2025 SCHONBEK
CALL NOW
Schonbek Lighting: The Pinnacle of Crystal Luminaires Since 1870
Where heritage meets innovation in the world's most prestigious crystal lighting. For over 150 years, our handcrafted luminaires have graced royal palaces, presidential residences, and luxury estates worldwide.
A Bohemian Legacy of Brilliance
In 1870, young Adolph Schonbek left his family's glassworks in Bohemia to pursue a vision: creating extraordinary crystal chandeliers that would captivate the world's elite. His masterpieces soon adorned the halls of European nobility, earning the prestigious endorsement of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.
By the turn of the 20th century, Schonbek had become the preferred lighting choice for royalty, clergy, and celebrities worldwide. Our chandeliers illuminated Buckingham Palace and the White House, establishing Schonbek as the undisputed global leader in premium crystal lighting.
Artistry Preserved Through Generations
For over 155 years, the Schonbek name has been synonymous with superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance. When upheaval in Europe threatened this legacy, Arnold Schonbek—Adolph's grandson—relocated to North America, ensuring the family's artisanal techniques would endure.
Generation after generation of master craftsmen have preserved our old-world techniques: hand-cutting and polishing crystal jewels, forging ornate cast-metal frames, and assembling each fixture by hand. This commitment to authenticity makes every Schonbek chandelier not just a luminaire, but an objet d'art that tells a story from Bohemian roots to American reinvention.
Where Royal Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
1
1870
Adolph Schonbek establishes his crystal chandelier workshop in Bohemia, crafting bespoke pieces for European aristocracy.
2
Early 1900s
Schonbek chandeliers grace Buckingham Palace and the White House, solidifying the brand's prestige among the elite.
3
Mid-20th Century
Arnold Schonbek relocates the company to North America, preserving the legacy of old-world craftsmanship.
4
2021
A new chapter begins with acquisition by the WAC Lighting Group, blending centuries of tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Each era in our storied history has contributed to what Schonbek represents today: the perfect marriage of timeless elegance and forward-thinking innovation. Our fixtures stand as enduring symbols of taste and tradition in the world's most distinguished interiors.
The Renaissance of American Craftsmanship
In 2021, Schonbek entered an exciting new chapter when it joined the WAC Lighting Group family. This partnership has revitalized our legacy through significant investments in manufacturing, design, and research & development.
Our historic Plattsburgh, New York factory—the heart of Schonbek's operations—received comprehensive upgrades to expand custom fabrication, finishing, and assembly capabilities. WAC's vision brought back veteran local artisans, many with 30–40 years of experience, while also onboarding new talent to carry the tradition forward.
Today, this American manufacturing hub serves as the center for our made-to-order production and bespoke projects, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to quality and personalization.
Beyond: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
The Schonbek Beyond collection represents our most ambitious fusion of heritage craftsmanship and 21st-century innovation. These sleek, contemporary masterpieces marry 150 years of crystal expertise with groundbreaking LED technology.
From grand multi-light statement pendants to minimalist geometric sconces, each Beyond fixture features our signature crystal sparkle illuminated by ingeniously integrated LED systems. The lighting is engineered to highlight distinctive silhouettes and intricate crystal details, creating an unparalleled modern luxury statement.
With edgy motifs and mixed-metal accents, Beyond pushes creative boundaries while maintaining the Schonbek standard of excellence—a new era where high design meets high tech.
Forever: Jewelry for Your Home
The Schonbek Forever collection represents our most opulent expression of luxury—true "jewelry for your home." These exquisite crystal pendants, wall sconces, and tabletop lamps blend rich materials to create intimate statement pieces that captivate from every angle.
Each design is adorned with our exclusive Radiance® crystal gems and select pieces feature Swarovski pearls for an unmatched lavish touch. Sumptuous multi-step metallic finishes—from gleaming French Gold to hand-burnished patinas—impart a bespoke character to every fixture.
Forever pieces carry forward Schonbek's legacy of timeless elegance, making classic luxury relevant for today's most sophisticated interiors.
Global Reach with Boutique Attention
Heritage Excellence
Schonbek brings 150+ years of design prestige and crystal craftsmanship expertise to the partnership.
Technical Innovation
WAC contributes cutting-edge LED engineering, smart controls, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Worldwide Presence
Together, we serve discerning clients across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with exclusivity and uncompromising quality.
