How do crystal chandeliers fit into today's decorating aesthetics

  But the biggest thing that happened is when (manufacturers) started pairing crystal with iron, which has a more casual look. It became more appropriate. It's what I call affordable crystal. Suddenly, they're mixing it with everything. Today's crystal is elegant but comfortable – not quite as Baroque. The baubles are also simpler, smooth teardrop shapes and balls.

I use crystal in bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms and powder rooms. I don't to like crystal in the kitchen. To me it just isn't appropriate, but if you open up a magazine today, you'll even see a crystal chandelier in the kitchen. We're in an era when anything goes, as long as it's well done.

Crystal adds sparkle, reflection, refinement and romance. It casts a sparkle that reflects almost like candlelight.

For a time, many people shied away from crystal because it reminded them of their great aunt's staunch home with lace doilies. When crystal was popular during the 1940s and ‘50s, those fixtures were all crystal, and they looked almost garish rather than refines. They felt icy and cold.

The combination of iron and crystal really helped "tenderize" the public… retailers have brought crystal to the forefront and introduced the comfort of crystal to the general public.

Most of the chandeliers I use do have some touches of iron in them to add a bit of warmth. I'm working on a chateau-type home right now with crystal chandeliers all over the place.

What kind of lighting store would we be if we didn't help you to choose the perfect chandelier to match your oak dining room table or the best torchiere lamp for optimum light output? For years Capitol Lighting has been famous for our expertise. Our Capitol Lighting staff has helped design the homes of professional athletes, musicians and actors as well as Five-star restaurants.

Capitol Lighting's 1800Lighting.com features articles that can help guide you when lighting your home's interior and exterior. We offer advice for choosing the right sized chandelier for your dining room, how to make a design statement with table lamps, energy efficient lighting solutions that can help save you money and so many more tips to help illuminate your knowledge for lighting your home!

When you want to shop for that perfect chandelier for the foyer, or just need a few tips when attempting to install outdoor lighting fixtures, visit 1800Lighting.com and find the right article that can help you! Visit this section often… We update our articles all the time, bringing you the most current information and designer feedback to guide and instruct you on lighting design and fixture selection for your home.