The Best Way to Hang Crystal Prisms

The best way to hang crystal prisms is near a window that is exposed to sunshine. We like to hang our crystals with fishing line. It is practically invisible and it lets the crystals spin and move with any breezes that may happen. Yes, we love dancing rainbows, so make sure they can move freely. If you want to use ribbon to hang chandelier crystals, that is fine also. Just be sure they are long enough to allow movement. 

Another great way to hang crystals is to add them to any existing lamps in your home. You can easily add a crystal to a lamp or lampshade with a little creative thinking. Again, that trusty monofilament comes in handy. Tie a few pieces with some crystals hanging off the bottoms to a lampshade frame. Instant sparkle. You can also hot glue crystals to the base of a lampshade. Try staggering them for different effects with the lighting. 

All else fails, try hanging crystals from the ceiling with a simple push pin. Again, we recommend doing this near a light source to really show off the beauty of the prism.

Chandeliers are everywhere, but do you know why? Where did the concept of chandeliers even come from? Why do we have chandeliers in our homes? Here are some enlightening facts about crystal chandeliers. 

What is a Chandelier? A chandelier is a light fixture that hangs from the ceiling. It usually has a minimum of three lights. The majority of household chandeliers have between 6 & nine lights.

Why do we call it a "chandelier"? The word chandelier comes from the French. They always had a flair for beautiful words, but the French word 'chandelabre' has its origins from the Latin word 'candelabrum', meaning candlestick. Which leads us to our next question? 

How long have chandeliers been around? The byzantine polycandelon from the 6th century has the earliest discovery of what could be considered a 'chandelier'. Chandeliers have been found dating back to the Middle Ages, however, finding an authentic intact one is rare. Many were hung in churches that were destroyed in the 1500's. In fact, the first chandeliers were originally made of wood and held candles. Not the safest form of lighting a room. Which is why they started looking to making chandeliers out of different materials. 

When did they stop using wooden chandeliers? While chandeliers were historically made from wood, they evolved. They began to be produced in brass, iron and other metals. Crystals and glass were added to reflect more candlelight in the room. This also created the need for 'bobeches' (another French word). A bobeche is a collar placed on a chandelier at the base of candle, to catch the drippings. Once chandeliers moved away from candlesticks, the practical need for a bobeche was altered to more of a ethestic purpose when the introduction of hanging crystals from the collar became the new design of choice.

When did chandeliers stop using candlelight? While there are still chandeliers that use candles as their light source (think along the lines of outdoor chandeliers or mood setting chandeliers) the majority of chandeliers were powered by gas in the 1800's and have more recently moved to electricity. While the light lumens increased and the additional help of adding crystals was no longer needed, the popularity of adding crystals to a chandelier become a popular choice among the elite.

Besides churches, who else had crystal chandeliers? Well, a century or two ago,  just about anyone who was anyone important had a crystal chandelier or two in their home. The higher class, wealthy noble were the owners of such a exquisite expensive light. Now chandeliers are more common and are looked upon more as a decoration and add a feeling of luxury and luminescence to most homes. 

When and why did crystals become a thing to add to chandeliers? The first record of adding rock crystals appeared around the 17th century. These were rare and hard to find. Not to mention, very expensive. So French glass makers started trying to replicate them with molded glass prisms. Then a british guy named Ravenscroft added lead to the glass and thus the crystal chandelier prism was born. It was brilliant, shiny and prismatic. It became widely popular and everyone loved the crystal chandelier. 

Are there any famous or special chandeliers left in the world? The largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in existence today resides in the Dolmabahce Palace in Turkey. It is 4.5 tons and was a gift from the Queen (19 century) Not to be outdone, the largest Swarovski chandelier which the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman gazes upon is a mere 8 meters wide and 14 meters high. With more energy conscience lights available, the largest LED chandelier, know as the 'Reflective Flow'  has 165,000 lights and weighs in at a whopping 39,683 pounds. It towers at 19 feet tall and 41 feet wide. Where is this monstrous chandelier? In Doho, Qatar at the atrium of Al Hitmi. 

Now you know more than you thought you'd ever need to about chandeliers. 

If you are planning to add an extra spark to your home interiors, consider adding chandeliers. Apart from providing light, chandeliers also offer added elegance and charm to your rooms. There are many options to select from, which may also be requested as custom made. People usually pick the crystal chandelier selection because such an exquisitely done ornament can be considered to be a beautiful piece of art that you can add to your home.

When you are shopping for a chandelier, you might be spending some time thinking around of the right crystal chandelier selection that fits your home, not only in size and shape but in style and charm as well. There are a lot of choices. You have a vast option from crystal chandeliers that sparkle to crystal chandeliers that twinkle. The factors to consider in finding the right fit for a crystal chandelier include the function of the room, the size and color of the room, and the overall motif of the home. The appropriate crystal chandelier selection indeed takes a lot of work, but it will be worth your time.

One option when looking for the appropriate crystal chandelier selection for your home is to look at home improvement stores that are so numerous these days. Often times these stores display a wide selection that you can purchase and take home on the same day. If you do not find what you are looking for there, another option is to look over specialty stores. Crystal chandeliers can normally be ordered if not in stock. Some even allow the customer to make their own personalized design to some extent.

Just as fashion ornaments the way you look, so does your crystal chandelier selection adds a slice of glamour to your home along with the more minimal lines of contemporary furniture. Crystal chandeliers were once fitted only for grander period interiors due to its elaborate style and design. However, in the last few years, we have witnessed this home lighting embellishment revitalized with a more contemporary look that can fit with contemporary interior styles and arrangements.

The innovation of crystal chandelier styles is characterized as a merging between more traditional elements with modern furnishings. The way it is popularized by more and more households makes crystal chandelier selection a normal undertaking when you are planning to decorate or redecorate your home interior.

At recent design shows in London, including Grand Designs Live, contemporary designs such as the Large Willow Crystal light—a crystal chandelier featuring Egyptian crystal droplets draped from sculptural chrome arms—are welcomed by the audience who are now more open to unorthodox and bolder designs. Just some few years ago, matching is a crucial thing when it comes to crystal chandelier selections. Now, people are more daring to try out radical perspectives and daring styles.

Black is particularly a key trend in crystal chandelier selections, which curiously gives a new spin to the traditional crystal. The French Bedroom Company's "Von Teese"—named after burlesque performer Dita Von Teese—captivates the look of this baroque chic. Its largest version ever made has been featured on Channel 4's Big Brother. Black adds a classic taste to crystal chandelier selections. They become not only just another aesthetic agent to the home but also are made to last through time. In addition, these black crystal chandeliers are highly adaptable. It can be placed wherever you feel putting them. Such a crystal chandelier design frees up the constraints imposed by more traditional selections.

Take the time to find the best chandelier for your home. Consider where it will be and the room's purpose. Also, consider your tastes and the style of your home. Of course, you will be limited by a budget, perhaps, but taking time to look in all the possible places (online, home improvement store, and specialty stores) will give you many options.