Chandelier lighting has been around for centuries, even before the middle ages people used them. Back in those days chandeliers were a simple cross of wood with spikes that candles could be stuck to. In fact the name chandelier is French for candlestick. The chandeliers were attached to a pulley by rope so that they could be raised and lowered for lighting the candles. Chandeliers in public buildings sometimes have this same feature, so that they can be lowered for cleaning and replacing burnt out bulbs. When metalwork became affordable for the merchant middle class, chandeliers became made of brass or bronze. These multi armed chandeliers with candles (and later gaslights) are still in use today, although we use electric lights today. Let’s take a look at some of the chandeliers you have to choose from.
Crystal Chandelier Lighting
Crystal chandeliers became popular when a 17th century glassmaker discovered how to make easily cut glass crystal. Until that time only rock crystal or fragile crystillo could be used for chandeliers. With the cheaper glass crystal, the popularity of crystal chandeliers exploded. They could fill a room with all the glittering colors of the rainbow, and effect that still makes them a very popular option today.
Black Chandelier Lighting
Many of the old chandeliers were made of iron but could be very heavy, which wasn’t so much of a problem since houses were built with large central beams that could support the weight. The black iron look can also be imitated with bronze or brass that is weathered chemically, although it doesn’t look exactly the same. A chandelier made of iron can be very contemporary looking, even though it has it’s roots in antiquity. Another option is a chandelier made from black glass crystal. It won’t refract the light like a typical crystal chandelier but it can add a sleek modern look to a room.
Contemporary Chandelier Lighting.
Many contemporary chandeliers don’t have the branched arms we think of in a classic lighting chandelier. Instead they have a central support holding up a central lighted area. This is typical of an art deco or craftsman style chandelier. Modern chandelier lighting with a central support are typically called pendant chandeliers. They can come in all sizes and shapes, from mini chandeliers to streamlined steel.