A chandelier is a decorative light fixture, hung from the ceiling, to shed the area under it with light. Chandeliers are very useful objects to have – hung from the ceiling with several lights or bulbs mounted on it; they have the capability of drastically increasing an area’s illumination or lighting. Although their primary objective is to provide better lighting, chandeliers have long since been used for increasing the aesthetic beauty of a place or room, as well. Therefore, chandeliers are seen as decorative ornaments, as much as they are seen as instruments to shed better light in a room.
 |
It is not known, who exactly came up with the idea of a chandelier, much less who invented it. But, when chandeliers first came into use, they were such a crude invention even a young boy (or a girl) could have invented it. It wasn’t until the 15 century, that more complex models or designs of chandeliers became common. These chandeliers had several levels, so as to provide more places on which the candles could be mounted, thus, providing even more light. By the 18th century, more decorative designs of chandeliers were invented; furthered by the development and use of glass. The discovery of gas, in the 19th century, led to the invention of gas chandeliers. Instead of candles, gas fire was used to light the room. These chandeliers were termed as gasoliers. At the end of the 19th century, electricity was found, and that’s when everything changed.
Contemporary Chandeliers – Light Your House with Style
The invention of electricity changed everything, not only how chandeliers were made. As technology improved, so did the chandelier designs. As beautiful as traditional chandeliers are, people want to decorate their homes with modern furniture and ornaments. This is where chandeliers went contemporary. Contemporary chandeliers are basically a new breed of chandeliers following the age old principles of lighting, but infused with modern technology. Contemporary chandeliers give particular attention to it shapes and designs, that is why, they are so abstract.
Crystal Chandeliers – Prisms in Your House
We all know crystals, like a prism, refract light greatly, but just may be not in as many vibrant colors. The primary purpose of a chandelier is to provide better and more light; using crystal fixtures on the chandeliers multiplies the light by throwing off the same light. Plus, crystals are more beautiful. But, crystal chandeliers don’t only have crystals; they also employ cut glass because glass can also reflect light. Crystal chandeliers are usually used in elaborate places like hotels, ball rooms or dining rooms.
Black Chandeliers– Mistresses of Beauty And Elegance
 |
If a chandelier is beautiful and elegant; then a black chandelier is its mistress. Though it might seem impractical to hang a black chandelier, it more than makes up what it lacks in practicality for elegance and beauty. A black chandelier does not impose itself on its surroundings. In fact, it helps enhance the effect of itsiking contrast. If hung in a bedroom, it can do wonders to increase the bedroom’s romantic appeal. Besides black chandeliers, pink chandeliers, white chandeliers and red chandeliers can also be found in various shapes and sizes.
Other Popular Types of Chandeliers
There are approximately seven categories in which chandeliers can be divided into. They are divided on the basis of their designs, materials they are made with and craftsmanship. Two of which have already been briefly discussed above as well. The rest are discussed as follows:
- Candle Chandeliers
- Crystal chandeliers
- Beaded and shell chandeliers – these chandeliers use beads and shells for decoration. They share similarities with the crystal chandeliers, in the sense that instead of crystals, beads and shells (with high finishing) are used for reflecting light and decoration. Great decoration ornaments as they are, they do not however, refract as much light as the crystal chandeliers.
- Metal chandeliers – metal is the prominent material used in contemporary and modern chandeliers and contemporary lighting fixtures. However, metal is also used for the more
traditional chandeliers. It is easier to mold metal into various designs and shapes, as well as to apply a finish on it. Brushed nickel chandeliers, wrought iron chandeliers and brass chandeliers are simply metal chandeliers with wrought iron, brass or nickel finishes.
- Italian Chandeliers – Murano glass chandeliers originated from Murano, Italy. Murano was considered a mecca for glass blowing but now Murano is used to refer to a style of design. These chandeliers are curvy and tubular in form, usually having floral patterns, in various colors.
- Mission chandeliers – these are metal chandeliers with several branches that go on to hold glass shaped lamps, but only facing downward.
- Antler chandeliers – as the name states, these chandeliers are made from the antlers of elk, deer, and sometimes from the antlers of a moose. These kinds of chandeliers are usually found in areas where animal hunting is common. A mountain lodge or an inn will probably have an antler chandelier.
