"Chandeliers- So Stylish It Hertz"

This week we're switching to a rather enlightening topic- Chandeliers...

Chandeliers are “branched, decorative lighting fixtures which hold a number of bulbs or candles and are hung from a ceiling”.

The word chandelier came from the Latin word for candle, candela.

The Latin candelabrum was later adopted by the French, who adjusted the word slightly, to chandelabre. From this came the new spelling for Chandelier, when borrowed directly from the 12^th century Old Castilian language.

The first record of a chandelier used in interiors is during the Medieval era (5th-15^th century) and only by the wealthy.

An old flame- During medieval times, the chandeliers were simple wooden crosses with vertical spikes which would hold candles. The chandelier was suspended from the ceiling using a rope-pulley system for easy lighting of the candles.

The chandelier later became a symbol of status and wealth during the 15^th century when its design changed from a simple wooden cross to a more costly wrought iron crown-like design. This design featured largely in the homes of nobility and clergymen.

Towards the 18^th century, merchant class homes showed off their more ornate gilt cast metal and carved and gilded wood chandeliers, with long, curved branches and plenty of candles. Some of these showcased Neoclassical motifs.

Modern replica of an 18th century chandelier

The crystal chandelier was introduced after further developments 
in glass-making and cheaper production of lead crystal developed.

So stylish it hertz- During the mid 19^th century, many candle chandeliers were converted to gas lighting and towards the 1900s, many people used a combination of both gas and electricity. It was from then on that electricity became standard for these homes.

The current situation - Due to the availability of electricity in the modern world, the measure of status which the chandelier represents has lowered slightly and has become more available to the masses, with many replica and cheap variations available on the market.

However, there are some very impressive modern chandeliers available today. Check out the 24 light glass chandelier by National Lighting below.

Did you know?

The world's largest crystal chandelier hangs in the Ceremonial Hall of the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul and weighs a massive 4.5 tonnes and has, count em, 750 lamps!! 

AMP-le amount, wouldn't you say?

Got on your wick yet?

Have I lost my spark? 

Ciara Eloise Nolan.