The Chandelier is a staple of lighting design, and it has been for a long time evoking elegance,

refinement, and romance. The history of the chandelier stretches back further than you know, and has
undergone a myriad of design changes over its lifetime. Were going to take a look back through time
and see how our modern idea of the chandelier came into being.

Ancient History
The earliest ancestor of the modern chandelier that historians are able to identify is the Byzantine
polycandelon from the 6th century. These fixtures used candles that required an inordinate amount of
maintenance. Pulleys were used to raise and lower the polycandelons so that the wicks could be
trimmed and candles could be lit or extinguished. They required ventilation for smoke, and you could
not stand under one without getting hot wax dripped on you!

The Middle Ages to the Renaissance

This period in history was all about art. Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife (1434) by Jan Van Eyck features
the earliest depiction of a chandelier. The ornate chandelier can be seen just behind the couple in the
painting. The Chandelier was most likely made of brass, which was becoming popular in Europe at this
time.

The Dropsical Woman (1663) by Gerrit Dou features the Dutch brass ball-stem style of chandelier that is
actually still found today, most often in churches.

Crystal Chandeliers

The first crystal chandeliers made their appearance in the 17th century, made from actual rock crystal. In
1676 a British glassmaker patented crystal chandeliers made from flint glass rather than rock crystal,
making them clearer, easier to cut, and easier to color as desired.

18th Century Design

The 18th century saw the birth of Baroque and Rococo styles, which included elaborate floral designs,
swirls, and other small details. These chandeliers, much like the Dutch designs of the Renaissance were
usually bronze.

In our next post, well discuss the evolution of the chandelier from the 18th century until today. In the
meantime, you can find the most beautiful and stylish selection of modern chandeliers at our lighting
showroom near Lawrence. Stop into Rensen House of Lights, today.

Industrial Revolution

During the industrial revolution, home dcor became more accessible to the middle class this included
chandeliers. During this time, the French Revolution birthed the Neoclassical style, which was much less
elaborate than the Baroque designs that preceded it.

During the Industrial Revolution, the early Americans made chandeliers out of cheap metal like tin.
Sheet metal was scarce, so they made do with what they had.

Style Revivals
In our modern times, we often see old fashions from the 80s and 90s coming back into popularity.
Fashion has always been a bit cyclical in nature, so its no surprise that the 19 th century saw a return of
old Roman, Rococo, and Gothic designs. French chandelier makers made new, innovative designs based
on older styles.

During this time gas lighting also became available, which necessitated the use of glass shields to cut
down the intense brightness of the chandeliers. Gas lit chandeliers were frequently made in the
elaborate Rococo style.

Advances in Technology

In the late 19th century, the electric lightbulb radically changed the appearance of the chandelier. New,
modernized designs began to take precedence over old, classic styles. The dimmer switch was
introduced by Mario Fortuny, which revolutionized theater lighting. At this time, chandeliers also
utilized downward facing lights something that was impossible with gas and candle-lighted
chandeliers.

The Modern Chandelier

These days, chandeliers are made in both modern styles as well as old. Many choose to decorate their
homes in vintage styles, while others wish to create a sleek, modern feel with geometric chandeliers. No
matter which style appeals to you, you can find the widest selection of chandeliers near Lawrence, KS at
Rensen House of Lights.