Chandeliers, however opulent a look they might sport, are basically fragile objects that require a favorable environment to flourish. The environment in this context is the overall décor of the room in which the chandelier is going to be housed.
The importance of décor is all the more critical in the case of crystal chandeliers, which may be five armed or three armed, candle lit or with little glow bulbs. A crystal chandelier can come in different sizes. It may be ornamental or a no-frills affair. Whatever its look is, understated or overboard, a crystal chandelier does not blend in with all kinds of rooms.
For instance, a crystal chandelier looks out of place in a ranch house, complete with rustic furniture. Similarly, a candle chandelier made of crystal, with a soft, romantic and archaic look to it, strikes a discordant note amidst futuristic furniture in bold, striking colors.
Large, ornate crystal chandeliers look best in a classically furnished room. The furniture should be elegant and plush. In fact, Louis XVI décor, with its emphasis on intricate carving, tapestries and massive pieces would be just fine. Chandeliers that are smaller in size but intricately carved also work well with Louis XV furniture, which is all about small, dainty pieces. For modern rooms with clean-cut, sleek furniture, a simple no-fuss less ornamental crystal chandelier would be ideal.
A crystal chandelier requires elaborate maintenance. To retain its gloss and glitter, it needs to be taken down every once in awhile and cleaned thoroughly. As it is, chandeliers do tend to gather dust fairly quickly, and the more intricate the carving, the more the dust that seeps into the nooks and crevices. However, the cleaning does not require any chemicals; ordinary soapy water suffices.
The maintenance schedule may sound daunting, but owners vouch that a crystal chandelier lighted in all its glory is a mesmerizing sight indeed.