Crystal in Interior Design: 25 Interesting Ideas

History

Crystal refers to quartz with impurities, and the term has been around for a long time: it was coined by ancient Greeks who believed the material to be frozen ice. The English were the first to establish commercial production of crystal. It was they who came up with the idea of mixing quartz with lead, resulting in elegant tableware with a voice. Later, substitutes for lead were found—barium or calcium-potassium glass. To produce colored crystal, oxides of various metals were added to the mixture.

Interior Solutions

Until recently, crystal was an attribute of refined living and could only exist in classical interiors. However, with the evolution of design, it found new applications. Crystal is an essential part of boho and shabby chic interiors: emphasizing a mix of textures, these styles welcome excessive decoration and freedom in choosing accessories.

Crystal is also well-suited to Scandinavian minimalism: tired of simple silhouettes, owners of such interiors often add a shimmering accent in the form of a chandelier or candelabra. For the same reason, crystal decor appears in country-style interiors: wooden finishes and calm tones are sometimes enhanced with unexpected décor. By the way, legendary French designer Philippe Starck loves decorating interiors with crystal.

Main Light

Heavy crystal chandeliers may not fit into any room. The main criterion to consider when choosing this accessory is the height of your ceilings. Fortunately, manufacturers offer flat and stylishly updated versions. Today's crystal chandelier is not necessarily a copy of some Versailles masterpiece. Clean lines and simple forms, use of colored glass, and combinations with rough metal expand the options for selecting crystal chandeliers for interiors in various styles.

Glimmer in Details

It's no secret that vertically hanging crystal strands look particularly expressive and resemble a rain of jewels. This technique can be applied in window treatments: sunlight refracted through the facets of stones will fill the entire room with sparkling reflections. If large crystal decor seems too ornate for your interior, small stones can be used to create a delicate play of light. Crystal door handles look understated yet refined, while a quilted bed back with inlay will add glamour to any bedroom.

If you are lucky enough to own a piece of mountain rock, such an eco-friendly element in the interior can become a magnificent decorative accent in the living room. Likewise, a grandmother's serving set is worth using to make every dinner feel like a festive reception.