Nothing creates a warm family atmosphere of a home better than a beautiful crystal chandelier in your kitchen. But choosing the right one is often a struggle. The plethora of choices is, indeed, endless. But it’s not just the style you want to get right, it’s the dimensions, too.

The dimensions

Before we show you some beautiful examples of crystal chandeliers that we have at WRANOVSKY manufactured for our clients’ kitchens, let’s get a little nitty-gritty about the right dimensions of your new light fitting.

• A chandelier in a dining room setting should be positioned in the center of the dining table and room proportions.

• Your crystal chandeliers should not be larger than your dining table. Keep at least 30-40 cm of space at each side along the table’s length and keep it narrower at the table’s shorter side, too.

• As a rule of thumb, hang the chandelier about 80 cm above the dining table with a 2.4 m ceiling height. Then hang it another 8 cm above the table for each 30 cm of ceiling height.

• Avoid high wattage bulbs. You want the chandelier to comfortably light up the kitchen table but not become an unpleasant source of light for people sitting around the table.

The design

When choosing the choice of design of the crystal chandelier for your kitchen table, you are faced with the most basic question - a round arm more traditional chandelier or an oblong modern chandelier. This comes down mostly to the personal preference and the interior of the designated kitchen but both types of the chandelier design can make a great addition to your dining room.

Modern crystal chandeliers for dining table

Traditional crystal chandeliers for dining table

Before starting the production of the components itself, it is necessary to prepare the technical drawing, which is used to create the individual elements. The mold for forming the glass castings must be of a permanent shape so as not to cause undesirable changes in casting shape during use. The chosen material must ensure a perfect glass casting even when using the mold repeatedly.

The basic glass raw material is so-called glass trimmers, a mixture of glass sands, limestone, potash, soda and lead. The glass mixture is subsequently melted in glass furnaces at a temperature of about 1 250 degrees Celsius. After the mixture is completely melted, the riveting process is followed to remove unwanted bubbles and dirt from molten glass. After the glass has cooled down (glassing), the glass is processed. The heated glass is blown into ready molds by means of glass whistles (hollow metal bars with a wooden holder and a mouthpiece at the top). The desired shape is achieved by rotating the whistle in a form that is completely filled with the molten mixture. More complicated shapes are done using pliers and other glass tools.

After the casting is cooled, excess parts of the blank are removed, which overlap the mold and form undesirable component protrusions. The glass semi-finished products also travel to the brush-making plant, where they finally get their perfect lines. The brushers apply the abrasive compound to the cast iron discs and gently grind the glass component to the desired shape. The resulting polished part is polished, mechanically or chemically. Then there are specific adjustments (sanding, gilding, engraving ...) that differ according to the nature of the components and the specific requirements of the client.

Individual chandelier parts are manufactured and handmade, final manual assembly and assembly of the luminaire itself are in the hands of experts with many years of experience in the industry. Thanks to their careful work, they create beautiful crystal products that are among the best in the market.

In every normal household cleaning, we polish the chandelier with a soft feather duster. If more traces of pollution are already visible on the chandelier and can not be removed by fine dusting, more thorough cleaning is required. Depending on the degree of pollution, we choose the appropriate technique.

General advice

Before working, turn off the chandelier and let the bulbs completely cool down. With standard cleaning, it is not necessary to disconnect the power supply to the chandelier, however this is also possible for greater safety. Under the luminaire we place a stepladder, a chair, etc., so that we can safely reach the chandelier. We can put them on a carpet to avoid slipping the pedestal. While cleaning with the chandelier we do not manipulate, we pay attention to sharp movements to keep the chandelier away. When cleaning the luminaire we also check the bulbs for damage or dim colors. We can easily clean them with a soft, moistened cloth, or replace them with new pieces. Fully screw all bulbs.

Cleaning without disassembly

Cleaning can be done by keeping the chandelier hanging. In this case, we will not remove individual crystals or release other parts of the luminaire. We will use a special cleaning agent for crystal chandeliers - spray it on the crystal parts, for easier manipulation of the pieces and better skill we can use cotton gloves. Using a soft cloth, we then wipe the individual crystal parts dry and polish them. Alternatively, spray the cloth cleaner and then gradually clean the pieces. Clean the metal parts with a dry cloth, or use a product designed specifically for this purpose. We do not use a standard cleaner to avoid unwanted coloring of metal parts. This variant of chandelier cleaning is suitable for lighter levels of pollution and regular luminaire care.