As part of The WAC Group of brands, Schonbek benefits from shared resources in innovation while maintaining the boutique attention to detail that our clients expect. It's a powerful synergy: Schonbek's artistic heritage and WAC's technical prowess ensuring our position as the leading name in luxury crystal lighting for generations to come.
Revolutionary LED Technology for Perfect Ambiance
Today's Schonbek luminaires seamlessly incorporate advanced LED technology, offering unprecedented control over your lighting atmosphere. Every new LED fixture features a color-selectable system with multiple CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) options and exceptional color quality.
At installation, an easy-access switch lets you toggle between 3-CCT settings (3000K, 3500K, or 4000K) or even 4-CCT settings (adding 5000K) on select models. This means a single Schonbek chandelier can provide warm candlelit ambiance for intimate dining, neutral white light for a bright kitchen, or cool daylight for task-oriented spaces—all with 90+ CRI fidelity to ensure colors appear rich and true.
Performance That Matches the Beauty
Flawless Illumination
High-CRI LEDs and premium drivers deliver smooth dimming and flicker-free glow, meeting the exacting needs of luxury environments.
Enduring Brilliance
Replaceable LED modules rated for 50,000–60,000 hours ensure years of maintenance-free illumination—approximately 23 years at 6 hours of daily use.
Hidden Technology
Our "Technology Illuminated" philosophy means embracing innovations that enhance the user experience without compromising aesthetics—the tech remains invisible while the art shines.
The result is crystal chandeliers that shine brighter, run cooler, and adapt to any ambiance at the flip of a switch—all while concealing the sophisticated technology within the artistic form.
The Science of Crystal Illumination
Schonbek has perfected the art of crystal illumination through ingenious LED integration. Unlike standard bulb chandeliers with glaring or uneven light, our designs feature cleverly concealed LED sources that back-light or internally illuminate crystal elements, creating a radiant "fire" in each facet.
This sophisticated approach results in jewel-like illumination that evenly highlights the piece's form while maximizing sparkle. Interior designers gain incredible flexibility—specifying fixtures that meet contemporary lighting codes and efficiency standards without sacrificing the classic allure of crystal.
We've married romantic ambiance with high-tech convenience, allowing clients to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Art of Exquisite Finishes
Each Schonbek luminaire undergoes a meticulous multi-step finishing process that transforms it from mere fixture to fine art. Our artisans employ dozens of handcrafted metal finishes—from gleaming 24K gold and polished nickel to antiqued hues like Heirloom Bronze and soft distressed whites.
These finishes aren't simply applied; they're created through a complex sequence of hand-painting, silver leafing, acid patination, and polishing. The result? Rich surface textures and durable lusters that bring out elaborate cast details and etchings, imparting depth and character that mass-produced fixtures simply cannot achieve.
A Palette of Possibilities
French Gold
A timeless, opulent finish that brings warmth and grandeur to traditional and contemporary spaces alike.
Heirloom Bronze
Rich depth with subtle variations that create an instant heirloom appearance, perfect for historic renovations.
Matte Black
Bold, contemporary elegance that creates dramatic contrast against both crystal and surrounding decor.
For example, a complex Rococo-style chandelier might undergo rubbing with antique glaze after plating to accentuate its baroque scrollwork, creating a piece that looks as though it has graced a château for centuries. This level of finish artistry ensures each Schonbek piece truly harmonizes with your design vision.
Your Vision, Made to Order
Personalization is in our DNA—from Adolph Schonbek crafting custom pieces for nobility to today's bespoke commissions for luxury residences and hospitality projects. Our "your vision made to order" philosophy allows unparalleled customization across every aspect of your fixture.
Choose from an array of crystal types and colors, fixture sizes, arm configurations, and decorative accents. Need an oversized foyer chandelier scaled perfectly for a grand spiral staircase? We can custom-engineer multi-tier versions to any scale. Desire a special finish tone to match existing hardware? Our finishing team can mix custom hues or apply dual-tone finishes to your specifications.
White-Glove Design Support
Schonbek's design and engineering teams provide white-glove support to trade clients, working collaboratively to realize one-of-a-kind masterpieces that meet specific project needs. Unlike mass-produced alternatives that offer a "take it or leave it" approach, we view each commission as a creative partnership.
This approach extends to technical details as well. We accommodate special electrical requirements, incorporate smart lighting features from the WAC ecosystem, and tailor mounting methods for challenging installations. The result? Schonbek chandeliers often become legacy pieces that define a space—unique centerpieces rather than mere fixtures.
