeliers that are made in Russia and are valued no less than Italian or Egyptian ones.

• If an expensive crystal chandelier is too expensive for you, turn your attention to the lamps made in China... Among them, you can pick up a decent option with impeccable quality and at the same time inexpensive.

Crystal is a very sensitive and fragile material, therefore, sometimes, due to careless handling, a terrible thing can happen to a crystal chandelier: a piece breaks off from some of its parts. In this case, do not panic and immediately run to the store for a new one, because it still costs a lot of money. The broken-off element can be glued and if everything is done carefully, then no one will ever notice the breakdown.

1. To carry out the restoration, silicate glue is required.
2. The piece to be restored must be thoroughly washed with water and dried.
3. Then the surface of the chip should be degreased so that the glue seizes as firmly as possible.
4. The glue should be applied as thinly as possible, and then the element should be pressed against the whole part.
5. Any glue that has escaped should be removed with a soft piece of cloth until it dries.

As you can see, troubleshooting is very easy.

Of course, it may also happen that the breakdown will be more significant, and your chandelier will suffer, for example, a whole horn or shade.

This option is also not a disaster, since, fortunately, there are stores not only for crystal chandeliers, but also for their spare parts. They have a large selection of pendants, horns and shades, including spare parts for rare models.

In addition, other accessories such as sockets, connectors, hooks and other accessories can be purchased there.

A crystal chandelier is definitely a very beautiful thing. But at the same time, it requires careful care, because if the dust is not removed in time, the shine of the crystal will fade. There are many different crystal cleaning sprays out there now, so the process doesn't take long and shouldn't scare you.

Before the "bath" procedure, it is imperative to turn off the light. Then you need to spray the cleaner on the chandelier and wipe all parts with a dry cloth. Remember that the lenses are very fragile, be extremely careful and attentive. Of course, if there are a lot of pendants, then the event may drag on, but the result will surely please you and your chandelier will shine in a new way.

The design options for crystal chandeliers are very numerous. The lamp can have various shapes and sizes, be decorated with pendants, threads, shades and lamps in the form of candles. There is even a saying that this interior needs to be matched to the original chandelier, and not vice versa.

Many are stopped by the thought that a crystal chandelier can only be hung in a large room, but this is not the case. Even for the bathroom, you can pick up a small neat lamp, the droplet-shaped pendants of which will be associated with water drops. The main thing to remember is the size.

• For small rooms and low ceilings, it is better to use small chandeliers, they can also be stylish and beautiful. Do not hide the space with unnecessary details such as candles or pendants, settle for a flat ceiling model.The space of living rooms and halls, on the contrary, allows the use of cascading pendant chandeliers (of course, provided there is sufficient space).

• Fans of original ideas can find a solution for themselves in the form of a chandelier of an unusual shape, for example, in the form of a ship. Do not hesitate, skilled craftsmen, can recreate even the smallest details, and the delight of your friends will be provided to you.

• In the bedroom, be guided by the surrounding interior, color scheme and bed size. Do not overload the room with overly flashy chandelier details and bright light. Remember that diffused light is the most suitable light for a room, so get a model so that the light refracts and reflects off the elements of the lamp.

Today, everyone can buy a beautiful chandelier that satisfies all their wishes. When choosing, be guided by your taste, but do not neglect the advice of professionals, and then the chandelier will bring you not only light, but also joy.

When choosing a chandelier, many look at the crystal options with envy, but believe that such a beauty will not fit their interior. In fact, a crystal chandelier can easily fit into almost any interior, the main thing is to choose it correctly.

Nowadays, the modern style is becoming very popular. This style gives the room a modern look and allows you to get away from boring stereotypes in apartment design. Therefore, if excessive pomp is not to your liking, and at the same time you want to go beyond strict limits, the Art Nouveau chandelier will be a good option.

Another popular destination is Provence. It was given to us by the French, and most of all it is suitable for country houses, where it looks the most harmonious.

Crystal chandeliers in this direction are quite common, they are usually decorated without unnecessary pretentiousness, have a floral design and candle light bulbs. These kind of lamps will look great in the kitchen, dining room or bedroom. They will fill the room with coziness and create an atmosphere of comfort.

Of course, you can't neglect the timeless classics either. A classic crystal chandelier is a guarantee of sophistication and elegance. The classics will always fit perfectly into the kitchen, the bedroom, and the living room. Typically, classic chandeliers are used to illuminate living rooms, in the setting of which they bring solemnity and sublimity.

A variety of beautiful crystal chandeliers are in the video below.