Chandeliers are one item that originated in high status and one which has consistently remained so throughout its development. Humans have typically reserved their best—and, in the case of chandeliers, brightest—resources for their places of worship. Churches and abbeys were one of the few areas where large crowds of people were able to go at the same time and unite for a common purpose. The clergy and the structures themselves were revered by the people and typically well cared for. This is where the first recorded uses of these innovative light fixtures developed back in the fourteenth century.
Having derived its name from a French word that means candle holder, the earliest chandeliers hung in churches and literally held candles with drip pans. The relatively simple designs were made of wood and shaped as crosses to serve practical functions: to provide light for as much of the inside of the church as possible at one time and reduce the possibility of fire from low lying, lit candles among large groups of moving people. The chandeliers were attached to the ceiling of other large spaces where crowds gathered, also, such as meeting halls.
The cost of the light fixtures was inhibitive even then, with only the common areas that benefited from crowdfunding and rich citizens able to afford to use the larger ones. Some households of modest means may have owned small versions of the wooden lights, with simpler designs and fewer candles ( seen below). It took no time for chandeliers to become the wealth status symbols they remain today, with castles commissioning the most elaborate fixtures for display.
18th-century glass chandeliers were produced by Bohemians and Venetian glassmakers. French leader, Louis XIV, ordered sumptuous chandeliers to adorn his castle and chandeliers became all the rage for the wealthy elite. During the Victorian Era, chandeliers dictated a social order for the aristocracy. The detail of the design, what they were made of, and the size determined how much clout a person had. Queen Victoria sent the heaviest chandelier known, to a fellow royal in Instanbul. This magnificent structure weighs just over four tons and holds 750 light spaces. A gift of a chandelier this substantial spoke of the Queens’ immense power and highest social status. The receiver of her gift must also have been in the top area of the royal ranks. This chandelier is still known as the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world today, pictured below in Dolmabahce, Istanbul.
Chandeliers were then made of various other materials, metal being the most common choice, although crystal embellishments soon took over a great part of the design. The technology of glass production helped to develop crystal details for chandeliers. By the time the 1800s rolled around and gas was used in producing light, chandeliers were customized to accommodate the changes. However, once electricity began in the 1890s to be used for general lighting needs, chandeliers were no longer necessary for light but held steady as home décor.
Today, chandeliers still reign from up high as one of the most innovative ways to show household wealth and taste. Even though chandeliers have been somewhat losing to history; pushed aside by bolder, more industrial lighting options, the architect-urologists at Olde Good Things have gone out of their way to hunt down, salvage, and reuse vintage and antique chandeliers in 21st-century homes. The chandeliers in stock at our warehouses are made of almost any type of material, such as brass, bronze, glass, crystal, & iron.
We recently acquired a unique collection of chandeliers from Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The Waldorf Astoria opened its doors in 1931 and in the 1980s went under extensive renovation. So the collection is a mix of styles from the whole century. You have to see it to believe it.
Shop all Waldorf Astoria Chandeliers online
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Chandeliers have always represented elegance, luxury, and class. They’ve adorned palaces, homes, and public places for centuries, illuminating and adding a touch of opulence to their surroundings. The history of chandeliers takes us on a captivating journey through time, revealing the changes in design, materials, and lighting technologies from the Middle Ages to today. Let’s explore the fascinating world of chandeliers and uncover the important moments that have influenced their development throughout history.
Let’s travel back in time to the Medieval period, when castles stood tall, and knights roamed the land. During the 6th to the 14th century, ornate chandeliers were born, but they weren’t the dazzling masterpieces we see today.
During this period, chandeliers had a purely practical purpose—providing light. They were basic wooden crosses with spikes at the ends to hold candles. These fixtures were hung from the ceilings of abbeys and castles, serving as the main source of light after sunset. They were called candelabras, which comes from the Latin word “candela,” meaning candle.
Despite their simplicity, these early chandeliers had a crucial role in setting the stage for the grandeur that would come in the following centuries.
Let’s continue exploring the history of chandeliers, this time focusing on the 13th to 15th centuries. During this era, chandeliers evolved from simple wooden crosses to elaborate and decorative pieces. They no longer just served as light sources but became symbols of wealth and status. These chandeliers were made from materials like iron, bronze, and brass, and showcased intricate designs that reflected the grandeur of the time.
