Chandeliers
Chandeliers are a group of light fittings that can be hung low from a chain or fitted closer to the ceiling. They must have more than one lamp bulb and are sometimes known as multi-arm pendants. They range from very small light fittings to very grand chandeliers that we all recognise.
Chandeliers hanging over stairs look spectacular. The extra height means that a large chandelier with a long drop can be used. You are not restricted by ceiling height and room size, so glamorous fittings are an option. Chandeliers can also be installed in rooms with a low ceiling. You need to select a smaller fitting or a semi-flush light.
Chandeliers add charm and distinction to any room. The ever-expanding choice of styles, finishes and designs ensures that there is something suitable for your home. It really seems like the sky’s the limit when it comes to the design of these fantastic light fittings, and they also come in every type of finish that you can think of, too.
What could be more opulent than a grand chandelier lighting your entrance hall, dining room or even your bedroom? From simple and clean to contemporary, traditional or ornate and heavily decorated, a chandelier hanging from any ceiling is going to steal the show.
Chandelier Early History
Chandeliers originated in France during the 9th century and translates into ‘chandelle’ which means candle. Originally used in large stone buildings such as churches and castles, they were very rudimentary. Most often built from wooden planks nailed together and hung from ropes or chains, with candles placed on the planks to illuminate the space.
Metal chandeliers were being made by blacksmiths and became popular with the wealthy for around the 12th century. They were dangerous and were often the source of burning down buildings. Large and heavy, they were held in place by a rope pulley system so that the fitting could be lowered to replace the candles.
By the 15th century chandeliers became a symbol of wealth, with complex tiered designs and gilded in gold. The high cost of manufacture made these chandeliers a real status piece as only the wealthy could afford them.
The 18th century saw the chandelier evolve into grandeur, with gold, lead crystal and hand-made Italian glass commonplace. They became larger and were not yet suitable for more modest homes.
The 19th Century saw many chandeliers converted to use gaslights. Within a century electricity appeared and this ensured that the chandelier was suitable for everyone, not just the wealthy.
A Chandelier for Every Room in Your Home
There is a chandelier suitable for every room in your home and to suit every budget. They are available in a multitude of styles, sizes, and finishes. Some have a single tier or multiple tiers of lamps.
A crystal chandelier looks fantastic in a bedroom, hallway, living room and dining room. They are available in many finishes and are ideal for over a bed or table. Any bedroom chandelier needs to be in proportion to the room size but the style and finish is entirely up to you.
If you are installing over a dining table you need to ensure that it drops to around 32” (80cm) – 36” (90cm) above the table. The chandelier needs to be 1/2 to 3/4 of the table width. So, for a 4ft (122cm) table, the chandelier needs to be between 2ft (60cm) – 3ft (90cm) in diameter.
Chandeliers can be installed in rooms with a low ceiling. You need to select smaller fitting or flush and semi-flush with a short drop. The majority of chandeliers are height adjustable by shortening the suspension when fitting. This usually means removing links from the chain until it hangs to where you want it.
Bulbs for Chandeliers
Candle bulbs are usually the first choice, but it does depend on style. If your chandelier has candle style lights, with candle pans and tubes then candle bulbs are the way to go. You can also use clip-on lamp shades with candle bulbs making them more versatile.
We always recommend LED filament candle bulbs for brightness and energy efficiency. If the bulbs are hidden by an outer shade or frosted glass, then any bulb can be used as it cannot be seen.
Fantastic Choice
Some people love the look of chandeliers, but think that they are too fancy or that their rooms are simply not large enough. It’s true that large, elaborate chandeliers are expensive and best suited to large period properties.
It’s also true that they are a desirable feature in many residential houses and in smaller rooms. There are many chandelier styles that are affordable, classically simple and of an appropriate size for your space.
For further information and inspiration, please have a look at our complete guide to chandeliers article.
Chandeliers FAQ’s
Q) How easy is it to clean a chandelier without taking it down?
A) Even the most intricate of chandeliers can be cleaned fairly easily with the right tools, unless you simply cannot reach it. Don’t let the dust build up and get caked on, so regular dusting is key. Use a long handled feather or synthetic duster that attracts dirt. Crystal chandeliers can easily be cleaned too using the drip-dry or glove method. Please see our how to clean crystal chandeliers article for more information.
Q) Are chandeliers still in style?
A) Absolutely, if you’ve got the room for one, then there is such a huge variety to choose from that you are bound to find just the right one to match your decor. You can even find small chandeliers that will add a great statement piece to even the smallest rooms.
Q) How high should a chandelier be above a table?
A) Ideally, you want to hang a chandelier so that the base of the light is no lower than 76cm and no higher than 91cm from the surface of the table. Keeping it within these measurements should ensure that the chandelier and the light spread work together to give your dining area an intimate feeling.
Q) How much does a chandelier cost?
A) The price of a chandelier very much depends on the style and how opulent you need it to be. We have chandeliers starting at just £70 for a simple but effective 3 lamp black iron chandelier up to £10,500 for a gold-plated crystal statement piece.
Q) How to choose a chandelier style?
A) A chandelier should match the style of decor that is already in the room, and there are many styles to choose from. If the room that you are placing a chandelier in is very contemporary, then a simple, modern chandelier light fitting would work. However, if you live in a big old Victorian mansion, you are likely to be looking for a chandelier more in keeping with that era.
Q) Chandeliers for Over Stairs?
A) Stairs are one of the best areas to show off a chandelier. Having the additional height gives you room to display a light that requires the space to it show off to its best.
