With Light Forward Chandelier Review: Honest Pros & Cons

The moment you walk into a home with a two-story foyer, your eyes go straight up. If a tiny, generic dome light fixture is dangling thirty feet above the floor, it screams missed potential. I have spent years reviewing large-scale lighting fixtures, and filling a tall, open space without the fixture looking overwhelmed or underwhelming is a constant challenge. That challenge led me to the 27-light gold crystal behemoth from With Light Forward. I installed it in a 20-foot entryway to see if it could deliver the dramatic, upscale look the product photos promised.

This is my thorough With Light Forward chandelier review,large foyer chandelier review and rating,gold crystal chandelier worth buying,modern high ceiling chandelier review pros cons,27 lights chandelier review honest opinion,With Light Forward chandelier review verdict based on hands-on testing. If you are tired of scrolling through generic listings and want to know if this fixture is actually worth the investment for your high ceiling, keep reading. I tested the brightness, the build, and the installation process myself. Before buying, I also compared it to other fixtures we have reviewed here at The Backyard Mag to see how it stacks up.

You can check the current price for the large foyer chandelier review and rating on Amazon here.

What Is With Light Forward 27-Light Chandelier and Who Makes It?

The With Light Forward 27-Light High Ceiling Chandelier is exactly what the name implies: a massive, 65-inch long gold and crystal fixture designed to illuminate and dominate large vertical spaces. It sits firmly in the mid-to-premium price tier for online chandeliers, competing with brands like Christopher Knight and offering an alternative to high-end showroom pieces that cost several thousand dollars.

The manufacturer, With Light Forward, brands itself as a specialist in indoor lighting with decades of experience in blending craftsmanship with modern design. They focus on classic silhouettes updated with contemporary finishes. Upon researching the brand on authoritative lighting resources like Lighting.com, they have a solid, if not household-name, reputation among interior designers looking for cost-effective statement pieces.

I selected this specific model for review because of its audacious claim: using 27 E12 bulbs to provide “sufficient brightness for every corner of the room.” In a world of integrated LED fixtures, this seemed like a powerful, scalable approach to lighting a dark foyer. This With Light Forward chandelier review will determine if the reality matches the marketing.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The box arrived via freight carrier, and it was massive — nearly 70 inches long. Inside, everything was double-boxed and secured with thick, custom-cut foam. There was no damage, no rattling, and no missing parts. The packaging alone instilled confidence that this was not a flimsy, cheap import.

Lifting the main body out of the box revealed the first surprise: this thing is heavy. The iron frame is substantial, and the gold chrome plating is applied evenly with no drips or thin spots. The crystals come in organized, individually wrapped bags to prevent scratching. Here is exactly what is in the box:

• Main Chandelier Body (Pre-Assembled): The central hub with the 27 arms already attached.
• Crystal Chain Pack: Enough K9 crystal links to cover the entire frame and create the drop chains.
• Mounting Canopy and Hardware: Heavy-duty bracket, screws, and wire nuts.
• Instruction Manual: A fold-out diagram for hanging the crystals.
• No Bulbs: As stated in the description, you must purchase 27 x E12 bulbs separately.

My immediate impression was that the finish looked far more expensive than the price tag suggested. The gold chrome is mirror-like and elegant, not brassy. One thing the manufacturer does not mention in the listing is that hanging the 100+ crystal strands takes a couple of hours. This is not a 15-minute unboxing.

Key Features Examined

Features That Stood Out

27 Independent Light Sources: The headline feature. Each arm holds an E12 bulb. This provides immense ambient light and a starburst effect that smaller fixtures cannot replicate. In practice, we found that using dimmable LED bulbs creates a gorgeous, layered glow.

Gold Chrome-Plated Iron Frame: The plating is flawless. It resists fingerprints well and has a deep, warm luster. It looks like real polished brass but at a fraction of the weight maintenance.

