Flat Side In, Flat Side Out
Around here, we get many questions about the proper way to trim a chandelier with crystals. The most common inquiry is whether the flat side of a piece of crystal should be facing the center of the chandelier or the outside of the chandelier.
Great question. Can we demystify this issue?
Quick definition – if a piece of crystal (pendant, prism, pendalogue, pendelogue) will lay flat on a surface, it is called half-cut. If it will not, it is called full-cut. Below: left is half-cut, right is full-cut.
School of thought #1… the light from a chandelier enters the flat side if it is facing inward on the chandelier and exits the multiple sides (properly referred to elsewhere as facets) creating sparkles (properly referred to elsewhere as refractions).
School of thought #2… the pin head should face out because it is considered the finished side. And, the pin head is almost always on the flat side. Therefore, the flat side is out.
Very frequently there is no interior light on a chandelier, so therefore it doesn’t really matter which side is where. And, also very frequently, the pin placement dictates whether a prism will hang straight regardless of anything else.
Ultimately, here at King’s we used the latter factor as a guide. Whatever placement makes the prism or strand hang straight on your chandelier is the best placement.
- Tags: Chandelier Parts FAQ
- Nancy Daniel
Comments 1
Katie Bonham
I took all the crystals off my small, entrance chandelier to wash them. It came with the 96 year old house. Over the years, it had been repaired with bits of wire, here and there, and not only the end hangers. Your video was amazing to find. A Godsend. I watched the connecting part first, then I wondered flat side up or down? My bulb is inside, so it was flat side down. Magic. I love you for posting these instructions. And, who knew that this Yorkshire girl in Colorado, USA would be listening to your lovely English accent to boot. Thank you so very much. Katie