Modern Crystal Chandeliers

Many people believe that crystal chandeliers are from a time long past.  These people couldn’t be farther from wrong.  Crystal chandeliers are gaining in popularity once again and manufacturers are responding to the demand by designing beautiful crystal chandeliers in modern, contemporary styles.  These lights look different than their predecessors, but are no less beautiful.

The hallmark of modern crystal chandeliers is that they employ less crystals than their antique predecessors.  Modern designers have a less is more attitude, which is reflected in modern crystal chandeliers.  Look for strategically placed crystals that will still scatter light, but requires a lower quantity of crystals to achieve the same effect.

Another great trend in modern crystal chandelier making is to use different shapes for the crystals.  Modern gem cutting allows light to be scattered more efficiently, meaning less crystals can be used to get the same results.  Square edges, and uniquely shaped hanging crystals are one of the most popular trends currently.

Finally, modern crystal chandeliers tend to only have a single tier.  Often they are installed flush against the ceiling and one single row of crystals hangs down.  The minimalist effect fits in line with modern designs of present day.

If you never thought you could have crystal chandeliers in your home because of your style choices, think again.  Crystal chandeliers have evolved to work in today's homes, and there are plenty of styles to choose from to get the right fit for your home.

WHY CHOOSE A CRYSTAL CHANDELIER

There are so many different things to think of when you are choosing lighting.  Many times you need to look at the room you are considering and decide what type of lighting will look best. Crystalchandeliers tend to add a distinction and elegance to any room. There are many different kinds that you can choose from, match it to any taste. The colors can be different, the material and the design, you just have to know what you are looking for.

There are also many different reasons that people choose crystal chandeliers as lighting. My first thought is classy; crystal chandeliers will add class to any room. There are some very formal places where I have seen crystal chandeliers; they just seem to add a bit of elegance. They can also make a statement in any room. So if you are looking for something different, something to make a statement and something to light up a room then a crystal chandelier is a great choice. Take the time to check out different ones until you find the crystal chandelier that’s right for you.

Bathroom lighting

As lavish bathrooms become more and more common, the types of lights associated with bathrooms are changing.  The standard light bar above the vanity is no longer sufficient lighting in today’s luxurious bathrooms.  More and more people are opting for high end lighting options like crystal chandeliers to highlight their spa like rooms and give their bathrooms a stylish burst of light.

Look for decorative wall sconces on either side of the mirror to provide a soft glow and light aimed specifically at the users face.  This type of directed lighting is useful for shaving or applying makeup.  The decorative aspect of the wall sconces add the overall decor, while still providing a valuable service.

If the bathroom has a separate tub and shower area, owners can get creative with how they choose to light the bathtub.  Depending on the size of the bathroom, crystal chandeliers provide ambiance and ample lighting over the bathtub.  Smaller chandeliers are more appropriate for bathroom spaces.

Some bathrooms require multiple overhead lights, in which case there may be two crystal chandeliers or there may be one chandelier and one other type of light.  There may be track lighting or recessed lighting as well, depending on the height of the ceiling and the overall feel of the decor.

Bathroom lighting is an important part of decorating the highly trafficked room, and choosing different types of lighting can transform the atmosphere of the room completely.

History of Crystal Chandeliers

Before crystal chandeliers were around, wealthy members of society used candle chandeliers.  These rough cross shaped candle holders were made of metal and had spikes at the tips where candles could be attached.  The chandelier was then raised to the ceiling with a rope and hook system.

From these crude suspended candle holders came a more advanced type of chandelier.  In the 15th century, chandeliers were being made in circular designs.  They were still reserved for homes of wealthy members of society.  It was expensive to light your home at night, so simply having an instrument to do so hanging from your ceiling was a symbol of your class.

In the early 18th century, chandeliers evolved to incorporate long, curved arms.  They had many more candles than previous chandeliers and were much more ornate.  Still though, they were only found in the homes of wealthy individuals.

Later in the 18th century, advances in technology led to the ability to cheaply produce crystal.  The material was perfect for reflecting light and further illuminating a space, so it became a popular addition to hanging light fixtures, leading to the creation of the crystal chandelier.  These chandeliers still utilized candles as their light source, but the light of each individual candle was magnified depending on the number of crystals present.

By the late 18th century, gas light became more common.  Many candle operated crystal chandeliers were converted to gas and the term gasolier became widely used.  When electricity was introduced in the mid 19th century, those gas chandeliers were converted to electricity.  The addition of crystals was still important for light scattering and appearance.

Today, crystal chandeliers can still be found in many of the worlds most luxurious homes, including Buckingham Palace and the White House.  Crystal chandeliers are still considered by many to be a status symbol and modern technology has led to the creation of larger, more imposing designs.