Thorough cleaning

If the chandelier becomes too polluted (crystal clearing, loss of gloss, visible stains that can not be wiped off), more thorough cleaning is required. The chandelier will be cleaned before the cleaning itself, ie. we remove all the crystal vases from it. In order to be able to bring the chandelier back to its original state, it is necessary to remember exactly where the parts are located. For simpler luminaires, a detailed layout is sufficient, when cleaning chandeliers with a richer closure, we will use the camera and the luminaire first to take a close look at all sides and angles.

After disconnecting from the electricity supply, carefully remove the chandelier, detach the individual crystal parts and lay them on a smooth pad. We prepare a delicious bath - lukewarm water with a little soap. We carefully wash the crystals and spread them on a clean towel. Immediately afterwards, polish them to avoid soapy stains. We never use aggressive detergents to do away with individual pieces. Clean the metal parts dry, or use a suitable cleaning product. We leave the chandelier in the unfolded state for several hours to ensure that all parts are completely dry. It is only then that the chandelier wears and goes back to its original state. When lighting the luminaire we move from top to bottom and center out to prevent the hanging of the hanging pieces. Once the assembly is completed, the chandelier switches on and lights up so that we can again enjoy the glowing gloss.

Our tip

An effective option is also the use of a unique spray cleaner that ensures complete cleaning of the chandelier without washing and subsequent polishing of the crystal parts. Spray the spray on the chandelier and let it work for a few minutes. Then the chandelier is sprayed with distilled water in the spray. Underneath the chandelier, place a pad on which excess fluid, including impurities, runs.

If we have done a thorough cleaning, but the chandelier is still contaminated, we recommend using the services of experts. Crystal lamps manufacturers have a lot of experience, and they are also able to repair or replace damaged parts from new ones outside of complex cleaning.

Prior to designing the lights, we always visit the hotel to fully understand the atmosphere of the place. We work with the clients from the beginning, we consult their ideas, we take into account the style of the interior as well as the specific requirements. Our experience in the design and production of crystal chandeliers is very rich, therefore Wranovsky lights are rightly among the most desirable products for such spaces.

Wranovsky chandeliers in Aria hotel

Wranovsky chandeliers can be found in luxury hotels, which are the absolute top in the Czech Republic. In the first place of the exclusive ranking of the best hotels in Prague (according to the recommendations of the experts and the satisfaction of the guests), the hotel Aria was placed in which we designed and manufactured unique crystal chandeliers. Chandeliers from the Sympathy and Clerius collections are stylish and very elegant. Their perfectly fine lines let stand out in the luxury of the hotel rooms and contribute to the desired atmosphere of the hotel.

You will find the website of the hotel here.

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Wranovsky chandeliers in hotel King David

King David is also one of the most rated Prague hotels. For the interior of this hotel, we chose luxurious crystal chandeliers that perfectly underlined its elegance. The chandeliers of the Aristocratico collection absolutely satisfy the condition of exclusive products to a five-star hotel. Crystal chandeliers of the finest materials are mirrored over the heads of the guests and their gloss reflects the rays of light every day.

You will find the website of King David hotel here.

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Wranovsky chandeliers adorn plenty of other hotels as well

The Wranovsky chandeliers can be seen in many other Czech and foreign hotels as well. We designed original and specific lights for Mysterius Hotel Carnival, traditional crystal chandeliers for Hotel Caruso, Myo Hotel Wenceslas and modern pieces for Airport Hotel Okecie. Chandeliers in luxury public spaces are an illustration of our work. Get inspired by our other project work here.

Custom-made for a client of ours, this standing lamp is made of five individual cages from stainless steel in different sizes. A little bird, hand-blown from Bohemian crystal, is placed inside of each cage.

As the summer is coming to the traditional glassmaking region of North Bohemia where we manufacture our lightings, we took the lamp just outside of our factory to showcase its beauty next to the flourishing flora.

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The difference between these two materials is not seemingly large, but the expert or the learned layman can distinguish the crystal glass at first glance.

It is necessary to clarify concepts and define them correctly. We can not confuse artificially created crystal glass with natural mountain crystal. It is absolutely natural and is not used for chandeliers and decorative goods. Crystal glass is generally considered to contain lead oxide (PbO). However, the specific percentage content of PbO is not uniform, the required value varies locally. Within Europe, there are rules whereby the quality of glass goods can be determined as follows: if the lead content is less than 4%, then it is only glass; at PbO values above 10%, we use the term crystal glass, more than 24% is called lead crystal, and PbO content above 30% is already highly leaded crystal. The highest quality and most frequently used European crystal contains 24-30% of lead. In the US, the definition of crystal glass is considerably simpler - crystal is already called a material with 1% PbO.

