A chandelier light fixture hanging over a table is seen as a symbol of elegance. Chandelier light fixtures have a long history and humble origins. The development into a symbol of status took centuries. The original chandeliers were basic utilitarian objects that could be found in huts, hovels and taverns. They were plain and did the job. Today chandeliers can be found in a wide range of materials, sizes, and functions. From basic lumber arms above a rough hewn pine table to giant elaborate iron and crystal structures weighing tons. A humble fixture has become a symbol of affluence.

It’s a cold dark night on the muddy road. The horse and rider are weary and famished. The castle on the hill is still half a days ride by horse. It will be too late to meet with the noble man, the knights and guards wouldn’t let him pass until morning. All the excuse he need to spend a night at the Inn of The Three Legged Dog. He walks into an open room in the Tavern with a fire burning at either end. He selects a table in the center of the room, the crowds are gathered around the fire and he’d rather eat alone. He a velvet pouch of crystal beside him and shouts for food and drink. Hanging above the table are two pieces of lumber forming a cross. Spikes are driven through the ends and candles, or chandelle as the are called in French, are attached. The wood is damaged and burnt by the candles. His stew arrives and is set in front of him, just in time for a stream of wax to plummet into the bowl. The man laughs thinking this is a good omen.

The following day he comes to the castle. He shows the guard an invitation and is brought into a small room. He is informed that the owner wants the castle fully illuminated at night. He is unhappy with the dim light cast by his existing candle fixtures and wants something more elaborate, something similar to the Kings chandelier in the great ball room of the castle on the hill. The man agrees and opens his bag of crystals. The crystals he says, will refract the light. He begins shaping iron and hanging crystal. The pulleys are set in place and the chandelier is attached. When night falls the candles are lit and the iron ring of candles and crystals is launched into the air. It dances with light and the noble man is happy. He hands over a small fortune.

In the eighteenth century lead crystal was developed, making the cost of a chandelier more affordable and lighting more functional. With the middle class able to hang a chandelier, the upper class began creating expensive and intricate crystal chandeliers. Chandeliers became a mark of status and the amount of crystal, the size, and the weight were all important symbols of wealth. With the introduction of gas, and later electricity, the utilitarian features of the chandelier was reduced.

Contemporary chandeliers continue to be used as an ornamental piece that can contribute light. They continue to retain an aura of status. A case in point is in an Oman mosque there is a chandelier that weighs 8.5 tons, is five stories high and big enough for a city block. It would be hard to argue that it was built solely for its functionality. Chandeliers have transformed from simple emitters of light, to flamboyant children of wealth.

Connor R. Sullivan recently searched the internet for a chandelier light fixturefor a kitchen and dining room remodeling job he and his wife are completing. He found the number ofchandelier light fixtures available online impressive. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.