Chandelier Lighting Fixtures: Types And Features
Obviously, there's no lighting source more brilliant in appeal than chandelier lighting. Due to their wonderful qualities and aesthetics, chandeliers have evolved as necessary fixtures added in many luxurious hotels, fine dining restaurants, up scale corporate offices as well as homes. They come in varying types and finishes, and are able to combine functionality and design that make them suitable for different settings. In many cases, modern chandeliers provide illumination with the use of standard electric light bulbs and even electric powered candles, but there are also old chandeliers that make use of gaslights and wax candles that are still used to date.
Among the many chandelier lighting fixtures available today, crystal chandeliers are perhaps the most popular. These chandeliers are created from cut glass pieces that are then hanged onto the arms of the light fixture. As crystals reflect light easily, they produce a shimmering effect that is truly captivating. It was the European royalties and wealthy Americans of 1920's and 1930's that made crystal chandeliers popular.
Bead-shell chandeliers are popular contemporary chandelier fixtures designed from beads and shells. The Capiz or mother-of-pearl shell is the most common type of shell used for the creation of these chandeliers. 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. 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 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 Murano glass can take various forms during their molding process, Murano chandeliers often come in floral motifs as well as complex figures, and are colored in pastel hues. The use of various colors in these fixtures allows them to produce a unique and creative lighting effect that could make a room appear more appealing.
Antler chandeliers, as their name implies, are lighting fixtures constructed from shed antlers of a deer, elk or moose. These chandelier lighting fixtures are commonly used in western-style homes such as log cabins and ranch residences. You can establish a rustic appeal inside your living space just by hanging an antler chandelier on your ceiling. If you can't afford an authentic antler chandelier piece, you can opt for a faux antler chandelier that is made from plastic fibers, designed to look like original antlers.
Metal candle chandeliers such as brass, brushed nickel and wrought iron are antique pieces that could induce traditional vibes inside homes. 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 conserve energy and you have the money, you can always go for an antique metal candle chandelier.
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.
Published July 10th, 2010
Filed in Home

