Antique chandeliers are becoming increasingly popular in the home these days, especially with new décor styles that include old and new being mixed in wonderful ways. Higher ceilings and different styled homes have made the chandelier the ideal piece for any room, especially since they do not make the room feel cluttered. Traditionally, antique chandeliers would welcome your arrival at the foyer of a (very affluent) home or was found hanging low to captivate you in a dining room. These days, chandeliers are found in just about any setting – from the upper class mansion to the normal suburban home, to the traditional home. The mixing of traditional and modern is a wonderful décor style, and a chandelier creates a charm to the lighting of your home that few modern lights can do. Chandeliers are even found in some very classy offices.

The word 'chandelier' originates from the French word 'chandelle' which means candle. It's first appearance was in the 14th century where wood and candles were used. Galileo Galilea discovered the law of pendulum with a chandelier, by noticing that the swing of the chandelier took the same amount of time, every time, even if it was made shorter.

Over time, it was found that the grease and wax from the candles ruined the wood, so metal began to be used in designing chandeliers. Designers then began to experiment with unique and interesting designs, as well as many different materials (such as iron, brass and silver.) These materials are still used today.

The chandelier grew in popularity in the 17th century as it began to be seen more and more in homes, with new elaborate and beautiful designs. This continued into the 18th century, and much of the designs we see today dates from this period. Crystal chandeliers were originally used to help reflect and spread the light. Crystal glass was found to be the best material for this purpose. Into the 19th century, roped pendants and hanging drops were added to chandelier designs.

With the discovery and use of electricity, the antique chandelier has – of course – moved with the times, and now incorporates electric or gas lighting. Candle-lit chandeliers are still available, however, and can add some wonderful unique elegance and personality in the lighting of your home.

Chandeliers, generally, come with either 'uplight' or 'downlight' bulbs – the former meaning that the light faces up (and reflects against the ceiling) and the latter meaning the light faces down (creating focus or a very soft light in the immediate area.) Both would depend on the room's needs. Downlights can be very effective in a dining room, to create a soft light just around the table, but this would depend on the size of the dining room.

Chandeliers can complement the home very nicely, even though they have a very antique look. It's good to outfit your home with some other antique items, so that it doesn't look entirely out of place. However, this would depend on the kind of chandelier you buy. Modern chandeliers can even come with some very modern styles, but the antique style is still best at adding opulence and style to any home.