Crystal Excellence: The Schonbek Difference
Radiance® Crystal
Our premium crystal offering is an optically pure, 100% lead-free marvel manufactured in Europe with no flaws or inclusions. Each Radiance gem features nearly triple the number of facets compared to standard machine-cut crystals, creating a kaleidoscope of sparkle and "fire" that dances under light.
Optic Crystal
Derived from advanced optical glass—the kind used in telescopes—our Optic Crystal maximizes internal refractions for extraordinary scintillation without relying on lead oxide content.
Revolutionary Crystal Innovations
Optic Haze™ Quartz
Our newest innovation, Optic Haze™ Quartz, is an engineered crystal with the same chemical composition and radiance as natural quartz gemstone. Harder and more durable than conventional crystal, it exhibits mesmerizing depth and is crafted via a novel, consistent process before being hand-finished by gem cutters for an artisanal touch.
Rock Quartz Crystal
For those seeking genuine natural crystal, we offer sustainably mined Rock Quartz Crystal options. Each piece features unique fissures and inclusions—nature's signature—that our artisans carefully polish to enhance its luminescent beauty.
Environmental Responsibility in Luxury
Lead-Free Excellence
Unlike many competitors using crystal with harmful lead content, all Schonbek crystals are 100% lead-free, eliminating toxic heavy metals from both the product and manufacturing process.
Sustainable Sourcing
We emphasize ethical sourcing for all materials, particularly our natural quartz, avoiding the environmental harm associated with mass extraction or contamination.
Energy Efficiency
Our long-life LED technology dramatically reduces energy consumption and eliminates waste from frequent bulb replacements, proving that luxury and sustainability can brilliantly coexist.
This commitment means designers and homeowners can have complete confidence that their sparkling chandelier is as environmentally responsible as it is beautiful—a crucial consideration for today's conscious luxury consumer.
The Unmistakable Quality Difference
Quality control is another Schonbek differentiator. Each crystal is meticulously inspected and hand-cleaned before use; only perfectly cut and polished pieces make it onto a fixture. Our crystals are attached using proprietary methods—many hand-pinned in the traditional way by artisans rather than hastily glued—ensuring secure placement and optimal angles for light refraction.
The result is unmistakable: Schonbek chandeliers outshine competitors with their exceptional clarity, color consistency, and vibrant prismatic dispersions. Even from across the room, you'll notice the sharp, brilliant rainbow effects that inferior crystal simply cannot produce—the visual signature of authentic Schonbek quality.
Schonbek vs. The Competition
Crystal Quality
Schonbek: Radiance® lead-free crystal with ~3× facet count for maximum sparkle. Optically pure, flawless, and hand-finished for superior brilliance.
Competitors: Often use high-lead content crystals (up to 30% PbO), basic faceting with visible imperfections, or even acrylic imitations for smaller elements.
LED Technology
Schonbek: Integrated LED with selectable 3-CCT or 4-CCT color temperatures, 90+ CRI, and 50,000+ hour lifespan. Hidden source design creates even illumination highlighting each crystal.
Competitors: Typically traditional bulb sockets with no integrated LED, single color temperature options, and inconsistent lighting quality with visible bulbs.
The Heritage Advantage
Brand Legacy
Schonbek: 155+ year heritage dating to 1870 Bohemia. Honored by European royalty with installations in Buckingham Palace and the White House. A four-generation family legacy now combined with WAC's innovation.
Competitors: Often recently established brands (20-30 years) with no notable heritage or historical pedigree. Many appropriate classical-sounding names but lack authentic craftsmanship lineage.
Customization
Schonbek: Fully bespoke service with design engineering support. Endless finish options, crystal choices, sizing adjustments, and special mounting solutions available.
Competitors: Limited to fixed catalog offerings with minimal modifications. Cannot accommodate special requests or true custom designs due to mass-production constraints.
Environmental Commitment
Schonbek: All crystals are 100% lead-free, eliminating toxic materials. We utilize sustainably mined quartz and environmentally conscious manufacturing practices. Long-lasting LEDs significantly reduce waste from replacements.
Competitors: Often use high lead content (30%+) in crystals, with production in regions having lax environmental regulations. Many prioritize cost over sustainability with hazardous chemicals in finishes and higher carbon footprints.
This factual comparison highlights Schonbek's advantages in quality, technology, sustainability, heritage, and customization—providing concrete evidence of the extraordinary value behind the Schonbek name.
Unrivaled Craftsmanship
Each Schonbek fixture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, often with decades of experience, using techniques passed down through four generations. The result is heirloom-quality construction—fixtures that can last a lifetime.
