Step into any 18th century gathering hall, palace or cathedral and your attention is immediately drawn to the chandelier.
There are few things more eye-catching than a stunning, illuminating fixture that twinkles with many individual lights.
A beautiful chandelier adds elegance and class to any room, and they have been a distinguishing symbol of taste for more than 500 years! The first chandeliers were used in medieval times.
These basic light fixtures only consisted of a wooden cross with spikes which would secure the candles.
Like common versions, these were suspended from ropes in the center of the room, especially in places of assembly.
During the 15th century, the fixtures began to get more complex and ornate.
They began to incorporate ring or crown designs instead of the basic cross from earlier times.
These became very popular amongst the nobility and clergy because they could afford the high cost of night illumination - which is why these glittering fixtures have become a symbol of luxury and status.
Designs became more extravagant during the 18th century, often incorporating many arms and gold cast.
Crystal chandeliers also became extremely popular during this time due to developments in glassmaking.
The refractive glass (or "crystal") had unique light-scattering properties that illuminated rooms more efficiently than other materials.
Despite not actually being made out of crystal, a glass fixture is still the standard in high-class light structures.
Even as electricity replaced candles and gas as the main source of light energy, crystal styles still remained popular.
By the late 1800s, many pieces were produced to use both gas and electricity; by the early 1900s, the light fixtures relied on electricity alone.
In modern times, glass styles are mainly used for decoration or to provide a focal point in the room, but they still have the undeniable power to add class and style to any interior décor.
So now you've decided you want to add some elegance to your room and that installing a chandelier is the perfect way to do it, but where do you begin? There isn't the "perfect chandelier" because it all comes down to personal taste, but here are some helpful hints that will hopefully make the decision easier.
Firstly, decide on where to install your fixture.
This may seem obvious, but many people simply do not have enough room in their homes to accommodate an extravagant light fixture.
Make sure the room is big and airy, with ceilings high enough so the fixture doesn't become an obstacle.
Living rooms excellent, but adding one above the dining room can make for extra-romantic meals.
However, if a room ceiling is high enough but the room is small, the amount of light created could be overbearing.
Also, consider the amount of energy that will be used.
Energy isn't cheap in today's age of conservation, and a multi-light fixture can eat it up.
To curb this energy consumption (and be environmentally-responsible), replace standard bulbs with compact fluorescents or any comparable, energy efficient bulbs.