Top 5 Expensive Chandeliers

Are you looking to really impress your friends and family or spruce up your house with a really stunning chandelier in your foyer? Here are some striking, yet expensive chandeliers that I like:

Savoy House – Versailles 42 Light Chandelier

This chandelier is inspired from Versailles (that’s the Palace of Louis the XIV in France, for you history buffs out there). It was Versailles that first inspired and popularized the association of chandeliers with elegance and refinement, so this chandelier is sort of like a modern revival of a classic.

It’s made from intricately hand-crafted and mouth-blown crystals, which is a really nice touch, since it seems like pretty much everything is mass-produced these days. You’ll really feel like you’re getting something special with this one that is just as unique as your home.

I was looking at some of the specs on this one. It says that it offers “architectural lighting.” I have a masters degree in architecture and used to work in one of the top architectural design firms in Seattle, and I have no idea what “architectural lighting” means, but it’s equipped to take 15 watt light bulbs, which means it should give off good light.

Check out the Savoy House Versailles 42 Chandelier

Axo Light – Subzero 50 Chandelier

This is a bit more contemporary in feel. It’s designed by Manuel Vivian, a Venetian lighting designer, with experience in interior design, who has been working with blown glass from a very young age (thanks to his family’s business). He’s also the lead designer at Axo after working with them since their inception in 1996.

Anyway, this design is modern (with a small “m”), which is what you’d expect from Axo. They’re known for their fussion of cultures and draw inspiration ranging from Italian stonework to Japanese bamboo, combining artistry and engineering.

This is part of Axo’s Subzero collection which means that it’s made from Bohemia crystals (modern day Czech Republic). This is a great chandelier if you’re going for one of those hip and contemporary looks.

Check out the Axo Light Subzero 50 Chandelier

American Brass and Crystal – Chateau

Now this chandelier may be expensive, but it’s probably the image that first pops into my mind when I even think of the word “chandelier.” This is extremely classic and elegant.

It has oversized handcrafted pendulogue crystals. I don’t know if you’re into “energy” stuff, but I was reading somewhere recently that hanging pedulogue crystals in your foyer (like say on a chandelier?) can help to channel prosperous energy into your household. But then again, you’re probably not living on welfare if you’re thinking about something like this anyway, so maybe prosperity isn’t really your main concern…

But this is made by American Brass and Crystal, which is known for using Italian brass casts and fine European craftsmanship. Plus their crystals are Strass crystals from Swarovski (you know, that jewelry store in the mall!), which can be identified by their logo laser etched at the top of each crystal (where it hangs from).

Check out the American Brass and Crystal Chateau chandelier

Fine Art Lamps – A Midsummer Nights Dream

This really looks like something you’d see out of a Shakespeare play (probably how it got it’s name). It has a very flowery look to it, with the subtle hint of an inverted fleur de lis on the bottom (a historic family symbol for many European nobles).

Fine Art Lamps, the company that produces this chandelier, says all the usual stuff about “we cater to a discriminating clientele…” Blah, blah, blah! Yeah, they do quality stuff, but what you really need to know is that their main specialty is is the finishes that they put on their chandeliers.

The patina (a fancy word for “finish”) on the metal and the crystals is described as “moon-dusted,” which aside from just sounding cool, basically means that it gives the whole piece a feeling of being an antique passed down from generations long past. It feels like you’re grabbing a piece of history (but without having to loot and pillage an old castle in Europe!).

Check out the Fine Art Lamps Midsummer Nights Dream chandelier

Schonbek – Olde World

Did you know that Schonbek chandeliers have graced Buckingham Palace and the White House? I also read somewhere that Schonbek chandeliers are also the most imitated chandeliers. Why buy some hack knock-off, when you can just the original?

The Olde World chandelier is available in your choice of Spectra Swarovski, Strauss Clear Swarovski, or Strauss Golden Teak Swarovski crystals (see the American Brass and Crystal above for more on Swarovski…)

Schonbek likes to consider that buying one of their chandeliers is like investing in a family heirloom that will be passed down from generation to generation (Hey, it worked at Buckingham Palace!).

Check out the Schonbek Olde World chandelier

So, these are my top five favorite expensive chandeliers. If you’re willing to pay some good money for quality, these are the 5 I would narrow it down between.

If you didn’t see anything that you like, you may find something more your style

here.