The Great Room Chandelier
at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

In the heart of Belfast’s Merchant Hotel lies the Great Room—a grand, opulent space crowned by one of the city’s most iconic chandeliers. Recently, The Chandelier Guys had the honor of restoring this chandelier to its full brilliance. Suspended 7 meters above the ground within the domed ceiling and stretching over 10 meters in height, this fixture required careful planning, precision, and expertise.

The Challenge: Scale, Complexity, and Timing

Maintaining a chandelier of this size is no small feat. Its 16 arms, each adorned with a lamp and a curtain of crystals, cascade outward from a central structure of five intricate tiers of lights and crystals. Every detail needed individual attention, so we erected a 10-meter-high scaffolding to access each part safely.

To minimize disruption, we completed the entire process overnight, starting at 10 p.m. after the last dinner guests had left. With breakfast service resuming at 7 a.m., we had a narrow 7.5-hour window to complete the task. Our goal was to leave the chandelier gleaming, ready to welcome guests for breakfast.

The Process: Precision in Every Step

Once the scaffolding was set and secured, our team carefully assessed the chandelier, mapping out the cleaning process. We began with the outer arms, removing, cleaning, and polishing every crystal strand to restore their sparkle. Each lamp was also cleaned and, where needed, replaced to ensure consistent brightness.

Next, we addressed the inner ring of crystals, which demanded precision and patience. Using specialist cleaning solutions safe for crystal and metal, we meticulously cleaned every surface. Finally, we focused on the chandelier’s five-tiered center, carefully wiping each crystal and inspecting every bulb to ensure consistent illumination.

Working at Height: Safety and Expertise

Operating at such heights required constant focus and rigorous safety measures. Navigating the chandelier’s intricate design around the scaffolding was also challenging, but our experienced team used specialized tools and techniques to reach every angle. The clock was ticking, but we stayed focused, knowing each careful step would bring the chandelier back to its best.

The Result: A Gleaming Centerpiece

By 5:30 a.m., just as the breakfast team arrived, we were dismantling the scaffolding and stepping back to admire the results. The chandelier sparkled brilliantly, each crystal catching and reflecting light, creating a mesmerizing glow in the Great Room. It was a rewarding moment for our team, knowing that we’d restored a beloved Belfast landmark.

The Chandelier Guys: Experts in Iconic Lighting Restoration

Cleaning the Merchant Hotel’s Great Room chandelier was a privilege and a testament to our dedication to excellence. At The Chandelier Guys, we understand the artistry of chandeliers and the care they require. Whether it’s a heritage fixture in a luxury hotel or a treasured piece in a private home, we’re here to ensure your chandeliers shine as they were meant to.

For more about our chandelier cleaning and restoration services, visit us at The Chandelier Guys.