The Use and Art of Chandelier

The idea of the chandelier has shifted over time. A mention of this kind of lighting used to bring to mind the bright light fixture sparkling with ornate crystals hanging over a dinner table, ball room or main building entrance. One could not recall images of a chandelier without thinking of wealth, abundance or lavish lifestyles.


The modern interpretation of the chandelier leaves room for many other representations. As long as the fixture is branched and hangs from the ceiling, many other materials can be used to design the bulb covers or the embellishment that dangles beneath the fixture. Those who shop for chandeliers find this kind of lighting can be purposed to match almost any kind of interior finish.

The Rain 5-Light Linear by Varaluz, for example, is made with hammered ore. The lighting is presented as 5 attached tin canisters positioned side by side suspended by four thin wires from a much smaller, thin metal anchor rectangle. The hammered ore canisters are very thin and the chandelier bulbs can be seen slightly through the sides of the canisters when the light is switched on. There is a glass finish on the ore made to resemble rain, and buyers can choose to add recycled raindrops to hang below the light.

Tech Lighting's River Rock fixture interprets the chandelier in a little more earthy manner. It comes with an antique bronze or satin nickel finish and features four hand-blown glass lampshades made to resemble river rocks. The best feature of this light is its ability to adjust for almost any setting. The river rock lamps are pendants that hang from six feet of cuttable cable. You can cut the pendant cables to any desired length.

The Elk Martini Glass Chandelier is a delight for more whimsical tastes. Six martini glass figures made of acid-etched glass are tilted in alternating directions and wound with a thin silver leaf rods. Because the bulbs are inside of the martini glasses, the lighting for this fixture tends to be directed upwards. This makes the chandelier more a piece of art than a functional piece of lighting for better room illumination. Ceiling murals would be spectacular with this type of fixture.

No matter what your lighting taste, the modern chandelier has something to offer. Artisans and light manufacturers have taken the concept to many different design plateaus. It is no longer merely a way to light a room. It is also a way to turn lighting into art.