Many materials are associated with luxury, sophistication, and elegance: gold, silver, platinum, marble, high-quality leather, and, of course, crystal glass. Crystal is pure love for those who adore the play of light because nothing refracts rays quite like it. Every piece will be a bright and radiant focal point in any setting.
Crystal is versatile: it adapts as a decorative item, a way to style a room, a furniture accessory, or tableware in different forms, as long as it creates an atmosphere of luxury.
In this article, we observe modern trends and some ideas for crystal glass in your home.
The Fashion for Crystal: Past and Present
Decorating with crystal is a relatively recent trend compared to gold or silver. In the 17th century, masters learned to work with crystal glass and refine its shapes. The first items in demand were glasses, chandeliers, and vases. By the 19th century, crystal pieces had become a must-have in any noble home or palace decor, symbolizing heritage and wealth. In the 20th century, however, this material entered mass production, which caused it to lose its popularity.
Today, however, designers are showing a growing interest in this material due to the popularity of vintage items and new production trends that make it possible to create unique pieces.
Glass is good for different styles, from classic to minimalist. It can be combined with other materials, pairing crystal with wood, metal, and even concrete.
Crystal Products Popular Today
Crystal is suitable for any design purpose, whether creating a luxurious classic interior or minimalist modern solutions.
Famous historical brands like Lalique, Daum Crystal, Reflections Copenhagen, Baccarat, and others have come back into fashion. It has become popular again to enhance spaces with elegant glass pieces. Let’s take a look at some of the latest trends.
Crystal Vases and Bowls
No matter what, crystal vases and bowls will always remain relevant. This decorative item will never become outdated or go out of style. They can enhance the living room, dining room, office, and the bedroom.
For example, the Daum Camelia collection (pieces made of multicolored glass in the shape of camellia flowers) and the Maya collection (items resembling the blue waves of the Caribbean Sea) are at the height of popularity. Also highly sought-after are the Bacchantes and Tourbillons vases by Lalique. These collections captivate us with their modern interpretation of traditional principles of working with crystal glass and their unique designs.
Use them for:
- displaying bouquets of fresh flowers (or fruits);
- design compositions combined with other materials (such as dried plants or stones);
- as a standalone, self-sufficient decorative element.
In any case, this is an excellent design choice to perfect the space with practical use and a touch of sophistication.
Crystal Glass Tableware
And what do they serve on tables set for special occasions? That’s right—crystal tableware! If it’s not on the table, the dinner might not be as significant as it seems. A fine restaurant or a respectable home honors guests with the finest crystal glasses, decanters, and tumblers. Men often follow the trend of equipping their bar with premium whiskey tumblers or an elegant ice bucket.
The crystal glass tableware pairs with porcelain of any design, various cutlery styles, and different textiles. Crystal absorbs and reflects everything around it. This type of tableware always shows refined taste and elegance.
How to use:
- crystal glasses and decanters can elevate any banquet or dinner;
- personalized bar setup;
- an everyday accent in the interior.
Some of the best examples that have gained particular popularity among designers include the Christofle Iriana crystal set, the Circé collection by Cristallerie de Montbronn, Glacier whiskey tumblers from Artel, Drinking Set No. 4 by Lobmeyr, and The Château luxury drinkware.
Each of them is a masterpiece of applied art. Their quality and precision of form are truly captivating, as is their remarkable practicality.
Crystal Lighting
We can’t go further without mentioning lighting fixtures. After vases and bowls, this is one of the most popular ways to showcase premium quality. Massive chandeliers, as a symbol of status and luxury, adorn royal palaces and the finest concert halls, theaters, elite restaurants, hotels, government buildings designed for official receptions, and many other prestigious spaces.
Renowned brands like Baccarat and Swarovski are unmatched in their craft and set the standard. Crystal chandeliers and lighting fixtures are an elegant and highly luxurious accent that can transform any room.
They can be:
- the centerpiece of a living or dining room;
- a complement to a bedroom interior as small wall sconces or pendant lights;
- a part of the bathroom, creating soft and refined lighting.
Modern crystal lighting is not just about massive and heavy structures. Manufacturers often create minimalist designs, focusing on the exclusivity of the artistic concept. You can find a variety of options to suit any interior design, seamlessly blending in.
Crystal Figurines
Another popular trend is minimalist figurines made from colored crystal glass. For example, Lalique’s bestseller is the Zeila Panther collection (panther figurines in various sizes and colors), while another standout from Lalique is the Fish in Glass collection (fish figurines). The Mer de Corail sculpture collection by Daum features a set of miniature sculptures that realistically replicate marine life. The Baccarat brand offers a line of crystal figurines: standing bears, horses, hearts, Christmas trees, cats, butterflies, and even Pokémon—essentially everything your imagination can dream up.
How to Plan a Design Project with Crystal
Despite its adaptability, crystal requires a thoughtful approach when incorporating it into an interior. Avoid making an impulsive purchase; it’s better to discuss it with an expert to select a piece that complements the overall design rather than standing out as overly flashy.
Here are a few tips to help you:
- Define the role of the item. Decide what piece you want: something for a central role (like a chandelier in the center of the room) or something complementary (like vases or figurines).
- Choose the placement and lighting. Crystal pieces should stay in the right spots, with ample space and proper lighting to highlight their play of light.
- Consider material combinations. Choose elements only with textures that pair well, such as metal, natural stone, or marble.
- Maintain balance. Avoid using too many pieces, as they can overwhelm the interior.
Final Thoughts
Since its inception, crystal has become one of the key elements in the interiors of royal palaces and aristocratic estates. Today, crystal decor is back at its peak of popularity, and leading manufacturers offer a variety of design solutions, from minimalist figurines to massive pieces and art objects. By carefully selecting such pieces, you can create a unique accent for your interior. So, when exploring crystal trends, be sure to consult an expert on how to use them to achieve the desired result.
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