Chandelier buying tips

What size chandelier should I choose for my area?

Choosing the correct size of crystal chandelier for your area often comes down to personal taste and, of course, common sense. There are no definitive rules to abide by when choosing the correct size chandelier for your house or business but, we have provided some pointers, based on over 25 years experience in supplying exquisite chandeliers to the Australian public and trade. We trust these tips below will assist you in purchasing your perfect chandelier.

Don’t choose a chandelier that is going to be too small for your area!

Choosing a crystal chandelier that is too small for your area is the most common mistake people make. Ultimately you don’t want your chandelier to be too dominant or overpowering however, this could lead you to purchase a chandelier that is smaller in size than the space can comfortably accommodate. If this is the case, upon installation, you will quickly come to appreciate that a crystal chandelier is not meant to fade into the background in fact, the whole purpose of buying a crystal chandelier is to make a statement and to highlight a room’s class and elegance. Be bold and don’t be afraid to make that statement.

Be careful not to choose a crystal chandelier that hangs too low in walkway areas.

A good height for the bottom of your chandelier to hang to in a walkway area, in order to maximise the impact whilst at the same time not be interfering in everyday use, is approx 210cm or 7foot. If your chandelier is going to be positioned over a bed you can increase the drop substantially without it interfering as you won't be directly walking under it. If you are buying a chandelier as a feature to hang over a dinning table or island bar you wan't to hang it at least 1 foot lower than if it was in a walkway or high traffic area (6foot or 180cm). Most of our chandeliers come with around 60cm of adjustable chain or wire that you can easily adjust to your desired height.

Be careful not to choose a crystal chandelier that hangs too high on your ceiling.

The reason for this is that the higher your chandelier is hung the less impact it makes. High ceilings can afford to have chandeliers that hang lower. If the chandelier sits too high the impact it makes is reduced as you have to look up to find it. For example, if you have 16 foot (4.8m) ceilings and you buy a chandelier that is only 3 foot (90cm) long it will be lost in the space. A chandelier is a key feature and should catch the eye as soon as you enter. If you have to search for it, it isn’t doing its job properly.

How can I tell the difference between high quality crystal and lower quality crystal?

1, High quality crystal is manufactured using high lead contents, if something is advertised as high quality it should contain at least 24% to a maximum of 32% lead. Full lead is classed as 30% + leaded crystal. (The higher the lead content the richer the colour you receive from your crystal)

2, High quality crystal should also be Hand or Laser cut (not moulded). If crystal is hand cut or laser cut it will create nice sharp edges with smooth flat surfaces which will allow the crystal to have a crisp refraction quality. If you are purchasing high quality full lead hand or laser cut crystal it will have a devine clarity and will sparkle like it is elecrified when illuminated.

3, Finally your pieces of high quality crystal that are manufactured using full lead will weigh more than glass or perspects. The best way to check this is to hold the crystal piece in your hand and see if it feels 30% approx heavier than what you would imagine an equivilant piece of glass to weigh.

We hope this has been informative for you and we are happy to assist with any questions you may have by calling Ph:1300 890 225.