Last Updated on February 26, 2013 by Kristi Linauer
I’ve been thinking about Murano glass chandeliers ever since I saw this Murano-style chandelier ($2,278) last night on the Zinc Door website.
Isn’t that gorgeous? Here’s an actual red Murano glass chandelier ($3,556) that I’ve had a bit of a design crush on for well over four years now. (I even blogged about it way back here.)
Just take a look at that depth of color! Just amazing!
Now if you’ve been around A2D long enough, you know that I am admittedly cheap. I’m actually kind of proud of my penny-pinching ways. But I will freely admit that if I ever had the opportunity to build a really nice home, and I had the money in the bank, a Murano glass chandelier is something that I would actually consider splurging on. To me, it’s like saving up to splurge on a really nice piece of artwork from a favorite artist. Murano glass chandeliers are nothing if not pieces of artwork!
Murano glass chandelier used in a kitchen, from NovogratzActual Murano glass comes from the island of Murano off the coast of Venice. The island has been known for its glassmaking for centuries.
Blue Murano chandelier used in a bedroom, from Apartment TherapyMurano became the center of glassmaking in 1291 when the Venetian Republic decreed that all of the foundaries had to be moved to the island of Murano. They feared that if the foundaries were allowed to stay in the city, they risked a fire that could totally destroy the city.
Modern dining room with Murano glass chandelier by Lisa Ferguson Interior DesignAccording to Wikipedia…
Murano’s glassmakers were soon the island’s most prominent citizens. By the 14th century, glassmakers were allowed to wear swords, enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state, and found their daughters married into Venice’s most affluent families. However glassmakers were not allowed to leave the Republic.
Ha! Isn’t that interesting? Their craft allowed them to live like royalty (okay, that may be a bit of an overstatement) as long as they stayed, but made them a criminal if they left.
Dark and cozy bedroom with white Murano glass chandelier, by Pulp Design Studios
Dining room with Murano glass chandelier ($2,940), via Design Within Reach
Turquoise Murano glass chandelier ($2,940), via Design Within ReachSo do you share my love of Murano glass chandeliers? If not, what is that one item that you would consider splurging on for your own home?
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
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7 Comments
Kaththee
February 29, 2012 at 10:35 amYou have already ”built a really nice house” with the sweat of your brow! I can understand not buying something because it is too expensive and not in the budget but your house could certainly do that chandelier justice. Your house is absolutely gorgeous and if anyone deserves it you do. You have saved money everywhere else. That is why we bargain hunt and DIY so we can splurge on a couple of things that truly move us. Sure you can make a room beautiful with an 80’s brass chandelier, spray paint, elbow grease, and some string, but every once in a while a woman just needs to splurge on some sparkly thing. If you get the chance, I say go for it with this house. If any house is worthy, yours certainly is.
Mrs Mike
February 29, 2012 at 10:44 amI’ve never seen this before, but they are absolutely beautiful!! I tend be thrifty as well, but I absolutely agree that there are some pieces worth investing in. As a renter, I’m very conscious of things that may not work in other spaces, but if it was my forever home, I think this is something that I could make work. 🙂
gertie @ The Old Block House
February 29, 2012 at 10:49 amI’ve never seen Murano chandeliers before, but love them! The turquoise chandelier is gorgeous.
RAREculture
March 2, 2012 at 10:15 amMurano chandeliers are beautiful in every circumstances. But you choose some of the most beautiful I think.
Italian Glass Chandeliers
April 23, 2012 at 8:05 amItalian glass chandeliers can easily be paired with both modern and antique furniture style with delightful results.
Chelle Ellis
August 22, 2022 at 11:32 amI got this one online from Italy for less than $500 and couldn’t be happier. I asked them to change the gold hardware to silver and they were happy to accommodate. A couple of pieces arrived damaged from Italy and they replaced them immediately. I couldn’t be more pleased.
https://www.cristalleriamurano.com/it/lampadari/15703-lampadario-in-vetro-di-murano-oro-modello-ca-venier.html
Chelle Ellis
August 22, 2022 at 11:37 amMine is six light and you can see it here:
https://sadiesoldhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_9407.jpg