Chandeliers Through the Ages

The earliest genuine chandelier known was created in 1167 A.D for Frederick I, the King of Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. During the eight and a half centuries since then, the history of the chandelier spans many exciting and rapid changes in styles and fashion, but also saw many technological changes as the industrial world revolutionised, bringing with it the invention of candles and wicks, oil fuels, and most importantly, the invention of the electric light bulb. These factors brought massive changes to chandelier design throughout the ages.

Chandeliers have always been associated with power and wealth, and subsequently through the ages many monarchs have owned chandeliers both because of the immense glamour they bring to their surroundings, but also because they were seen as a symbol of high class status and demonstrated their wealth. Although a genuine chandelier was not to be created until the 12th century, during the 8th century hanging lamps became more decorative and artistic, a shadow of the extravagance and beauty that would one day be associated with chandeliers. Between the 11th and the 15th century, the Flemish town of Dimant became famous for its chandelier brass works, and in the 16th century the Dutch brass ball chandelier became popular. Over the next couple of centuries, chandeliers became popular, particularly for the very wealthy and royals. The chandeliers changed in many ways, shapes and sizes as technology and fashion modernised and transformed.

In the 17th century, the first chandeliers featuring rock crystals were manufactured. These chandeliers were the first of the more extravagant and decorative chandeliers. In the 1700s, Venetian glass masters produced chandeliers featuring glass arms. This was a new style of chandelier, but one which is now commonly associated with the chandelier shape. In 1720 in the United Kingdom, glass chandeliers were made in the Dutch brass-ball stem style. It was in the 18th century that chandeliers got their name- chandelier is the French word for candlestick, which was soon adopted by England and all over the world as an appropriate description for suspended lights featuring arms. The production and development of chandeliers slowed down until the 19th century, when multiple revivals began all across Europe. During the Second Empire in France, they created historicizing styles. By the end of the 19th century, gas lighting was becoming increasingly available, and this marked a change in the technological style of chandeliers.

In the modern era, chandeliers have been made in a collection of styles, from large decorative chandeliers used in high-class restaurants to small colourful ones especially for children. They are far more popular and available to the public, and are less associated with royalty and riches. Art deco chandeliers began to be produced in 1970, and have continued to be very popular for a modern buyer looking for a contemporary piece for their home. Throughout the ages, chandeliers have developed massively as they have been made by a variety of materials, in a variety of shapes to suit constantly changing fashions. Despite their widespread popularity in modern day, they still breathe an air of sophistication into any room.