During the 12th century, round chandeliers called “coronas” started to become popular. They resembled royal crowns and were commonly seen in palaces and churches. These chandeliers held multiple candles to give off a brighter, more pleasant light.
At this time, crystal was introduced and used to decorate chandeliers. Only the wealthy could afford this luxury—which marked the beginning of chandeliers being associated with opulence and elegance.
Craftsmanship was also a significant aspect of these chandeliers. Each piece was carefully handmade, sometimes taking weeks or even months to complete. This level of skill and attention to detail remains a defining characteristic of chandeliers today.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, chandeliers underwent significant changes. The Flemish chandelier emerged during this time and greatly influenced the design and craftsmanship of chandeliers. Originating from Belgium, the Flemish chandelier introduced a new aesthetic and functionality. It featured a central ball with multiple arms, each holding candles. This design departed from the previous crown-like coronas and introduced a balanced and symmetrical look.
Flemish chandeliers, made primarily from brass or bronze, exude a simple yet elegant charm. They’re less ornate than their predecessors but still showcase the skill and precision in their craftsmanship. The introduction of Flemish chandeliers marked a significant moment in chandelier history, blending tradition with innovation and paving the way for the diverse range of styles we see today. These chandeliers continue to inspire modern lighting, reflecting their enduring and timeless appeal.
As we delve deeper into the history of chandeliers, we enter the splendid era of the 17th and 18th centuries, known as the Baroque period. This time was all about lavishness and extravagance in arts and culture, and chandeliers were no exception. They transformed into magnificent works of art that displayed an unparalleled level of craftsmanship.
The Baroque chandelier reflected the spirit of its time with its ornate design and intricate details. Craftsmen abandoned the simplicity of the Flemish style and embraced more intricate and complex designs that were visually captivating. These chandeliers featured multiple tiers adorned with numerous flickering candles.
During the Baroque era, chandeliers started using glass and crystal as the main materials. George Ravenscroft introduced lead crystal in the late 17th century, bringing in a new era of brilliance and beauty. The candlelight would sparkle through the crystals, creating a mesmerizing glow that captivated everyone viewing it.
Additionally, chandelier design in the Baroque period incorporated more sculptural elements. Craftsmen shaped the chandelier arms into intricate forms inspired by nature, such as vines, leaves, flowers, and birds.
These chandeliers weren’t just lighting fixtures; they were works of art. They made a bold statement about the wealth and taste of their owners, serving as a focal point in any room they adorned.
Starting in the 20th century, chandeliers underwent a transformation that mirrored the rapid pace of societal and technological change.
Initially, chandeliers retained much of the opulence of the Baroque period, with glass and crystal continuing to dominate. However, these materials were gradually substituted with a more diverse range of options as time went on, such as brass, chrome, and even plastic, reflecting the advancements of the industrial age.
The introduction of electricity completely transformed chandeliers. They were no longer restricted by the number of candles they could hold. This removal of limitations opened new possibilities for design, resulting in larger and more intricate chandeliers. Additionally, it made chandeliers more accessible to everyone, as homeowners could now safely use them in their homes without the risk of fire.
As we moved from the latter half of the 20th century into the 21st century, chandeliers began to reflect a wider range of styles and aesthetics. There’s now a chandelier to suit every taste and decor, from the sleek lines of mid-century modern designs to the eclectic mix of contemporary styles.
Today, chandeliers aren’t just seen as lighting fixtures but as statement pieces that add character and personality to a space. Chandeliers continue to captivate us with their elegance and charm, whether they’re dripping with crystals or boasting minimalist designs.
Chandeliers have come a long way since their medieval beginnings. Their designs have evolved through the centuries, each era leaving its mark on the chandelier’s rich history. Chandeliers have stood the test of time, gracing homes, churches, and public spaces, from the simplest wooden candelabras to multifaceted crystal masterpieces.
Today, with innovative designs like Bicycle Glass’s glass pendant chandeliers, these timeless lighting fixtures continue to illuminate our surroundings, connecting the past and the present in a symphony of beauty and elegance.