If you are looking for an ornate piece to enhance the look, brightness and atmosphere of a room, then it may be worth considering a chandelier. Chandeliers generally come with two or more arms with lights. Generally, chandeliers light up the entire room but you can also control the intensity and coverage area of the light.
The history of chandeliers is associated with medieval mansions and palaces. The earliest chandeliers were candle chandeliers, which were used to light up medieval places of assembly. These looked like a wooden cross with several spikes on which the candles were secured. Since the 15th century, chandeliers in ring or crown designs were fixed in palaces and houses of the nobility, clergy and aristocrats. By the 18th century, ornate chandeliers with long, curved arms, which could have several candles secured to them, came into vogue. Around this time, crystal chandeliers started becoming popular due to the cheaper production of lead crystal, which is a highly refractive glass with wide light-scattering properties. By the mid-19th century, chandeliers were running on gas and later chandelier fixtures were wired for electrical connections.
If you are considering buying a chandelier, there are several factors to keep in mind. Think about the style and finish you prefer, the setting in which it will hang and the number of arms or tiers the chandelier should have. While buying a chandelier, also look for the right accessories. Chandelier lamp shades come in glass, fabric and metal. They also come in different colours, patterns and materials. There is also a wide variety of lighting chains, candle cups and pendants available. Since a chandelier is a prominent showpiece, it should be suitable for the overall look of your house or the room. For example, if your home is modern, you could consider a chandelier made of chrome.
While choosing chandeliers, keep in mind a few basics. A room of 10 x 10 feet (3.05 x 3.05 metres) will be appropriate for a chandelier not more than 20 inches (50.8cm) in diameter. A 12 x 12 foot (3.66 x 3.66 metre) room will comfortably house a chandelier of approximately 27 inches (68.58cm) in diameter. Larger chandeliers with a diameter of 36 inches (91.44cm) or more could normally fit in a room of 14 x 14 feet (4.27 x 4.27 metres) or larger. If the chandelier hangs over a table, it should hang at least 30 inches (76.2cm) from the table’s surface and should be approximately 12 inches (30.48cm) narrower than the table’s width. Although crystal chandeliers are still the grandest, the less formal ones used in homes these days are made of wood, ceramic and wrought iron. So now it’s time for you to choose your favourite chandelier and light up your home.
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