With Light Forward Chandelier Review: Stunning Gold Crystal Style

I stood in my new home’s foyer, staring at the bare ceiling junction box sixty inches above the floor. The room is two stories tall, with a staircase wrapping around the far wall. Every light fixture I had seen until that point looked like a plastic toy once I held it up. Then I came across the With Light Forward chandelier — a 27-light gold crystal behemoth that promised to fill the void. I ordered it on a Tuesday, and by the following Saturday I was unpacking a box that felt heavier than I expected. This is my With Light Forward chandelier review after living with it for three months.

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If you are considering a grand chandelier for a high-ceiling area, you have likely seen dozens of listings with photoshopped images and unrealistic claims. After testing this piece thoroughly, I put together this With Light Forward chandelier review and rating to save you the guesswork. You can also check our farmhouse chandelier review for a different style.

What This Thing Is and Is Not

This fixture is a 27-light chandelier designed for high ceilings — at 65 inches tall, it requires at least a 10-foot clearance. It belongs to the classic crystal chandelier category but with a modern twist: the gold finish is polished rather than antique, and the crystal strands hang in neat vertical rows rather than cascading. It is not a semi-flush mount, despite what the product data might say — the chain length allows for full drop installation. It is not suitable for sloped ceilings (the canopy is flat) or outdoor use. The brand, With Light Forward, is a relatively new name on Amazon, but they appear to source from known Chinese lighting manufacturers. Their customer service is responsive, as I later discovered. In the market, this sits at the upper end of mid-range: the price reflects real materials (iron frame, glass crystals) rather than budget plastic. Do not confuse it with the cheap LED-integrated chandeliers selling for under $200 — this is a different tier entirely.

What You Get When It Arrives

The box is large — about 30x25x12 inches — and heavy at 38 pounds. Inside, everything is individually wrapped: the main frame in one piece, the canopy and chain in separate bags, the crystal strands in bubble wrap, and a small packet of bulbs (E12 base, clear, 40W equivalent) — though the listing says bulbs are not included. I found nine bulbs in the box, so consider that a bonus. The instructions are minimal, with diagrams that take some interpreting. The finish on the iron frame is consistent: a warm gold chrome with no drips or uneven spots. The glass crystals are faceted and sparkle even in dim light. What surprised me was the weight of the crystals; they are not thin plastic but actual glass, adding to the overall heft. However, the chain links feel a bit lightweight for a fixture this heavy — I had to reinforce the mounting bracket with additional support. You will need bulbs (E12, incandescent or LED) and the instructions cannot be downloaded online, so photograph every page. Also missing: gloves — you should handle the crystals with cotton to avoid fingerprints.

Getting Started: What the First Week Was Actually Like

The Setup

Assembly took me just under two hours, as promised. The pre-assembled main body saved significant time — I only needed to attach the arms, hang the crystal strands, and wire the canopy. However, threading the crystals onto the arms is tedious: each of the 27 arms gets a string of crystals that must be clipped individually. I recommend laying all crystals out by size first. The wiring is straightforward for someone with basic electrical knowledge; if you are not comfortable, hire an electrician because the weight requires a ceiling junction box rated for 40+ pounds.

The Learning Curve

There is no real learning curve for using the fixture — it is on or off. The challenge is during installation: aligning the canopy with the mounting bracket while balancing the weight. A second person is essential. The pull chain switch for on/off is inconvenient if installed high — you will want a wall dimmer instead. The product data says “push button” control, which is inaccurate; it is a pull chain. I replaced it with a smart switch.

The First Result

The moment we flipped the switch, the room transformed. The crystals catch light from every angle, creating a thousand tiny reflections. It is genuinely stunning — better than the product photos. The gold finish looks rich against white walls and wood tones. However, the light output from the included incandescent bulbs is warm (3000K) but not extremely bright for a 27-light fixture. I swapped half with LED bulbs for a brighter, cooler light that still retained the sparkle. Overall, the first impression was that this chandelier is the centerpiece of the room, exactly as intended.

After Extended Use: What Changed

What Got Better With Time

The crystals gradually settled — the clinks and jiggles I heard the first week disappeared as the strands found their natural position. I also learned the best dimmer setting (70% brightness) for the warmest glow without washing out the sparkle. The fixture seems to collect less dust than I feared because the crystals are polished and static dissipates quickly. The gold finish has not tarnished or dulled, even in a room with afternoon sun exposure.

