The Vintage Glass Chandelier You Should Look For On Resale Sites

Whether you've just moved into a new home or are redecorating your current residence, no room feels complete until you add stylish statement lighting to brighten up the room. A statement light helps tie the entire room together and serves as a beautiful focal point when you have guests over. When searching for the perfect light fixture for your space, a chandelier is an appealing option. These lights often feature incredible, intricate details that make them far more than just functional lighting. When it comes to intricate details and unique designs that make a statement in any room, you can't go wrong with a vintage Murano glass chandelier. Known for their use of Venetian glass, these chandeliers are worth keeping an eye out for from second-hand sources.

When referencing Murano glass, it's important to remember that Murano is an island in Italy, and not the name of a specific company. Multiple glass blowers on the island produce chandeliers, so the "brands" may vary. Historically speaking, these elaborate chandeliers were considered a symbol of wealth – and with modern day prices reaching over $10,000, that symbolism is still alive and well. If you're lucky, however, you might be able to find an authentic Murano chandelier online for a steal.

With such high prices, even in the resale market, you definitely want to make sure the Murano glass lighting fixture you're buying is authentic. Luckily, there are a few markers to look for that can help with the identification process. For starters, real Murano glass will likely have air bubbles. Air bubbles are a natural side effect of glass blowing and while other companies might use lead to eliminate these bubbles, in Murano they do not. You can also look for the glass masters signature on the piece, then look them up to see if they're located in Murano. Other indicators include certificate of origin stickers, vibrant colors, and gold or silver infusions.

If you're lucky enough to find one of these beloved chandeliers on a resale site, you will want to familiarize yourself with the common mistakes everyone makes when buying a chandelier before committing to the purchase. Things like personal style, size, and lighting outputs all need to be considered before you type in your credit card information. Once you have the light in your home, there are some styling choices to consider as well. For example, there are some major drawbacks when you hang a chandelier too close to the ceiling, so ensuring you have enough space will be a big help. If you plan to hang the chandelier over your table, a general rule of thumb is to leave about 30-34 inches between the top of your table and the bottom of the chandelier. This allows enough space on the table for it to function while still making the light a focal point.