Antique Chandelier

A unique addition to any room in your home is an antique chandelier. A chandelier is a decorative hanging light with branches for the lighting material. The earliest chandelier-type fixtures date from the medieval era, when simple wood chandeliers in the shape of a cross were hung from the ceiling and candles placed in the branches. Later oil was used for lighting. Nowadays of course, electric light bulbs are used. The bulbs can, however, look like candles if that is the look that best suits your space.
      
Over the years, chandeliers became more and more elaborate. They turned into the design focal point of an entry hall or large meeting room, dining room or ballroom.  Large, lavish fixtures were at one time affordable only by the wealthy. Today there are innumerable choices available at a variety of price points.

Before beginning to seek out the unique chandelier for your home, decide on your interior design style, the theme, and the size appropriate for the space. Also, keep in mind your budget. These criteria will help you choose the ideal lighting piece. Just a few examples, besides the ones already mentioned, of various materials available:

•    Bronze
•    Pewter
•    Porcelain
•    Wood
•    Wrought iron
      
Examples of different period design styles include:

•    Art Deco is the 1930’s style of design highlighted by sleek geometric designs and bold colors. The materials most often used were plastic and glass for art deco furniture, accessories, and jewelry. Art Deco chandeliers are often simple glass globe fixtures.

•    Art Nouveau, also known as the Modern Style, was popular from approximately the 1890’s through the early part of the twentieth century. Artists sought their inspiration in nature, especially in flowers and leaves. Artwork was characterized by flowing lines and curves. The work of glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany is an excellent example of the Art Nouveau style. Many chandeliers of this period are metal fixtures with curved branches and decorative trimmings.

•    Retro refers to anything that was popular and stylish in the past but is now out of style. Items considered retro are at least 20 to 25 years old. Theoretically, this could include any past time period. However, retro décor is usually considered interior design, art, architecture, and jewelry of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s.


•    Victorian Style was named after the English Queen Victoria. The heyday of the style was from the 1830’s to the 1890’s. The style is ornate, especially compared to modern and contemporary design. Victorian design was characterized by embellishments and intricate artwork. Much of Victorian style was feminine, elaborate and highly wrought.

•    American Colonial style refers to the period from the late seventeenth to the early nineteenth century, encompassing the thirteen British colonies and the early years of the United States. 
      
Antique chandeliers are produced today in these various styles and materials. This is not a comprehensive list, but provides an overview of some of the most popular interior design types. Antique chandeliers, either originals or reproductions, are available to match the design of your choice. Do not be afraid to mix and match styles and materials. Use your imagination and the result will be a unique décor reflecting your personal flair. And that is often the best style of all.