
There are sooo many fabulous chandeliers out “there” waiting to be bought, hung, illuminated. I thought it would be fun to find a few and post pics of them. I’m sure right after I publish this post, I’ll find at least 20 more I wish I had included…and then 20 more after that. Oh, well, that’s half the fun of all this. We have such an enormous store of material to pull from.
Did you know that the first chandeliers started showing up during the turbulent 13th and 14th centuries. This was a time of wars, economic troubles, malnutrition, famine. Remember the Black Plague? It nearly wiped out the population of Europe. As religion was experiencing a rebirth at this time, the idea of a hanging fixture with candles came about. They were used mostly in churches to light the dark halls and corridors. They were made of wood with attached fittings for candles and were fashioned in the form of a cross.
By the 15th and 16th century changes were taking place across Europe. The power was shifting from the pope to the monarchy. Thanks largely to Henry the VIII who broke with Rome and formed the Church of England. With this power shift, the chandelier, also, followed, now seen in the homes of the noble class. The form changed, too, to a crown and became a status symbol and decorative item.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw many move to the Americans and the growth of the British Empire. Between the importation of goods from other lands, the Industrial Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, and new technology wealth began making it into the hands of merchants. With this newly acquired wealth, the chandelier moved into the homes of merchants. They were being made with high karat gold, glass, and lead crystals.
The continued westward movement and exploration of the Americas characterized the 19th century. With that came more technological advances such as steam engines, gas and electricity. Gas lit crystal chandeliers began appearing. As electricity became an available form of energy, electrified chandeliers naturally followed.
With all the advances seen in the 20th century and early 21st century, the chandelier has taken on many new forms. While most everyone has at least one in their home, it is no longer an object of the wealthy. Even, though, lighting our homes and businesses is necessary, it is often used for its decorative value. How the chandelier has moved from lighting dark halls to hanging over our jacuzzi tubs to lighting up our outdoor kitchens is amazing. Here are just a few, from the more humble to the grand.

I love this capiz drum chandelier. I think it could be used in so many applications.
HW Home
Here’s an off the wall, totally funky chandelier. Where would you use this?
Metropolitan home

large chandelier with metal shades
unique unique design

love all the graphic details in this room and the contrast…makes the white chandelier stand out.
veranda

wheat chandelier….night and day
unique unique design
![Liza Sherman Antiques 1stdibs img_38301[1]](http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/liza-sherman-antiques-1stdibs-img-383011-thumb.jpg)
These are made from old industrial wire whisks. They are great!
Liza Sherman Antiques, 1st dibs
![Bizarre Bazarre 1st dibs xIMG_0061[1]](http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/bizarre-bazarre-1st-dibs-ximg-00611-thumb.jpg)
This is wonderful. How about dropped down over a small table, or your kitchen sink, or front porch, or in a box window. Love it!
Bizarre Bazrre 1st dibs
Impressive. Wouldn’t a high ceilinged foyer look wonderful with this.
white and wander 2009
![Mistletoelamp fm Mothology[1]](http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mistletoelamp-fm-mothology1-thumb.jpg)
I think these are great. They would make fabulous pendant type lights over a concrete or carerra marble counter.
mothology
![Francesca Martire 1stdibs picture_2024[1]](http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/francesca-martire-1stdibs-picture-20241-thumb.jpg)
This would be a knockout used in an industrial/loft type space. It would add that bit of sparkle.
francesca martire 1st dibs

I believe this is a 70’s chandelier, but what a look! With an all frenchy, swedish, more ornate room, this would bring a bit of contempory into the space.
unique unique design

Can’t see much of this, but it’s pretty amazing.
veranda
Between the large chandelier and mirror, this is fantastic!
house beautiful

The beehive chandeliers work so well over this really cool island. They would look great over nightstands on each side of a bed with linen bedding and a black bamboo screen headboard. Very organic.
southern accent

This is just stunning…that chandelier reflecting in that mirror. Imagine how great it would look at night!!
veranda
![Maison Luxe Lighting1[1]](http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/maison-luxe-lighting11-thumb.jpg)
maison luxe lighting
Rain, sleet, or rising flood water, we must get our chandelier hung. Whether our chandeliers are humble or grand, they surely set the stage for a room. So many to chose from…not sure if that makes it more difficult or easier?! Are you in the process of picking out one? Tell us your ideas.