By adding lead, we achieve desired changes in the glass properties - crystal glass, thanks to the PbO additive, will obtain a higher density, weight and higher refractive index, which will provide the subject with a high gloss when the light is reflected. Lead oxide softens the glass, making it easier to process the material - with engraving, or detailed decoration. Crystal glass has a higher brittleness than regular glass, making it more demanding. The emphasis is therefore on the high skill of the glassmaker. Crystal glass is mainly used for decorative purposes thanks to the acquired properties. It is used for the production of crystal trimmings, decorative crystal goods or exclusive beverage glass, etc.

The expert can recognize the crystal very quickly, but a normal person may not be sure. If we look at the following tips, we can better understand the range of glass products.

The glass has a colorful tint according to the used ingredients (greenish shade when iron oxide is used), the crystal is always clear, translucent. With proper grinding, the crystal gets clean, with rounded edges and areas that beautifully reflect the light. The crystal shines at first glance, it is shiny, and a wide range of colours can be seen through the light passing through it. The glass does not shine and does not reflect the light rays into colour combinations. Crystal can be processed better, its edges are very fine, thin. The edges of glass products are sharper, stronger. When comparing two identical pieces, the crystal glass product will always be heavier, its weight will be higher due to the lead. Due to the fragility of the crystal and the necessary precision in its manufacture, it is always necessary to expect a higher price of the goods. Even the financial cost needed to purchase the product can be an indicator of the authenticity of the crystal product.

Quick summary:

1. Glass is a superior term, crystal is a subset of glass (crystal belongs to glass X not all glass is crystal)

2. Crystal is made of lead X glass does not contain leaded elements

3. Glass is stronger - it is commonly used to produce goods for everyday use X crystal is usually used for decorative and special occasions

4. The crystal reflects the light, it is shiny and shimmering

How to Go About Your Choice?

When choosing the right lighting, it is appropriate to follow the basic rules. Taking this into account, the chandeliers will be selected with the utmost precision and for your highest satisfaction. The specific choice of the lighting is influenced by many factors - the size of the room to which the chandelier will be placed, the type of room, and above all the interior style. The trends and preferences of interior designers change, and there are no general rules for choosing your lighting. The modern minimalist interior can even be decorated with a traditional crystal chandelier, which, thanks to the charming play of lights and shadows, serves as a perfect timeless element. It is best to focus on your own inner feeling and to choose according to your personal taste. 

Basic Factors in Selection

The key factor influencing the choice of a suitable luminaire is the interior style. Into modern, minimalist interiors, we usually choose original lightings, which act as a distinctive feature in the space to attract attention at first glance. Into the classical interiors, we choose the most decent lightings, ones that will emphasize the overall appearance of the room. The perfect element of traditional-style interiors is crystal chandeliers, made in many variants, in a classic form with glass arms or in original modern variants.

When selecting the chandelier, the size of the lighting must be taken into account. The dimensions of the chandelier affect the overall look of the interior - if we choose a lighting too large, we will suppress the other elements of the space and the overall interior appearance. On the contrary, too small of a chandelier will disappear in the space and its decorative and functional effect will be non-existent. The size of the lighting is often conditioned by the height of the room ceiling. The general rule is to take note of the so-called "underpass height", that is, the distance of the lowermost part of the chandelier from the floor. By default, a walking height of 210 cm is recommended, but it is always good to take into account the height of all individuals in the household. We hang the chandelier in such a way that the tallest person can walk under the chandelier without any problem. In the case of a smaller room with a high ceiling (or vice versa), it is possible to shorten or extend the length of the chain on which the chandelier is suspended. For the standard rooms, we most often choose chandeliers with six to eight arms. We use 40 W light bulbs to provide sufficient room lighting. If you prefer chandeliers with multiple arms, you should choose bulbs with less power, 25 W, or use lampshades. A great choice for lower ceiling areas are the flush-mount chandeliers. They beautifully scatter the light across the room and optically enlarge the area. These luminaires can be selected in many variants, from decent models to extravagant pieces.

What is the Function of the Selected Lighting?

The lighting function - are you looking for a central chandelier that will function as the only lighting element in the room? Or is it our intention to choose a decorative lighting and its function to be more of a design element than solely lighting? One should choose the lightings according to the individual needs of the area. In the case of a single light source, we choose stronger bulbs, such as to enlighten the whole room. If we are looking for an intimate, relaxing lighting, then we choose a dim, warm light. The dominant chandelier can be supported by other additional lights - floor lamp, table lamps or wall lighting.

