What looks better in a stylish dining room, than a big, bold chandelier? Not much, in my opinion.
Chandeliers are among the classiest single elements you can add to your home. A chandelier lights a room up like nothing else, especially if it is a large model. Can they get too large? Sure - but be fair to yourself: If it looks right, and fits with everything else in the room, then it isn't too large. What do you see in your minds eye when you think of chandeliers? Big crystal chandeliers? Vintage or contemporary styled? Murano or Tiffany? Or maybe your are among those who do find that big crystal chandeliers can be a bit over the top.
Good for you then, that it doesn't have to be crystal. Bronze and brass chandeliers are common examples of this; although these often have a few crystals attached too. Mostly they are not quite as big as the large crystal specimens - perhaps because they would get very heavy. Another reason could be that the brass chandelier especially has a maritime history. It was often the choice of lighting aboard ships in the age of steamers and before, and could be found in the quarters of officers and passengers. The crew would probably have had light sources with somewhat less decoration I assume.
A chandelier can also be made from wrought iron, which often lends it a very rustic look. The iron is often a matté black as a form of surface treatment to reduce rust. I you wanted a candle chandelier for a log cabin or similar, I could think of nothing more fitting than getting one made from iron, to really accentuate the rustic surroundings.
It is indeed alright to love chandeliers, and don't let anyone tell you different. The naysayers just don't know what they are missing, do they? Perhaps it is the image of large, crystal behemoths in a worn down hotel ballroom that intimidates these people. Too bad, I say. Today's selection goes so much beyond that. The next time you look for chandeliers, have a look at the contemporary models. This is lighting as modern art! Often only the fact that there crystals on a pendant lamp, will remind you of what you are looking at - which is a good thing. Chandeliers should not stagnate in Victorian times, they should evolve just as everything else does. So stand by your love of classy crystal lighting. There is no shame in it as far as I can see. And if you just must have that maritime look in your dining room, kitchen or where ever - don't let anyone talk you out of that brass chandelier. Just tell them, you'll polish it yourself!
