Crystal chandeliers in the 21st century – are they old fashioned?

Once upon a time, crystal chandeliers were only seen in the most opulent of places. These beautiful and ornate pieces were predominantly associated with the upper class and found in religious buildings. These magnificent structures first came about around the 1600’s when they were used to light up churches. The name chandelier originated from the French word chandelle meaning candle and thus candle holder. By the 1800’s we were starting to see chandeliers present in the homes of the wealthy and powerful. And by the 20^th century chandeliers could be found in grand hall entrances and stairwells of large country estates. Today, the 21^st century has adapted the crystal chandelier to fit into not just traditional homes but also contemporary designs.

Crystal chandeliers are timeless pieces of artwork that have evolved to fit every era. Here we’ll look at how the chandelier has evolved to fit into 21^st Century homes. The 21^st century has seen a vast array of interior trends. Each with its own individual look and style. However, even the most contemporary homes can house a chandelier. These days’ homeowners are showing their personalities more and more. Being bold with their interior choices. Crystal chandeliers are being hung in the most unexpected places such as attic and barn conversions. Industrial warehouses and even modern penthouses. Mixing designs such as traditional with contemporary is bang on trend at the moment. It’s no surprise we’re seeing ornate crystal chandeliers draped over an industrial rustic dining table.

Crystal chandeliers for small homes

With the introduction of semi-flush chandelier designs. It’s not just homes with tall ceilings, heavenly staircases and large foyers that can benefit from a crystal chandelier. Nowadays even the smallest of spaces can house this style of chandelier. At Litecraft most of our crystal chandelier collections are available in a more compact 3 light, semi flush or even a simple easy to fit option. As a result you can have all the glitz and glamour of a chandelier but in a more scaled down size. Dual mounted designs are also a great way to add a crystal chandelier to your home if you have low ceilings and small rooms.

Crystal chandeliers in modern interior designs

Not all crystal chandeliers have to be ornate with crystal cut sconces and elaborate glass cut detail. Litecraft offer a wide range of crystal chandeliers. Including more contemporary designs such as Waterford Bandon LED 8 Light Crystal Chandelier design. These subtle crystal designs work well in contemporary spaces. A more modern finish whilst still offering a sparkling addition.

Modern doesn’t always translate as contemporary. These days modern designs capture trends gone by. Modern designs use influences from past trends to create a new style. For instance, fitting an ornate crystal chandelier in the hallway of a converted mill. With exposed brick walls and stripped back floor boards can create a rough luxe trend. Similarly, hanging a crystal chandelier over a farm house style dining table could be seen as following the shabby chic trend. The versatility of crystal chandeliers is never ending. These days there’s no written rule on where you can or can’t hang one of these stunning pieces. The possibilities are endless.

In the same way you could add a modern design but still include a sparkle of crystal. By pairing your chandelier with a contemporary drum shade. Designs such as our L’amour and Ashley ranges offer a crystal chandelier. That subtly peeps out from underneath a pleated or a chrome metal shade design. Alternatively, our Marie Therese collection boasts a range of coloured crystal effect chandeliers. These will add a modern yet quirky twist to the ornate chandelier design.

Hanging Crystal chandeliers in the bathroom

Another bold statement that has been made possible over the last few years is the possibility of having crystal chandeliers as bathroom lights. Not many moons ago the thought of suspending an electrical structure in probably the wettest room in the home would seem ridiculous as well as unsafe. But this is the 21^st Century, and times have changed. Litecraft offer a fantastic collection of IP44 rated bathroom chandeliers. Meaning the fittings are safe and suitable for use in bathroom zone 2 and also the outside areas. Adding a crystal chandelier to a bathroom will emphasise the relaxed ambience that is needed for this type of room.