Suspending the Chandelier

Chandeliers are most often suspended in the centre of the room so that the luminaire stands out as a central element of space. In the dining room, we place the chandelier above the dining table, always trying to harmonize the shape of the light and the table. The chandelier should always be smaller than the table, and should not extend beyond its edges. If we have a roundtable, then we chose a chandelier with a circular base. Above a rectangular table, we most often choose a chandelier consisting of hanging lights in a row that illuminates the entire table surface. We select the number of hanging luminaires according to the size of the table and the requirement for light intensity. Generally, an odd number of smaller luminaires that are suspended in one line is recommended. If we want to achieve a more modern or relaxed style, we hang luminaires at different heights. The distance between the dining table and the lowermost part of the chandelier should be at least 80 cm in order to avoid undesirable dazzling of the seated people. If we take all this into consideration, the light shall not be faint and the whole table will be evenly lit. If we want to achieve a more intimate atmosphere, we should hang the chandelier lower so that the faces of the sitting persons are in a light half-shade. A suitable option is a height-adjustable luminaire with its cables able to be adjusted to a specific height.

We had proposed for this unique hotel interior a combination of modern & classic crystal chandeliers with beautifully coloured crystals to complement the interior colours. 

Together with the chandeliers, we had also designed and proposed a matching set of accompanying wall lamps, table lamps and floor lamps. 

Make sure to visit www.myohotelwenceslas.com to learn more about this unique hotel in the centre of beautiful Prague and book your stay with them to enjoy the atmosphere enhanced by Wranovsky crystal chandeliers & lightings.

Have a look below to get a glimpse of the atmosphere of the hotel with our chandeliers and light fittings.

So, without further ado, let us introduce you to four of the most popular Wranovsky chandeliers among our UAE clients. 

Royal Tulips

Royal Tulips is a unique chandelier - its crystal parts are hand painted with real gold. Hand-blown bowls are cut in a tulip shape and gilded as well as decorated with colourful flowers made from porcelain. This is the creme de la creme of our chandeliers. Available in three standard sizes with 12, 24 and 48 arms. However, there's no denying that the true beauty of the Royal Tulips is expressed in its larger version with 24 and 48 arms respectively. Below you can see Royal Tulips in its 24 arms version with 118 cm in width and 132 cm in height. The 48 arms version even boost 165 cm in width and a little over 2 meters in height.

Have a look at our Royal Tulips chandelier collection here.

Ricamente Decorado

This chandelier with its 87 twisted crystal arms and amazingly rich decoration is a real gem in the interior. This wonderful Czech crystal chandelier is exactly two meters wide and almost 3 meters long! Have a look at the chandelier on our Ricamente Decorado product page.

Sirius

Apart from the traditional Czech crystal chandeliers, our clients from Dubai and UAE are very keen on brass chandeliers. One of our most popular brass chandeliers among this clientele is called Sirius. We offer Sirius in two standardized sizes of 112x135 cm and 122x165 cm respectively. However, as a manufacturer, we are capable of adjusting all the sizes exactly according to the client's wishes. You will find our Sirius collection here.

Princesse

There is another very popular Bohemian crystal chandelier among our Dubai clients called Princesse. Our catalogue collection Princesse is rather broad - we offer the chandelier in five different options and four size options - 18 lights, 24 lights, 42 lights, or 60 lights. Have a look on the Princesse collection page on our website to discover all the different looks of its different sizes.

Wranovsky in Hospodářské Noviny

In the September of 2017, the Czech newspaper Hospodářské Noviny mentioned that it often comes as a surprise to people just how affordable are truly custom-made chandeliers in our company. 

Further, they went on to describe how chandeliers from a little town Turnov in the heart of the traditional glass-making region in the Czech Republic can be found in interiors all around the world.

You can find the whole article online here.

Wranovsky in Lidové Noviny

In the February 2016, Lidové Noviny, another famous Czech newspaper wrote an article about us called "Lighting as an Art". 

The article mentioned that chandeliers are no longer suited just for palaces or churches, but more often they are found in interiors of young people around the world. The tradition, handmade qualities and customization are truly winning over the young generations.

You can find the whole article online here.

And when you're at it, why not decorate your chandelier as well?

You can head over to our Pinterest profile to check some amazing chandeliers we have produced over the years, and while you're there, make sure to check this wonderful Christmas Chandelier Decor inspiration board.

For your convenience we have gathered a few of the best ideas into this article that you can get inspired by and use when decorating your own chandelier, should you wish to.

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