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Looking for an antique chandelier? Here are our top tips when buying antique chandeliers to make the best purchase for your budget.
Before purchasing and antique chandelier, the most important thing is to choose one that you genuinely love. While these pieces often hold their value, styles do evolve. For instance, elaborate Victorian chandeliers were once our top sellers, but now, the trend favours simpler designs. If you are buying a chandelier for your home, the most important aspect is that you love it and the second is that you are buying what you think you are.
Avoid chandeliers with thin, insubstantial metalwork, which often indicates a lower-quality piece. High-quality antique chandeliers feature robust metal components with sharp detail in the decorative parts, whether it’s clean, sharp cuts in the crystal or fine detail in a metal filial or arm. A thin, ‘tinny’, gilt-coloured ring or detail on a chandelier is an indication of a decorative rather than valuable piece. Again, check the quality of any design or cut in the glass. High quality will look very clean-cut and sharp (as in the picture below).
Our collection of antique chandeliers is sourced from a variety of places, including auctions, antique fairs, and a network of trusted suppliers who understand what we are looking for and will buy chandeliers for us. This diverse approach allows us to offer a unique selection of antique lighting.
Today, simple and elegant chandeliers, particularly from the Georgian era, are in high demand. These timeless pieces, much like Georgian architecture, remain stylish and desirable, providing a sophisticated contrast in both minimalist and luxurious settings. However, genuine Georgian chandeliers are very rare and extremely expensive, however the good news is that the classic Georgian designs never really went out of fashion, so there are many more reasonable recreations of them made in the Victorian and Edwardian eras which offer superb quality for an excellent price. It would cost far more to make the equivalent pieces today than the original antiques tend to sell for.
Without a doubt, Georgian England stands out as the pinnacle of chandelier craftsmanship. The chandeliers from this period are truly exceptional, and a visit to the Bath Assembly Rooms will illustrate just how stunning and historically significant these pieces are. While French and Italian chandeliers also have a rich and impressive history, we have a particular affinity for British craftsmanship. The early glass techniques developed in England were renowned worldwide, and whenever possible, we take pride in sourcing and celebrating British-made chandeliers.
A chandelier can suit almost any setting, though I’m not particularly fond of the trend of placing chandeliers in kitchens, as they can be quite difficult to clean! While they’re traditionally associated with grand interiors, chandeliers can also add a beautiful touch of sparkle to a simple, contemporary hallway. The best place to showcase a chandelier—especially if you don’t have 3-metre-high ceilings—is over a dining table hung low or in a stairwell.
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Installing crystal chandeliers can be a complex task due to the diversity of designs and the buildings they are installed in. The primary challenge is the weight; large crystal chandeliers can weigh around 20-25 kg, requiring a strong joist or other robust support to avoid any mishaps. In some cases, installation can be easier in modern buildings, particularly new builds, where the necessary support can be specified before the ceiling is plastered and finished.
We handle many installations because electricians are often cautious when dealing with high-value antique chandeliers. To ensure safety and compliance, we rewire and PAT test all our restored chandeliers, with all work carried out to meet current electrical standards.
When evaluating the craftsmanship of an antique chandelier, focus on the quality of the materials and design. High-quality chandeliers feature deeply cut crystals and sharp, precise metalwork. If these elements are lacking, the chandelier may not be of the highest quality.
Given that antique chandeliers can range in price from £100 to £100,000, it’s essential to ensure that your purchase meets your expectations. For pieces in the £400-£500 range, choose something you truly love, as aesthetic appeal is key. However, if you’re investing significantly more, we strongly recommend seeking expert advice. We’ve encountered chandeliers labelled as ‘Osler’ with high guide prices at auction, only to find they were of inferior quality and not genuine. To safeguard your investment, consult with a specialist chandelier dealer when considering high-value pieces.
Product: Georgian Chandelier
Antique chandeliers are generally a solid investment. Unlike contemporary fittings, they tend to hold their value over time. While they may not necessarily appreciate significantly in 10 years, they are likely to maintain a strong resale value, ensuring that they fetch a good price if you decide to sell
It’s possible, but it often comes down to luck. With the internet, auctions are now international, and even smaller regional ones can attract buyers from around the world, often driving up prices. However, great bargains can still be found, particularly at antique fairs and auctions. Sometimes, the best deals are hidden at the bottom of a box or in slightly damaged pieces, so it’s worth taking the time to explore and hunt for those hidden gems.
Antique chandeliers vary widely in price, from £100 to over £100,000, ensuring there’s something available for every budget!
While outright fakes do exist, it’s more common to encounter chandeliers from the 20th century that are based on older designs. These pieces aren’t necessarily fakes, but they are often misrepresented as being much older than they truly are. The most obvious signs of a reproduction are poor quality casting and imprecise glass cutting. However, these details can be difficult to spot if you’re not familiar with what to look for.
Ultimately, the best advice is to buy what you love. Even if it doesn’t appreciate in value, you’ll have a piece that brings joy to your space.
