Chandeliers are a wonderful way to add character to a
room. Your décor will play an important role in the type
of chandelier you choose. Picking the right one can be
a bit overwhelming but why not consider choosing an antique
chandelier?
When most people hear antique décor they automatically
assume they need to be dealing with a Victorian or traditional
room yet nothing could be further from the truth! Antique
has such great flexibility that used correctly in a contemporary
room it can make an amazing statement!
So what about antique chandeliers? Which rooms do they
best suit? Which type of décor is fitting? What do you
need to consider when purchasing an antique chandelier?
So many questions. That's okay, not to worry, there's
plenty of answers too! An antique chandelier can be used
in a variety of rooms and in many different decors. You'll
need to let your creative juices flow to discover the
endless possibilities. When purchasing an antique fixture
you'll need to consider the price which depending on era
and style can range from under $100 to well over $20,000.
It's important to know your budget before you start shopping.
Online offers you a tremendous amount of choice. With
just a few quick searches you'll discover many websites
offering an interesting selection of chandeliers at a
variety of price points. So what are some options?
1. Wrought Iron Antique wrought iron chandeliers are
a wonderful choice. They are probably the most versatile
of all chandeliers and they make a very distinct statement.
Available in many different sizes you can choose the
appropriate size for your room. You want it to make a
statement but you don't want it to overwhelm the room.
Consider a Piermont three arm or five arm chandeliers
for a relaxed informal room. The lines of these wrought
iron fixtures are elegant yet simple, basic yet stylish.
Almost missionary in style.
You might consider a Sea Scallop 3 light chandelier,
Rosebush 3 light chandelier, or Iris chandelier for more
formal or dressy room. Wrought Iron bodies with elegant
stained glass shades make these ideal for a room that
you want to add a little color and a little formality
without going over the top.
2. Neo Classical There are some amazing neo classical
chandeliers on the market. These great old pieces can
be worked into almost any décor if you take your time.
Generally they are large, ornately detailed, with a gilt
finish although some are of smaller size, daintier, with
a more intricate pattern. Most will date to the mid to
late 19th century.
Consider a French, Louis XVI style bronze d'ore, lantern
for an entrance or a bathroom. It will look fabulous!
Or consider a 6 light French Neoclassical gilt wood chandelier
for a dining room that has large warm and inviting furnishings
and an overall cozy atmosphere.
3. Crystal All of us are familiar with crystal chandeliers.
In fact they are probably the most common of all types
of chandeliers purchase and when it comes to antique crystal
they are highly sought after.
A crystal chandelier can look stunning in an array of
decors but certainly adds the finishing touches to a sophisticated,
formal atmosphere that makes a statement about wealth.
For a quality antique crystal chandelier that is in excellent
condition you can expect to pay anywhere from $5000 to
$20,000, sometimes even more. Strass crystal, Bohemian
crystal, or Waterford crystal all demand top dollar as
do several other makers.
Crystal is one of those fixtures that can play another
role too. A shabby chic crystal chandelier can look fabulous
in a trendy contemporary room that's atmosphere is one
of cozy cheer and comfort.
4. Brass Brass chandeliers are very versatile and even
the antique ones can be purchased for a reasonable price
if you shop around. There are a wide variety of styles
from the very basic to the very ornate.
Antique brass chandeliers work well in a variety of settings.
Consider a Colonial Williamsburg Governor's Office Chandelier
40" high and 32" in diameter for a formal dining room.
Or how about the Colonial Williamsburg Raleigh Tavern
Chandelier - Brass 18 1/2" high and 23" for your bar or
family room?
A Victorian pair of Aesthetic Gasoliers chandelier would
look terrific in a large entrance, while the 1840s Charles
X red tole three branch chandelier would make a great
statement in a trendy or shabby chic room.
5. Wood Often we forget about wood chandeliers. Perhaps
that's because they weren't as common as some of the other
materials. However they are definitely worth looking for
especially if you have a country or southwestern décor.
Popular woods included maple, oak, and mahogany. Sometimes
you can even get lucky and find the matching sconces to
the chandelier. A wood chandelier is very versatile and
will look great in a dining room, living room, bathroom,
bedroom, or family room.
If you're décor is country then wood is definitely a
material you should consider. And wood chandeliers are
often much cheaper than some of the other material types.
There are many different styles of antique chandeliers
to choose from. But with so many online sites offering
antique light fixtures just a few searches and you'll
have plenty of choices. It won't be long before you find
that perfect antique chandelier!
