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Chandelier Lighting Fixtures: Types And Features

by Wyatt Fisk

The appeal and brilliance of chandelier lighting is truly incomparable. Because of the wonderful qualities and aesthetics of chandeliers, they evolved as important pieces that are often incorporated inside luxurious hotels, fine dining restaurants, up scale offices and homes. They come in various types and finishes, and integrate functionality and style to complement differing settings. More often than not, modern chandeliers provide illumination by using standard electric light bulbs or electric candles; however, there are also old chandeliers that utilize gaslights and wax candles that are still being used today.

Among the myriads of chandelier lighting fixtures to choose from, crystal chandeliers remains as the most popular preference. These chandeliers are usually made from cut glass crystal pieces that hang from the arms of the lighting fixture. Crystals reflects light easily and the lights they reflect often produce shimmering effects, which makes them all the more visibly entertaining. Crystal chandeliers were popularized by elite Europeans and wealthy Americans during 1920's and 1930's.

Bead-shell chandeliers are popular contemporary chandelier fixtures designed from beads and shells. The most common type of shell used for such chandelier pieces is the Capiz shell which is commonly referred to as mother-of-pearl shell. Chandeliers made from shells and beads often produce softer lights, making them more preferable to use in fine dining restaurants as they induce a cozy ambiance. They are also commonly fixated near pictures and paintings to highlight these interior elements.

Murano glass chandeliers are contemporary chandelier furnishings that were hailed from Murano, Italy, which is treated as the world's glass blowing capital. Murano glass chandeliers denote specific chandelier design that is often curvy or tubular in form. As the glass being used in this type of chandelier can be molded into several shapes, these chandeliers are often designed with floral motifs and other complex figures and are usually dyed in pastel colors. By using different colors, Murano chandeliers emit a unique and creative light effects that are truly enchanting to look at.

Antler chandeliers, as their name implies, are lighting fixtures constructed from shed antlers of a deer, elk or moose. These chandelier lighting pieces are commonly found in western-style residences such as log cabins and ranch homes. You can pull off a rustic looking space by simply hanging an antler chandelier. There are faux antler chandeliers in the market today that are made from different materials but are designed to appear just like real antlers.

Candle chandeliers made from metals such as brass, brushed nickel and wrought iron are elegant pieces that resonates the rich history of the past. Antique chandeliers made from metals used to hold candles instead of electric bulbs and have been in existence since the 1400's, though they were reinvented in differing finishes throughout the centuries. Antique metal candle chandeliers may costs from $50,000 to $60,000; a bit pricey compared to other chandelier pieces due to their rare quality and origin. If you want to save energy and you have the right budget, you can always opt for an antique metal candle chandelier.

Chandelier lighting fixtures are always regarded as beautiful additions inside homes. Today, there are many contemporary chandelier pieces made from different materials ranging from shells and beads, to Murano glass and antlers. Despite these modern designs however, antique chandeliers made from metals such as brass, nickel and wrought iron that usually holds wax candles are still popular due to their rare designs and rich history.

Published July 10th, 2010

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