Today is the start of a new bi-weekly series, save vs. splurge! Any well designed space is a good mix of high and low, so it’s always helpful to know where to save and where to splurge. But these days the options are endless and sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the ‘expensive’ and the ‘affordable’ which is great news for our design budgets! I think all of these chandelier options make saving money look really, really good!
When it comes to brass, the main difference between save and splurge options often comes down to tone. You’ll notice the tone of the brass on the save options below are slightly different. Budget friendly options are often not real brass but have a gold tone. If you aren’t particular about all the brass in your space matching exactly, the save options from a style standpoint are spot on! And they’ll save you hundreds of dollars!
chandelier with shades: save vs. splurge
With this art deco inspired glass chandelier I think it’s super hard to tell any difference from a design standpoint. Both are made with real glass, and I honestly think I prefer the save option because it has a chain making it look a bit more solid.
With the round chandelier below, again it comes down to a tone difference with the golds being slightly different. The save option looks to be more copper than brass, but if you really wanted to save some money that’s nothing a can of spray paint couldn’t fix. The save version is $140 vs. the splurge at $1140!
round glass chandelier – save vs. splurge
round brass – save vs. splurge
I definitely prefer the splurge options here, though the save options aren’t bad at all. I think this is a case where design in the details, so if you want your lighting to be the star of the show in your space, go for the splurge. But if your lighting is meant to highlight another really great feature of your space, go for the save. I mean…..but seriously, how amazing is that splurge lantern with the campaign details! I die!
round brass – save vs. splurge
Here I think the save options would look amazing if they weren’t right up against the splurge options. Standing alone no one would think they were anything less than amazing, but as compared the the splurge options they aren’t as special. I personally prefer frosted glass or milk glass shades for a chandelier, but that’s just my preference.
round crystal – save vs. splurge
A great chandelier can completely transform a room, whether you’re talking about a dining, living, bedroom or even a closet! And there are so many great options under $250 these days.
If you have any particular save vs. splurge categories you’d like for me to cover in this series, let me know in the comments section!