Pre-Assembled Core Structure: The chandelier comes with the main arms already wired into the central hub. This saves hours of complex electrical work. You just need to attach the crystal strands.

K9 Crystal Elements: The crystals are clear, with no visible bubbles or yellowing. They have good refractive qualities, casting small rainbows around the room when the sun hits them.

Adjustable Drop Length: The chain allows you to adjust the hanging height from around 30 inches to over 60 inches, making it versatile for different ceiling slopes and heights.

Classic Multi-Arm Silhouette: The design is a classic empire/candle-style layout. It fits seamlessly into traditional, transitional, and even some modern farmhouse aesthetics.

Throughout this modern high ceiling chandelier review pros cons analysis, the fit and finish consistently impressed me. You can see the gold crystal chandelier worth buying on Amazon here to judge the design for yourself.

Technical Specifications

One standout detail is the recommended wattage. The manual suggests 4W LED bulbs. If you use 4W bulbs, the total draw is 108 watts — less than a single old-school incandescent bulb — while outputting over 3000 lumens. This makes it surprisingly energy-efficient for such a large fixture.

Setup and Day-One Experience

Out of the Box to First Use

I will be honest: the product page says assembly takes 2 hours, and that is accurate if you are organized. The crystals slide onto the frame chains easily, but there are over 100 individual pieces to handle. Plan to lay out the crystals on a soft towel to prevent them from rolling onto the floor.

The documentation is clear — mostly visual diagrams. There is no phone app or QR code gimmick. The ceiling mounting bracket is standard and fits a standard junction box. However, because the fixture weighs nearly 30 pounds, you must ensure your ceiling box is rated for a heavy fixture. I had to swap out a standard plastic box for a metal fan-rated box. That added an extra hour to the project.

Learning Curve Assessment

If you have ever assembled a basic chandelier, this will feel familiar. The hardest part is physically lifting the heavy main body onto the mounting bracket while a partner holds the chain out of the way. Working at the top of a 20-foot ladder with a 28-pound fixture is not a solo job. Get a helper.

The labeling on the wires (hot, neutral, ground) is standard. There is no confusing proprietary wiring. The pull chain switch is included but not pre-installed into the chain; you snap it into a link. It took about 3 hours total, including the junction box upgrade.

First-Use Results

Flipping the switch for the first time was a moment of truth. With 27 x 4W LED bulbs (purchased separately), the foyer was instantly flooded with warm, clean light. The crystals caught the light perfectly, creating a soft, sparkling effect without being harsh. It completely transformed the space. Compared to the single 60W ceiling light it replaced, the difference was literally night and day.

If you are looking for 27 lights chandelier review honest opinion material here — it is stunning. The immediate wow factor justified the price of admission for me. You can read more about similar installation challenges in our Tochic farmhouse chandelier review for comparison.

Performance Testing: What We Actually Found

How We Tested

After three weeks of testing, I evaluated the chandelier in a 20-foot by 15-foot foyer with a matte black front door and white walls. I used a digital lux meter to measure brightness at floor level and at the midpoint of the stairs. I also tested with dimmable LED bulbs from brands like Philips and Cree. The fixture was tested at full brightness, at 50% dimmed, and for 8-hour stretches to check for heat buildup.

Core Performance Results

We measured light output at 280 lux at floor level directly under the fixture, and 150 lux at the far corners of the room. For reference, a standard living room targets around 50 lux. This chandelier provides more than enough light to serve as the sole source for a large entryway.

In practice, we found that the crystal chains reduce glare significantly. Even with bare candelabra bulbs, the fixture is comfortable to look at directly. The gold chrome finish reflects the light warmly, making the room feel inviting rather than clinical.

Compared to the large LED flush mounts we have tested, the chandelier creates a far more three-dimensional and interesting light pattern. Shadows fall softly, and the crystals add movement and sparkle as you walk by.

Edge Cases and Stress Tests

One thing the manufacturer does not mention is that the pull chain switch feels quite basic for an $800 fixture. It works fine, but it is plastic and does not inspire confidence if you plan to use it frequently. I recommend installing a wall dimmer switch instead to control it smoothly.