Metal frames are hand-cast or forged and meticulously finished, while every crystal is individually attached with precision. This artisanal approach ensures a level of detail and durability that machine-assembled alternatives simply cannot match.
When you choose Schonbek, you're investing in a piece that has been touched by human hands at every stage of creation—a true work of art destined to become a family treasure.
A Legacy of Prestige
Schonbek is not just a lighting brand; it's a living legend in design. With over 150 years of history, our luminaires have illuminated royal palaces, presidential residences, and five-star hotels around the world.
When clients choose Schonbek, they align with a legacy of excellence and join a distinguished clientele—from European nobility to Hollywood celebrities. Our fixtures have witnessed history in the making, from state dinners at the White House to royal celebrations in European courts.
This storied past adds intangible value to each piece—a conversation starter and a mark of distinction in any space that appreciates true heritage.
The Crystal Brilliance Advantage
3×
More Facets
Schonbek Radiance® crystals feature up to triple the facets of standard crystals, creating breathtaking prismatic effects impossible to replicate with ordinary materials.
100%
Lead-Free
All our crystal options are completely lead-free, ensuring the light they refract is crisp and vibrant with zero discoloration while protecting both artisans and environment.
90+
CRI Rating
Our high Color Rendering Index ensures colors in art and furnishings appear true and beautiful under Schonbek's light, enhancing the entire interior experience.
In side-by-side comparisons, Schonbek simply outshines the competition, making rooms come alive with dancing rainbows of light that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.
LED Innovation for Modern Living
Schonbek's new collections incorporate state-of-the-art LED technology hidden within the glamour. Many fixtures offer selectable color temperatures that adapt to your needs—warm amber for intimate evenings, neutral light for everyday elegance, or cool brilliance for vibrant entertaining.
Our integrated LEDs mean no visible bulbs or frequent replacements, with full dimming capability to create the perfect mood. This sophisticated technology gives classic crystal lighting a high-tech upgrade that designers and tech-savvy homeowners love.
Made in North America, Admired Worldwide
Schonbek proudly manufactures in Plattsburgh, New York, supporting American craftsmanship and rigorous quality control. Our workshop focuses on made-to-order pieces, ensuring each fixture receives individual attention and care.
As part of the WAC Lighting Group, we combine local artisanship with global distribution and support. For North American clients, this means easier communications, faster lead times on custom orders, and confidence in consistent quality. For international projects, Schonbek offers the cachet of an American-made product carrying European heritage—a globally respected brand that translates anywhere.
The Power of WAC Lighting Group Innovation
Cutting-Edge R&D
Access to WAC's advanced research in lighting technology ensures Schonbek remains at the forefront of innovation while preserving its classic appeal.
Smart Integration
Compatibility with modern control systems and app-based technology offers convenience without compromising the timeless aesthetics that define Schonbek.
Reliability & Support
WAC's robust warranty and customer service network ensure that investing in Schonbek is risk-free—support is readily available, and service needs are handled promptly.
This powerful partnership allows Schonbek to offer both heritage design and modern reliability—the perfect combination for today's luxury market that demands both tradition and technology.
For Design Professionals
Schonbek is your dream partner in the trade. Our combination of design heritage and modern capability means you never compromise when specifying luxury lighting. Leverage our design consulting services—we'll work with you on custom drawings, modification requests, and finish samples to ensure each fixture meets your project's vision.
With technical documentation including spec sheets, IES files, and CAD blocks, integrating Schonbek into your plans is seamless. ETL/UL listings and Title 24 options satisfy code requirements for commercial projects.
In your showroom, Schonbek displays instantly elevate your offering—signaling to designers and affluent clients that you provide the pinnacle of quality. "This is the same brand that lights Buckingham Palace" becomes a powerful selling point that distinguishes your business.
For Discerning Homeowners
Investing in a Schonbek chandelier means bringing art and heritage into your home. More than just a light fixture, it's a family heirloom in the making, a conversation starter, and a reflection of refined taste.
Experience the transformation as thousands of dazzling reflections create an ambiance worthy of a grand ballroom or five-star hotel in your own living space. Each piece is custom-assembled for you in New York by seasoned craftspeople, not mass-produced in an anonymous factory.
Our integrated LEDs offer modern convenience without maintenance concerns, while our timeless designs increase both the allure and value of your home. When you choose Schonbek, you're connecting to a legacy of excellence that has illuminated the world's most prestigious interiors for over 150 years.