Get the Look- How to choose a Crystal Chandelier

There is just something about a large elegant chandelier in a room. From delicate gilded metal to swirled glass and of course, lots of crystals covering it. When I was looking for a chandelier for our bedroom- I knew that I wanted something on the large side to really fill the space. With a peaked ceiling and planks of wood and beams- this room begged for something with an abundance of beautiful details in a grand size that would add that elegance to the room – even when it wasn’t twinkling away.

At the same time- while I wanted something large- I wanted something that felt light and airy- that didn”t overwhelm the room with a ‘heavy’ look That mix of requirements can be a tall order sometimes- but when I saw this particular chandelier- it felt like a pretty perfect fit. It was covered in crystal drops & strands and reaching a width of almost 40″ across- it spoke to me. Loudly. And the best part- it was not outrageously priced- but had the look and presence of a chandelier that was far more expensive.

Of course, availability and prices have most definitely changed since then- but the good news is that you can get that grand look with budgets of all sizes- and chandeliers of all sizes.

Today I am sharing a few options for this style of chandelier- often referred to as ‘Maria Teresa’ or ‘Maria Theresa’ with an H included- and they are basically a crystal lovers dream.

I have a couple of these chandeliers in the house- the one in my bedroom being the largest. I also have a small vintage one in the bathroom. A thrift store find- this is a simple 5 light chandelier that fills this space perfectly.

And I just might have one in my closet as well.

Today it is all about the first part of ‘Getting the look’ in the bedroom- with this chandelier. I am asked about where to find one like this all the time- and I am also asked about how to choose a chandelier for a space. Size, style, look -etc. So including a couple of tips today as well.

Size

I am sure that there are quite a few very detailed ‘rules’ about choosing the right size chandelier for a room. But you know me and rules. I don’t follow those rules- I follow what speaks to me and makes me happy.

I think in general (rules aside) if you have a space with soaring ceilings and a large footprint- you can get away with an over the top large chandelier and have it feel right at home. A smaller bedroom- maybe not so much. But that is just common sense. So, when it comes to size and choosing the right one for my rooms? More important than ‘size’ is the shape of the chandelier.

I love long and lean looking chandeliers covered in lots of crystal goodness. Taller rather than wider almost always wins in my designs. But as you can see- in the bedroom- this one is Wider than it is taller. It works for me because I added a ton of long dangly crystals to the bottom to give it some extra length visually without taking up too much space overhead.

Float

A great way to sum up the look of a Maria Theresa style chandelier. This style of chandelier ‘floats’ in the room visually.

A lot of chandeliers have metal frames or just generally a more ‘heavy’ look visually. One of the things I love about an all crystal chandelier like this style is that you can go big and have it feel like it is filling the room with beautiful light and detail- but not feeling heavy and over the top. If that makes sense. This chandelier floats in the peak of the ceiling and fills the room up with light and crystal reflection beauty.

Crystals on Repeat

One of the best things about this look- those crystals! They are on repeat. and repeat. and repeat. But something you might not know about crystal chandeliers- there are lots of different styles of crystals- with lots of different price points. When I was working with Lamps Plus as an Ambassador- I learned a ton about the different chandeliers that looked just the same- scale, style, frame, size- you name it. But had a wide variety of pricing. It was all about the crystals and what type they are.

Of course, all crystals are beautiful -but when looking for an over the top crystal chandelier at a more budget friendly price-is to pay attention to the crystal type.

Get the Look

Okay- now that we covered a few tips- let’s do some get the look shopping-I have sourced several size chandeliers- from 4 lights to 26 lights- that have the look. (affiliate links)

4 light Chandelier

Such a cutie- and perfect for small spaces like the closet or bathroom. The chandelier in our bathroom is vintage- but this one has a very similar look- and the price is crazy good.

6 Light Chandelier

This is a nice in between chandelier if you are looking for ‘the look’ but don’t need a huge chandelier and don’t want to spend a ton of money. This is 23″ wide- which is a nice size and has the more ‘squatty’ look and scale.

Amber 6 light

I love chandeliers that have that golden glow with amber crystals. This one is a charmer. This is a 20″ wide chandelier that has a taller rather than wider look.

16 Light Chandelier

This one is really similar to the one in my bedroom- and the price is pretty good for such a huge chandelier.

19 Light Silver

For even more bold and beautiful when you walk in the room- this is a 19 light chandelier that is 32″ wide. I love the shape of this one- and all.those.crystals of course.

26 Light Chandelier

Go big or go home right? This one is BIG. 26 lights and 38″ wide and 44″ tall.

Whether you are going big and bold and beautiful- or dainty and sweet- Maria Theresa style chandeliers are always gorgeous. Hope this helps you find the perfect one for your space!