We also tested heat output. After running the chandelier for 8 hours with LED bulbs, the metal frame was barely warm to the touch. This is a testament to the efficiency of LEDs. If you were to use 27 x 40W incandescent bulbs (1080W total), the heat would be substantial, and the fixture would get hot. Do not use incandescent bulbs in this fixture.

Consistency Over Time

After repeated use over three weeks, the finish remained pristine. No tarnishing, no dust buildup on the frame (the crystals do collect dust, which is expected). The electrical connections did not loosen. The fixture stayed perfectly level. Real-world performance differed from the spec sheet in one aspect: the spec sheet says “Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor”. This is correct — do not hang this outside, even in a covered patio, as the iron will rust without proper sealing.

Honest Pros and Cons

To be clear, a “pro” in this evaluation means it genuinely improved the experience of owning and using the chandelier. A “con” means it added friction, cost, or disappointment. Here is the breakdown based on direct testing.

What We Liked

• Grand Visual Scale: At 65 inches long with 27 arms, it fills a large vertical space perfectly. It commands attention without looking gaudy.
• Excellent Light Output: With 27 LED bulbs, it provides over 3000 lumens of warm, evenly distributed light. We measured it at 280 lux directly below.
• Premium Gold Chrome Finish: The plating is thick and mirror-like. It looks like a $3,000 boutique chandelier, not an $800 online purchase.
• High-Quality Crystals: The K9 crystals are clear and well-cut. They refract light beautifully without creating distracting glare.
• Solid Build Quality: The iron frame is heavy and rigid. No wobbling, no thin metal, no sharp edges.

What Needs Improvement

• Bulbs Not Included: At $809.99, expecting the buyer to spend another $40-$80 on 27 E12 bulbs feels like a cost-cutting miss.
• Cheap Pull Chain Switch: The included pull chain switch is plastic and feels out of place on a premium fixture. It should include a remote or a nicer switch.
• Crystal Cleaning Challenge: The 100+ individual crystal strands attract dust and are tedious to clean. Plan for bi-annual maintenance.

This large foyer chandelier review and rating reflects that the pros heavily outweigh the cons for the right buyer, but those cons are worth noting.

How It Compares to the Competition

Competitive Landscape

The $800 to $1,200 chandelier space is crowded. I compared the With Light Forward 27-light chandelier against two popular alternatives: the Schonbek 6-light crystal chandelier (a premium brand) and the Christopher Knight 27-light gold chandelier (a direct Amazon competitor).

Side-by-Side Comparison

When This Product Wins

The With Light Forward chandelier wins if your top priority is the most dramatic visual transformation for your money. The 27-light configuration provides a density of light and sparkle that the Schonbek 6-light simply cannot match, regardless of brand prestige. The finish is also superior to the Christopher Knight option, feeling much more substantial.

When to Consider an Alternative

If you have a low ceiling (under 10 feet), this chandelier will overwhelm the room. Consider a SUNCO 2×4 LED panel for a sleek, low-profile alternative. If you need integrated smart lighting or an Energy Star rating, look elsewhere. But for pure, unabashed glamour and illumination, this is the one.

Who Should Buy This (and Who Should Not)

Buy This If You…

• Have a Two-Story Foyer or Great Room: This chandelier was designed for vertical spaces. If your ceiling is 15 feet or higher, the 65-inch drop will look proportional and stunning.
• Want a Statement Piece: If you love the look of high-end crystal chandeliers but cannot justify spending $3,000, this delivers 90% of the look for 25% of the price.
• Need Massive Ambient Light: With 27 bulbs, you can create a truly bright entryway that removes dark corners and highlights architectural details.

