Crystal

Crystal changes what a light does. Each cut face bends the light passing through it and splits some of it into small flecks of color, so a crystal fixture throws sparkle onto walls and ceilings instead of simply glowing. This page gathers pieces whose material listing names crystal, not fixtures that only borrow a sparkly look from a mirrored or beaded finish. Most are chandeliers: layered and rod designs for dining rooms, French and European styles on gold carbon steel frames, copper framed pieces and tall cascading designs for stairwells and foyers. You will also find a crystal flower flush mount, a crystal leaf semi flush mount on brushed brass, a bedside table lamp, a crystal floor lamp, a sunset projection lamp and a set of tealight candle holders.

Getting the most from crystal

• Bulb choice matters: Small, bright points of light make crystal sparkle more than one large diffused source. Warm white bulbs give a golden glow, while cooler bulbs look crisper.
• Dimming: Crystal still looks good at low light, because each facet catches whatever light is there. A dimmer lets one fixture suit both dinner and a quiet evening.
• Weight: Crystal is heavy for its size, and large chandeliers carry a lot of it. Confirm the ceiling box is rated for the fixture and have a licensed electrician install it.
• Height: A long stairwell chandelier suits a tall ceiling, where its length fills the space between floors.

Keeping crystal clear

Dust dulls crystal faster than anything else. A light dusting every few weeks and a proper clean once or twice a year keeps the sparkle. Turn the power off, let the bulbs cool and wipe each piece with a soft, lint free cloth. Our guide on how to clean a crystal chandelier walks through it step by step. Crystal tealight holders can be washed by hand in warm soapy water and dried right away to avoid spots.

For more ceiling options see chandeliers and staircase chandeliers, or compare clear and frosted shades in glass.