Some of the more discrete and subtle, yet still stylish chandeliers you can get, are the ones made of brass or bronze.
These are often quite simple designs – moderately sized, with a central piece and a number of arms cast in metal. There can sometimes be a few crystals on them, but not necessarily. But wait – are they even chandeliers then? Are chandeliers not supposed to be these huge monster lamps, loaded with hand cut crystal? Yes – they can be. But is that what you need? No, brass and bronze chandeliers are sometimes better than there crystal brethren. They are not as expensive, they are easier to clean and frankly – a bit more low key!

Especially brass chandeliers have a maritime past. Brass is a commonly used metal in the maritime world – always buffed to a mirror polish. In the captains quarter on a ship in the old days, there would have been a brass chandelier hanging over his table. It would be shining almost like gold, which is a property of brass. Nowadays, a brass chandelier would also have that mirror-finish, but it would probably have been coated with laquer to protect the finish. Real chandelier fans polish their lamp once a week of course – whether it is brass or crystals. Bronze is a slightly lighter burden in terms of maintenance of the finish though. It is often an attractive – but matte brownish hue. There is not the same tradtion for polishing brass,  so a much more old looking finish is often the case with bronze.

One is not better than the other – it is simply a matter of taste. Be aware that excessive polishing of a modern brass chandelier could take off the laquer in spots, ruining the look of the lamp. Better to clean the thing with a little alcohol on a cloth. That will probably be enough.