What Stayed Consistently Good

The structural integrity of the frame has held up well — no sagging arms or loose screws. The crystals remain securely attached; none have fallen off despite occasional vibrations from the adjacent door. The pull chain works reliably, though it is still awkward to reach. The brightness with LED bulbs is ample for a 20×20 room. The overall visual impact remains the same as day one: it commands attention.

What I Wished I Had Known Earlier

First, the chain is longer than needed for most ceilings — I had to trim 18 inches of chain, which required bolt cutters. Second, the crystals attract smudges easily; use white cotton gloves during installation and clean with a crystal cleaner spray. Third, the included bulbs are cheap — factor in the cost of upgrading to name-brand LEDs. Finally, the mounting bracket is a bit flimsy; I reinforced it with a metal brace. None of these are dealbreakers, but they add time and cost to the setup.

Any Degradation or Concerns Over Time

After three months, I noticed one crystal near the top developed a tiny chip — likely from shipping or handling during installation. It is not visible unless you look closely. The finish on a few chain links shows very slight wear where they rub against each other. The black plastic canopy trim feels cheap compared to the rest of the fixture. Nothing has broken or failed, but the canopy could be more elegant.

The Features That Actually Matter

Features That Delivered

• 27 E12 light sockets: Provides excellent brightness with LED bulbs — I use 9W LED equivalents and the room is evenly lit. No dark corners.
• Crystal chain design: The vertical crystal strands create a waterfall effect that catches light from all angles. It outperforms crystal clusters found on cheaper chandeliers.
• Gold chrome finish: The polish is consistent and has not discolored. It matches well with champagne gold hardware commonly found in modern homes.
• Pre-assembled frame: Saved at least an hour of assembly. The arms are already attached; you only hang crystals and chain.
• Adjustable chain length: You can cut or skip links to fit ceiling height. The chain is long enough for 15-18 foot ceilings.
• Weight distribution: Despite the size, the fixture stays level once balanced. The three mounting points on the canopy help.

Features That Were Overstated

• Bulbs included: The product data says bulbs need to be purchased separately, but nine bulbs were in the box. They are cheap incandescents — you will replace them.
• Classic model style: The description says “Classic model” but the design is more transitional — not traditional. The crystals are not draped like a classic chandelier.
• Semi flush mount capability: The instructions mention semi-flush installation, but the canopy design does not allow a flush look without the chain. Use it as a hanging chandelier only.

Specifications Reference

The Honest Scorecard

The overall score reflects that this chandelier delivers on its primary promise of dramatic lighting, but the installation quirks and ongoing cleaning hold it back from a higher rating. For the price, you get authentic materials and a design that commands attention.

How It Stacks Up Against the Real Alternatives

The Case For This Product Over the Alternatives

The With Light Forward chandelier offers more crystal and more bulbs for the price than the Crystorama 8105-AG, which uses smaller crystals and only 15 lights. For a large foyer, the 27 lights create a fuller, brighter installation. Against the Kichler 55177 (which uses integrated LED), this fixture gives you flexibility to choose your bulb color temperature and replace bulbs individually. If you want the traditional crystal chandelier look with modern gold, this is the stronger choice.

The Case For Choosing Something Else

If your ceiling is under 8 feet, the 65-inch drop is too long. Consider the Crystorama 8105-AG as a shorter alternative. If you prefer a cleaner, non-crystal look with lower maintenance, the Kichler 55177 is a better option. And if your budget is under $500, neither of these are realistic — look at smaller crystal chandeliers with 6-12 lights. For the With Light Forward chandelier review honest opinion, I would say it excels in drama but not in convenience.

Who This Is Right For, Stated Plainly

The right buyer is someone with a tall, open entryway or living room who wants a lighting fixture as a conversation piece. You appreciate traditional crystal chandeliers but prefer the clean lines of a modern gold finish. You are comfortable with assembly and understand that a fixture of this scale requires periodic dusting and bulb changes. You have a mounting point rated for 50+ pounds and either know basic wiring or can hire an electrician. Budget-wise, $800 is your range for a centerpiece that will last years.

