The history of chandeliers goes a very long way back when the people used these lighting fixtures to alight the halls of big and great mansions that hold exclusive and expensive evening parties. Back then, these lights were made of two wooden logs nailed together to form a cross, in which the candles were put across the flat wooden plane. Chains made of iron are then attached in the middle from which the other end of the chain will be mounted against the ceiling. Crude as it is compared to what modern chandeliers look like now, these “chandelbrum” as it was called back then were only found in houses for the rich and the distinguished people.
Nowadays though, modern chandeliers do not pick their homes. As long as one could have adequate space to accommodate these fixtures, and a handsome budget to buy chandeliers of their own taste, everybody could have this gorgeous and excellent illumination. However, chandeliers in fact have many stories to tell as well as tales to share.
One of these is the story of how from a crude-looking wooden furniture these chandeliers used to be has now become one of the greatest masterpieces in stately homes and large halls. The name chandelier can be traced back to the Latin etymology of “candela” meaning candles. The earliest pictures of these mounted fixtures were that of a wooden cross with spikes at all ends from were candles were placed. Not really a very pleasing-looking source of light but it served as able illuminations especially to medieval churches and convents.
The height of the chandeliers was on the 17th century. However, prior of that period chandeliers have already taken a more refined appearance. Crystals were used to hold the candles, and brass or iron has been used instead of the wood. One of the renowned finds of 15th century chandeliers was that in that Jewish synagogue in Mattanchery. It was made by Belgian craftsmen and has exotic Chinese tiles. But it was due to the acclaimed glass cutter Josef Palme who established a workshop school in 1724 that made chandeliers popular. These crystal chandeliers became a much-sought decoration in the entire of Europe, but only for the aristocrats and the affluent. As a matter of fact, it became a sign of power and prosperity.
In the 17th and 18th century, chandeliers were made of rare crystals that were rare and costly. Also, these rock crystals, as they are called are tough and are laborious to cut. The polished products are not also refractive and clear. George Ravenscroft in 1676 discovered that if lead oxide is added with the rock crystals, it became more soft and malleable. That’s why, these crystalline glass as they became popularized, made way for a crystalline substance that can refract more light and made chandeliers cheaper.
In the 19th century to the 20th century, everyone also witnessed the production of “gasolier”, a merge of gas and a chandelier, and the electricity powered modern chandeliers we now have today. Certainly, chandeliers are one of the most enduring and ageless ornamental pieces man has made and still continues to bright up houses of all shapes and styles.
Chandeliers enhance the appearance of your living or dining rooms. Its bright illumination provides the required amount of light and at the same time exude elegance and style. Or you may want to try wrought iron chandelier.