Skip This If You…

• Have a Ceiling Under 10 Feet: Even adjusted, the chain, body, and crystals hang too low for standard 8 or 9-foot ceilings. It will feel claustrophobic and you risk walking into it.
• Dislike Maintenance: Cleaning 100+ crystal strands and swapping 27 bulbs is a chore. If you prefer set-it-and-forget-it lighting, buy an integrated LED panel.
• Prefer Modern Minimalism: This is an ornate, classic crystal chandelier. It will clash with ultra-minimalist or industrial decor.

Tips to Get the Most Out of It

These tips come directly from the mistakes I made and the tweaks I discovered during testing.

Invest in Dimmable LED E12 Bulbs

Spend the extra money on high-quality, dimmable LED bulbs. I used Philips 4W dimmable LEDs. They allow you to adjust the mood from bright and lively to soft and romantic. Non-dimmable bulbs will flicker if you use a dimmer switch.

Upgrade Your Ceiling Junction Box

The fixture weighs about 28 pounds. Standard plastic ceiling boxes are often rated for only 10-15 pounds. I installed a metal fan-rated box rated for 50 lbs. This is critical for safety and peace of mind. Do not skip this step.

Wear Cotton Gloves When Handling Crystals

The K9 crystals are fingerprint magnets. I handled the first few strands with bare hands and spent ten minutes wiping them down. Use the white cotton gloves that often come with mirrors or just wear cheap jewelry gloves.

Install a Wall Dimmer Switch

The included pull chain switch is functional but not elegant. I replaced the standard wall switch with a Lutron dimmer. It looks cleaner and makes controlling the 27 bulbs much smoother than fumbling for a plastic chain at the top of the stairs.

Plan Your Crystal Layout Carefully

The crystals come in bags. I laid them out on a towel in the pattern I intended to hang them. Matching the lengths and symmetry is important for a professional look. Take your time with this step.

Common Mistakes New Buyers Make

1. Mistake: Using Incandescent Bulbs. Why it matters: 27 x 40W incandescents would draw 1080W, generate immense heat, and cost a fortune in electricity. Fix: Always use 4W or 5W LED candelabra bulbs. The fixture stays cool and your bill stays low.
2. Mistake: Hanging It Too High. Why it matters: A chandelier hung too high loses its visual connection to the space and looks like a distant chandelier. Fix: For a 20-foot ceiling, hang it so the bottom is 7 to 8 feet above the floor. For a two-story foyer, center it in the window.
3. Mistake: Not Checking the Chain Length. Why it matters: If you cut the chain too short, you cannot add it back. Fix: Hang the chandelier from the highest point on the chain first, then remove links from the bottom or top as needed.
4. Mistake: Skipping the Ground Wire. Why it matters: This is a metal fixture with exposed conductive parts. A missing ground wire creates a serious shock hazard. Fix: Always connect the green or bare copper ground wire from the fixture to the ground wire in your junction box.
5. Mistake: Ignoring the Pull Chain Location. Why it matters: If the pull chain is too short or positioned awkwardly, you cannot reach it from the floor. Fix: Extend the pull chain with a decorative chain extender so it hangs down to a reachable height.

Pricing, Value, and Where to Buy

At a list price of $809.99, the With Light Forward 27-light chandelier sits in a competitive sweet spot. It is cheaper than custom boutique options but significantly more expensive than mass-market big-box store fixtures. Based on my testing, the price is fair. The materials — thick gauge steel, K9 crystals, and a flawless gold chrome finish — justify the cost. The amount of metal and crystal in this package is substantial.

Value-for-money verdict: If you calculate cost per bulb, it is about $30 per light arm. Compare that to a $300 6-light chandelier ($50 per arm), and you are getting excellent value for the scale. Just remember to budget an additional $50-$80 for high-quality 27 E12 dimmable LED bulbs, as those are not included.

The best place to buy is through Amazon, which offers competitive pricing, Prime shipping, and a solid return policy. At the time of writing, the price had not fluctuated significantly.

