There has long been a belief that chandeliers add a sense of class and sophistication to a home that cannot be achieved with any other sort of lighting fixture. And it is true that they are very aesthetically pleasing in a classical sense and form a feature of the space rather than just providing illumination. This has led, however, to a stereotype that only wealthy people can have chandeliers in their homes. And this may be true, simply for the fact that these fixtures can prove to be a highly expensive investment. But why is this, and what can’t there be cheaper chandeliers available too?
Materials
One of the main factors that determine how expensive a chandelier is going to be is what materials have been used in its construction. Some fixtures make use of crystals (Swarovski being a popular choice) to make them appear more elegant and extravagant but, as crystals aren’t overly cheap, this really bumps up the price of the finished chandelier. Likewise, a fixture that makes use of an expensive silk fabric is going to be worth much more than one that uses a standard blend that you could buy in any store.
Size
Another of the factors that plays a role in how expensive a chandelier is going to be is its size. It makes sense that a mini fixture is going to be considerably cheaper than one that would be at home in a ballroom, especially as the size of the chandelier is directly proportional to the type and amount of materials that are used in its creation. If a mini chandelier is made out of crystal, however, and a much larger one out of wrought iron, logic dictates that the smaller could prove to be more expensive.
Designer
The final factor that determines how expensive a chandelier is going to be is who designed it. If you are looking at a fixture that has been created by one of the leading lighting designers in the world, you would expect to pay a pretty penny for it. If you have found one in one of your regular department stores, however, you would expect to pay much less.
At the end of the day, there actually are cheaper chandeliers on the market – you just have to know where to look and what you’re looking for. When you take into account the materials, size and designer of a particular fixture, you should be able to tell whether you are getting a bargain buy or not. The next time you visit a lighting showroom, take a walk around and look at each detail of the chandeliers on show to find one that you can afford.