Popular Contemporary Chandeliers

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 are available in abundant types and finishes, and combines sophisticated forms and functions to befit a wide array of 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 many chandelier lighting fixtures available today, crystal chandeliers are perhaps the most popular. These chandeliers are usually made from cut glass crystal pieces that hang from the arms of the lighting fixture. Crystals reflects light easily, and break the light into several arrays, which produces a colorful shimmering effect. Crystal chandeliers were popularized by elite Europeans and wealthy Americans during 1920’s and 1930’s.

Bead-shell chandeliers are contemporary chandelier pieces that are truly popular because of their bead and shell structures. 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. Bead-shell chandeliers often emit soft lights, which makes them more preferable to be used in fine dining restaurants. It is also common to see bead-shell chandeliers situated near pictures and paintings because their soft lights perfectly highlight these interior elements.

Murano glass chandeliers are contemporary chandelier fixtures that originated from Murano, Italy, which is regarded as the glass blowing capital of the world. These chandeliers denote a specific chandelier design as they are usually made from blown Murano glass that often comes in curvy and tubular forms. Because glass can be molded into several shapes, Murano chandeliers are often utilized with floral motifs and other complex figures, and usually comes in pastel hues. The use of different colors in these chandeliers allows them to emit unique and creative light effects.

Meanwhile, antler chandeliers, as their name denotes, are hand crafted from shed antlers of deer, elk or moose. These chandelier lighting pieces are commonly found in western-style residences such as log cabins and ranch homes. You can establish a rustic appeal inside your living space just by hanging an antler chandelier on your ceiling. 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. Metal antique chandeliers originally hold candles when they were introduced in the 1400’s; over the years they were recreated in different forms to fit modern settings. Antique metal candle chandeliers are among the most expensive lighting fixtures today, and may cost up to $60,000 because of their rarity and origin, making them collectible items. If you want to conserve energy and you have the budget, an antique metal candle chandelier would be a good purchase.

If you want to lighten up your living space, foyer or dining area and you also want to achieve different aesthetics for these rooms, chandelier lighting fixtures can solve these issues. These hanging light pieces combine functionality and style into a single furnishing. Today, there’s a whole range of contemporary chandelier designs to choose from, or if you want to induce a traditional vibe inside your home you can always opt for antique chandeliers.

- Wyatt Fisk