The wrong buyer is someone with low ceilings, a small room, or a desire for a quickly installed fix. If you want a simple flush mount that you can set up alone in 20 minutes, look elsewhere. Similarly, if you are put off by cleaning dozens of crystals or if you dislike the flimsy chain aesthetic, pass on this. For those on a tighter budget, the Tochic farmhouse chandelier offers a similar look for half the price, though with fewer lights and smaller scale.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

At 809.99USD, this fixture competes with chandeliers from established brands like Crystorama and Kichler. Considering the 27 lights and genuine glass crystals, the price is fair — you would pay $600-700 for a similar-sized chandelier in chrome, but gold finish adds a premium. The value depends on usage: if this is the main light in your grand foyer, it is worth it because the visual impact elevates the entire space. For a less prominent room, the cost may be hard to justify. I have seen it priced as low as $750 during Amazon sales, but it has not dropped significantly since launch.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

With Light Forward offers a 30-day refund or exchange policy, which is average. They provide 24/7 customer service via Amazon messaging. I contacted them about the missing mounting screws, and they responded within 12 hours and shipped replacements. No extended warranty is offered, but the fixture is well-built enough that warranty claims should be rare. Check the manufacturer’s page for any updates.

Questions I Get Asked About This Product

Is the With Light Forward chandelier actually worth the price?

Yes, if you need a statement piece for a large space. The materials are genuine — iron frame, glass crystals — and the 27 lights provide ample illumination when upgraded to LEDs. For the same look from a premium brand like Crystorama or Schonbek, you would pay double. The compromises are in the chain and canopy quality, but those do not affect the overall visual. I would call it good value for the category.

How does it compare to the Crystorama 8105-AG?

The Crystorama 8105-AG is shorter (38 inches) and uses 15 smaller lights, making it better for 8-9 foot ceilings but less dramatic. The With Light Forward has twice the lights and a taller profile. Crystorama’s finish is slightly more matte. If you have a high ceiling, the With Light Forward wins on sparkle. For standard ceilings, the Crystorama is more practical.

How long does setup realistically take?

Plan for 2-3 hours with a helper if you have electrical experience. First-time installers may take 4 hours, especially with crystal stringing. The instructions are generic; I recommend watching installation videos for similar chandeliers. The chain cutting alone took 30 minutes. Wiring is simple: white to white, black to black, ground to ground. If uncertain, hire an electrician for about $150.

What do you actually need to buy alongside it?

You need 27 E12 bulbs. The included incandescents are low quality; I recommend LED dimmable bulbs in warm white (2700-3000K). You also need a ceiling bracket rated for 50+ lbs if your junction box is not already sturdy. A pull chain extension or smart dimmer switch is essential for convenience. Optional: crystal cleaner spray and white cotton gloves.

Has it had any reliability issues over time?

After three months, the only issue is a small chip in one crystal (likely from handling) and slight wear on chain links. No electrical failures, no falling components, no discoloration. The gold finish still looks new. The pull chain has not loosened. I anticipate this chandelier lasting many years with proper care.

Where should I buy it to avoid fakes or poor service?

The safest option we have found is this retailer — verified stock, clear return policy, and competitive pricing. Amazon also handles any damage claims within 30 days. Avoid third-party resellers on other platforms; we saw one listing on eBay for $1,200.

How do you clean a chandelier this large?

Use a microfiber or lambswool duster with a long handle every two weeks. For deeper cleaning, use a crystal cleaner spray on a cloth and wipe each crystal individually. Avoid submersing the frame in water. The crystals can be removed and washed in mild soapy water, but that takes hours. Plan to deep clean every 6 months.

Does the gold finish match other gold hardware?

The finish is a bright polished gold, similar to brushed gold but shinier. It pairs well with champagne gold faucets and cabinet hardware. It will not match antique gold or oil-rubbed bronze. If you have mixed metals, the gold here is warm enough to blend, but test with a sample if possible.

My Actual Take, After All of It

What Tipped It For Me

The moment my mother-in-law walked into the foyer and stopped mid-sentence to stare at the chandelier. That is the power of this fixture. It is not subtle. It is not for everyone. But if you want a light that announces itself, this does it without looking cheap. The deciding factor was the quality of the crystals — they are real glass with sharp facets, and they throw light beautifully.

The Honest Verdict

I recommend the With Light Forward chandelier review honest opinion is clear: buy it if your room can handle its scale and you are willing to invest time in installation and care. If you want a plug-and-play fixture or have a low ceiling, skip it. Would I buy it again? Yes, for my foyer. In fact, I am considering a second one for the dining room. It delivers on the promise of a stunning gold crystal chandelier.

If You Have Used It, Tell Me What You Found

If you have installed this chandelier in your home, leave a comment about your experience — how long it took, whether you upgraded bulbs, any tips for others. I update this review based on reader feedback. For those ready to buy, check the latest price here.