A space adorned with a chandelier is invariably more striking. The chandelier has a tendency to command attention, making anyone who enters the room pause and take heed. It directs the gaze upwards, encouraging the observer to absorb the entire ambiance of the room, not just the view at eye level. A chandelier exudes a sense of opulence and elegance. Available in a wide array of styles, appearances, and even sizes, the most captivating aspect of any room graced with a chandelier is the warmth and atmosphere that its lighting creates.
When discussing chandeliers, the primary focus is inevitably on the lighting they provide. The glow from a chandelier can be breathtakingly beautiful and awe-inspiring. Many chandeliers are designed to enhance this radiance. Chandelier craftsmen have always strived to maximize light output. Some manufacturers have created pieces entirely out of reflective silver to amplify the light. Certain chandelier designs position mirrors around or between the bulbs to direct more light into the room. By incorporating mirrors, not only do you increase the light output, but you also gain the ability to manipulate the lighting. A simple twist of a mirror can redirect the light to another part of the room or bounce it off another mirror. With creative etching and cutting of the mirrors, you can produce a myriad of visual effects, from rainbows to circles, or even a split beam that dances along the walls. The manner in which a chandelier illuminates a space is truly a sight to behold.
The history of chandeliers is as rich and varied as the materials and styles from which they are made. Since the earliest times, when people realized the dramatic effect of having multiple candles suspended above their heads or in their line of sight, chandeliers have evolved from mere light fixtures to works of art. By the early 19th century, chandeliers were crafted not only to light up spaces but also to display their light in a meticulously designed manner. There are ancient wrought iron chandeliers where the lighting itself is integral to the design. Some turn-of-the-century chandeliers were even designed to cast specific shadows on the walls and floors of the rooms they adorned. It is said that Edison created a chandelier made entirely of mirrors, which produced so much light that it enabled a doctor to perform surgery on Edison’s mother. Whether the story is true or not, chandeliers have become increasingly sophisticated over time. As chandeliers have become more contemporary, so too have the ways in which they showcase their light.
The era of the traditional wrought iron candelabra-style chandelier is fading. The shapes and styles of chandeliers have evolved, bringing with them innovative ways to play with light, fashion, and design. Some of the more modern chandelier designs feature bulbs on a snake-like retractable tube. These contemporary chandeliers allow you to focus the light directly on specific areas or in various directions. Chandelier owners are no longer limited to a single lighting option. For instance, you can direct all the bulbs downwards to highlight the dining table’s centerpiece. I’ve seen an example where the host adjusted the light to showcase the turkey, ham, side dishes, and desserts on Thanksgiving. The host also directed other lights to shine on the lighter colored walls to soften the light in the room. Another modern design features a pane of glass in front of each bulb, which diffuses the light, making it softer and more gentle on the eyes. The latest chandeliers are adorned with leaves, flowers, roses, glass panes, and a variety of other materials, making them more versatile and appealing than ever before.