Chandelier Lighting Commonly Used Terms

Chandelier Lighting Commonly Used Terms

A detailed exploration of commonly used terms in chandelier lighting, ideal for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of chandelier components and designs.

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Glossary of Terms

The realm of chandeliers can indeed be complex and daunting. Therefore, we have curated a glossary of terms to help demystify this sophisticated craft. While not all these terms are utilized on this site, this glossary offers a valuable reference point for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

• Arm: The component that holds the lamp holder and bulb, typically crafted from metal or glass.
• Arm Plate: The plate where the arm attaches to the chandelier, usually featuring an array of holes for each arm.
• Bag: This type of chandelier is constructed by suspending a ring of crystal chains from a circular ring, culminating in a central piece beneath.
• Bead: A drop-shaped glass or crystal ornament with a hole drilled through its center.
• Baluster: The central column of the chandelier.
• Bobeche: Also known as the candle dish, it lies beneath the lamp holder to catch dripping wax.
• Cage: A structural frame that replaces a central rod, leaving the middle area clear for additional lighting or decorations.
• Crown: A crown-shaped chandelier, often gilded or made of brass with decorative elements.
• Canopy: An inverted shallow dish at the top of the chandelier, from which bead festoons are often suspended, also used to conceal electrics.
• Chain Pliers: Special pliers designed to open and close chandelier chain links.
• Crystal: Hand-cut glass containing lead, providing exceptional clarity and sparkle. For more details, see our crystal explained section.
• Drop: A linked crystal or glass piece used to form chains, often referred to as festoons, connecting strategically to the chandelier.
• Festoon: Clusters of crystal trimmings hanging from the chandelier, also known as a garland.
• Finial: The part attached to the base of the lighting fixture, typically at the bottom of the arms.
• Prism: A crystal trimming with many straight sides, forming a regular shape.
• Plate Hook: A specially designed hook welded to a plate, used to suspend the chandelier from a ceiling joist.
• Rod: The rod that connects the top of the chain to the ceiling hook, covering the electrics with the chandelier canopy.
• Regency Style Chandelier: Large chandeliers with numerous trimmings, including cascading bead strings and a concentric ring of pointed beads forming a waterfall at the base.
• Sconce: A lamp or light bulb cover, often designed as a lantern, typically found on wall lights.
• Spire: An upright spear of crystal, glass, or metal, often the attachment point for chandelier arms.
• Tent: A structure at the top of the chandelier where crystal chains or festoons are draped, mimicking the shape of a tent.
• Waterfall: A chandelier style characterized by cascading crystals in concentric circles, creating an elaborate flowing pattern.

Chandelier Overview

Branched ornamental light fixture designed to be mounted on ceilings

A chandelier is an ornate lighting fixture, often embellished with branching supports for multiple lights, and designed for ceiling installation. Initially, they held candles, but modern versions use incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps, and LEDs.

Chandeliers can be crafted from various materials like wood, clay, silver, and gold. Brass is particularly popular, with Dutch and Flemish brass chandeliers being among the most renowned. Glass chandeliers first emerged in Italy, England, France, and Bohemia during the 18th century. Today, crystal prisms are a hallmark of classic chandeliers, increasing the aesthetic appeal through refracted light. Modern chandeliers adopt both traditional and minimalist designs, illuminating rooms with either direct or diffused light.

Chandeliers differ from candelabras, which stand on tables or floors, and pendant lights that hang from a single cord. Chandeliers, typically larger and ornately designed, are used in hallways, living rooms, staircases, and grand spaces like hotel lobbies and religious buildings. Smaller chandeliers suit bedrooms or modest living areas.

Etymology

The term 'chandelier' first appeared in the English language in 1736, derived from the French word meaning candleholder. Its origin traces back to 'chandelle' (tallow candle) and the Latin 'candēla' (candle). In earlier times, 'candlestick' referred to both candelabra and chandeliers. However, the distinction evolved in the 18th century, with 'chandelier' representing hanging branched lights. In modern French, 'chandelier' still means a candleholder, while the English 'chandelier' is mirrored by the French term 'lustre'. These linguistic variations can sometimes blur historical distinctions, with terms like lustres, chandeliers, and candelabras overlapping in meaning.

History

Precursors

Chandeliers, or hanging lighting devices, date back to ancient times. The Romans used circular ceramic lamps with multiple points for wicks or candles. Known terms for these lamp holders included 'lychnuchus' or 'lychnus' and, by the 4th century, 'coronae', 'phari', and 'pharicanthari' were common terms for them. The Byzantine era saw the widespread use of polycandela, flat circular structures holding oil lamps. These hanging lamps were made of metal and used in religious buildings, enhancing spiritual ambiance.

Early Chandeliers

In medieval Europe, chandeliers made their first appearances in religious buildings. Circular wheel chandeliers, featuring prickets for candles, were common in the 11th and 12th centuries. Notable examples include the Hezilo and Barbarossa Chandeliers in Germany. Wooden cross-beamed chandeliers, often with candles at each end, were used in households, representing early forms of domestic chandeliers. By the late Gothic period, more intricate chandeliers with multiple branches appeared, becoming symbols of luxury in the homes of the wealthy.

Brass Chandeliers

Brass chandeliers gained popularity due to their warm, gold-like appearance and relative affordability. Brass chandeliers often featured arms with drip-pans for candles, evolving designs over centuries. The Dutch and Flemish produced some of the most iconic brass chandeliers, known for their distinctive spherical bases and curved arms. These chandeliers became prominent in Europe and the United States, reflecting the craftsmanship and design excellence of these regions.

Glass and Crystal Chandeliers

From the 16th century, chandeliers adorned with rock crystal became fashionable, particularly in French Baroque and Rococo styles. These chandeliers often featured intricate frameworks holding faceted crystals to reflect candlelight. The 17th century saw the introduction of cut glass, making chandeliers more accessible. Leading the glass chandelier movement, regions like Bohemia and Venice became renowned for their exquisite glasswork. The artistry of Murano, Venice, produced elaborate chandeliers adorned with colorful glass flowers, fruits, and leaves, known as 'ciocca'.

19th Century

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The 19th century saw a surge in chandelier production driven by the Industrial Revolution. France, England, and the United States emerged as significant producers, with new designs and materials transforming chandeliers. England's Glass Excise Act led to the creation of tent and bag chandeliers, utilizing broken glass pieces strung together. Concurrently, gas lighting began to replace candles, with gasoliers mimicking traditional chandelier designs but using gas burners.

Modern Chandeliers

Into the 20th century, the advent of electric lighting significantly impacted chandelier design. Initially combining gas and electricity, chandeliers eventually became fully electric, with 'electroliers' becoming common. Despite the decline in chandelier popularity, modern designs emerged from the minimalist to the extravagant. The rediscovery of Art Deco aesthetics in recent years has renewed interest in chandeliers, celebrated for their geometric shapes and luxurious materials.

Incandescent bulbs became the standard light source, with alternatives including fluorescent, halogen, and LED lamps. Antique chandeliers were often adapted for electrical use, with imitation candle bulbs adding a traditional touch.

Chandeliers Around the World

Today, some of the world's largest chandeliers are found in Islamic countries. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman features a chandelier over 14 meters high, containing 600,000 pieces of crystal. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi boasts a chandelier lit with 15,500 LEDs, regarded as one of the world’s largest. Modern architectural designs have introduced even more impressive chandeliers, combining technology and artistry to create breathtaking lighting fixtures.

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