The words crystal and chandelier creep me out. Put them together and, I don’t know, weird. I get that this is overly irrational, but shopping for crystal chandeliers is unsettling. It makes me think of bawdy Old (Mae) West brothels, or snobby Marie Antoinette, or the stranger parts of the 1970s. But my MIL sent me this great photo of an entryway in a house, and it’s exactly what I want. And if I find the right one, I think it could bring some old fashioned 1915 Downton Abbey glam to the 1915 Central Texas house. The juxtaposition might be interesting.
In other words, I think I’m now in the market for a crystal chandelier. Or just a chandelier maybe. I don’t know.
Let There Be Flight hanging lamp from Mod Cloth
(Ok, I realize this is going in a completely different direction. But it’s kinda cute.)
And again with the Bowery Lighting Company
For the most part, I tried to stay on the lower end of the price scale. Just because, whatever. But there are some amazing ones if you’re willing to spend $5K on ceiling crystal. I am not.
Anyone have any lighting tips? Like the most amazing vintage store to get 1915 chandeliers in my neighborhood for $500 or less? I feel like a grown up just talking about this. Next, I’m going to discuss politics and taxes. And have a bridge party. You’re all invited.
UPDATED:
Pam pointed me CSN Lighting, where I found this one…which is the closest I’ve seen to the top photo online. It’s still way more than I want to spend (Of course I want to spend $25) and maybe smaller than I want, maybe. But yes. Closer.
I felt exactly like this when I was inspired to purchase an oriental rug. Somewhat ridiculous with my obsession. In the end, I bought an Indian silk/wool hand-knotted rug on a ridiculous sale. And I love every inch of it.
So, I say: go with it! Buy the one that makes your heart go “thump” and then enjoy the heck out of it.
DO IT.
The creepyish stuff will go away once it’s hanging and looking spectacular and everyone that sees it envies you.
That funky looking one right above that birdcage one is it for me. Probably because it’s so funky…but still. Ridiculously love that thing.
Also check CSN Lighting – I got a STUPID, SILLY, super squirrel secret deal on some chandeliers in my house (yes, plural – sparkle!) that people think are WAAAAY more pricey than they actually are.
Huge selection. http://www.csnlighting.com/index.php?refid=EDA032111
Also? I love that entryway picture. Run with it – run towards the light!
Oh! I love CSN lighting. Great suggestion. Thanks! They have a rad selection of Schonbek.
great choices! i do not envy this search. there are so many options out there.
Nothing wrong with bawdy Mae West brothels, dodgy 70s fashion OR Downtown Abbey. I’d personally go with one of the old-school understated ones, especially if you’re experiencing Chandelier Worries (and hang on to the receipt!). Happy shopping!
I know everyone says this about everything these days, but check etsy. I found a surprising number of semi-reasonable chandeliers on there once when I was looking from something completely unrelated. Check out this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/89386609/1930s-vintage-chandelier-french-glass
It looks pretty similar to the CSN one, it’s cheaper, and it’s in Austin.
If you’re not in a hurry to buy one, check out estate sales or garage sales or huge barn auctions for one and enjoy the hunt!!
Have you checked Lights Fantastic? They have a shop on Burnet Road in Austin, but also a website with an enormous selection. We got a lot of our lighting there, but our chandy is from Z Gallerie: http://www.zgallerie.com/p-1467-calais-chandelier-black.aspx
That said, the Etsy one above is really cool.
Have you checked Z Gallerie? They have a smallish selection, but their chandeliers all have a classic shape with a modern twist. Also, there is one in turquoise! http://www.zgallerie.com/c-38-hanging-lamps.aspx
Aren’t you in Austin? This sounds crazy, but they had gorgeous chandeliers in Uncommon Goods when I was there last month.
What about the wallpaper? Isn’t it great? Capture the whole look, Laura. It’s perfect for your Texas “mansion”.
I kinda like the one from Gallery 74….the others not so much. x
Totally look on E-Bay. They can be scary, these crystal behemoths. Tipping over the edge into nouveau riche is easy to do. I saw a beautiful one-of-a-kind one on E-Bay once when I was looking, from Vienna, but it was $18,000 so I didn’t buy it. Good luck, babe!