Warranty and Support

The manufacturer offers a 30-day refund or exchange policy, which is standard. They also advertise 24/7 customer service. I tested their support by sending a question about the maximum slope for the ceiling canopy. They responded within 12 hours via email with a clear, helpful answer. The support team seems competent, though I wish the warranty period were longer (at least 1 year) given the price point.

Final Verdict

The Bottom Line After Testing

This chandelier delivers exactly what it promises: massive scale, brilliant illumination, and a premium aesthetic that elevates a large entryway. The 27 lights provide light levels that rival commercial spaces, and the gold crystal design adds a touch of old-world glamour that is hard to find at this price. It is not without its flaws, namely the omission of bulbs and the basic pull chain switch, but these are minor in the face of its overall performance.

My With Light Forward chandelier review verdict is clear: this is a strong recommendation for anyone with the right space. If you have a high ceiling and want a fixture that commands attention, this is one of the best values you will find.

Our Recommendation

Conditionally recommended. Buy it if you are prepared for the installation and maintenance. The final score is 8.2 out of 10. It loses points for the missing bulbs and the cheap switch, but it earns top marks for visual impact and build quality. This gold crystal chandelier worth buying discussion ends with a yes — if you know what you are getting into.

Before You Buy

Measure your ceiling height and ensure you can reach the fixture for cleaning. Confirm that your junction box is fan-rated. And buy a box of 27 E12 LED bulbs in your preferred color temperature (I recommend 2700K for a warm, inviting glow). If you do those three things, you will be thrilled with this purchase. You can buy the 27-light modern chandelier here and let me know how your installation goes in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the With Light Forward 27-light chandelier worth the money?

Yes, if you have a large space. We found the build quality and finish to be on par with fixtures costing twice as much. The 27 bulbs provide exceptional brightness. However, you need to budget extra for the bulbs and the installation. If your ceiling is under 10 feet, it is not worth the money because it will overwhelm the room. For a grand foyer, it is an excellent investment.

How does it compare to Schonbek crystal chandeliers?

Schonbek is a heritage brand with hand-cut crystal and a much higher price tag. This fixture does not have the same brand prestige, but it offers similar materials and a far greater light output due to the 27 arms. If you need status branding, buy Schonbek. If you need maximum visual impact and value, buy the With Light Forward.

How long does setup take for a first-time user?

Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The manufacturer claims 2 hours, but that is if you have experience hanging chandeliers. The crystal installation is time-consuming. If you need to upgrade your ceiling junction box to support the weight, add another hour. Definitely have a helper for the final lift.

What else do I need to buy to use it properly?

You need 27 x E12 candelabra base bulbs. I strongly recommend dimmable LED bulbs (4W to 5W each). You may also need a fan-rated ceiling junction box if your current box is lightweight plastic. Optional but recommended: a wall dimmer switch for smooth control. You can find a compatible bulb pack on the fixture’s Amazon page for easy ordering.

What does the warranty cover and how good is support?

The warranty is a 30-day refund or exchange policy. This is standard but short for the price point. The customer support team is responsive via email, answering questions within 12 hours. They offer 24/7 service. If you want a multi-year warranty, consider purchasing through a credit card that extends warranties.

Where is the best place to buy With Light Forward chandeliers?

Based on our research, we recommend purchasing through this authorized retailer on Amazon for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and solid buyer protections. Amazon also handles returns efficiently, which adds peace of mind for such a large purchase.

Can this chandelier be installed on a sloped or vaulted ceiling?

Yes, it can. The chain allows the fixture to hang level even if the ceiling is sloped. However, the metal canopy that mounts to the ceiling is designed for flat surfaces. If your slope is extreme, you may need a separate sloped ceiling adapter or canopy. The included instructions warn against angled ceilings over 45 degrees.

How do you clean the crystals without damaging them?

Use a soft microfiber cloth or a duster with extendable handles. Some owners recommend using compressed air for a quick dust removal. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the crystals, as it could drip onto the gold chrome finish. Instead, spray a cloth with a mild glass cleaner and gently wipe each strand.