Crystal chandeliers can be used very effectively to add an elegant and stylish look to almost any room in your home. They can be either elaborate or very simple in design, depending on personal taste and the decorating style of the room. In addition to being beautiful, a chandelier is a very effective way of adding lighting to a room, either as the main source of lighting or as a secondary source.

Chandeliers have been used since medieval times, but crystal was not used until around the 18th century, when advances in glassmaking techniques allowed lead crystal to be produced more efficiently. Using crystal quickly became popular because of the reflective and refractive qualities of crystal, which was not only highly effective when used in lighting, but also beautiful.

Although many people think that crystal chandeliers are only suitable for very formal or fancy homes, this is not the case. These lovely lighting fixtures come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, and can be used effectively in both formal and more casual decorating styles. While crystal chandeliers are often found in foyers, entranceways, and dining rooms, they can also be used in the bedroom and even the bathroom to add to the mood of the room. For example, in a master bathroom, a simple crystal chandelier, hung in close proximity to the tub can add a luxurious touch. In the bedroom, the reflective nature of the crystal and its ability to scatter light around the room can be used very effectively as mood lighting.

When selecting a crystal chandelier, one should consider the size of the room in which it is to be hung, as well as the overall style of the room and the other furnishings and features within the room. It is also important to consider the overall lighting needs of the room. A good rule of thumb when selecting the size of the chandelier is to choose one no wider than 2 feet for over a dining table for six people, no wider than 2-1/2 feet for a table for eight, and no wider than 3-1/2 feet for a table for 10 or 12. While a chandelier for a foyer can be 30 to 40 percent of the width of the foyer, a good guide for other rooms is to measure the width of the room in inches, then divide that measurement by six to determine the overall diameter of a chandelier for the room. For example, a room that is 15 feet wide could use a chandelier that is 30 inches in diameter.

Cost can vary widely when selecting a crystal chandelier. Chandeliers, which are very ornate or large, can be quite pricey, while smaller and simpler chandeliers are more affordable. While it is possible to purchase a small crystal chandelier for a couple hundred dollars, it is also possible to find those that cost thousands of dollars. Cost is not only dependent on the size and complexity of the chandelier, but also can vary depending on the quality of the materials used, as well as the size and quantity of the crystals themselves.

There are many options available when purchasing a crystal chandelier for the home. It is possible to purchase second-hand chandeliers, such as through a thrift shop, estate sale, or through an online auction site to save money. Using this method, one can often find beautiful vintage chandeliers as well as modern pieces for much less than what it would cost for a new crystal chandelier. It is also possible to purchase factory seconds and display models to save on cost as well.