The word chandelier comes from the French word for candle, which is chandelle. In English terminology, chandelier means a hanging light with branches. Chandelier—the very word, with its soft French “sh” sound, conjures up an image of an elegant, Victorian dining room. Picture ladies in sumptuous gowns and men in tails gathered around a lace-covered table laid with china plates and sterling silver cutlery. The table abounds with fabulous foods, and a spectacular crystal chandelier gleams overhead. Even today, nothing sets a tone of elegance in your dining room like a candle chandelier. Whether you choose a fixture with electric candles, or one with real candles, the ambience created is amazing.

Real candles are the choice of traditionalists and romantics. The flickering light of a live flame and the soft fragrance of scented candles are sensual, but add to the atmosphere of a family meal or a dinner party just as much as to a romantic dinner for two. Some fixtures are equipped for tall taper candles; some hold votives or pillar candles of different sizes. The pillar candle chandelier is one of the most elegant styles. Uniquely shaped candles such as globes or tear-drops are available at specialty shops and online, and add a distinctive and unusual touch.

An electric candle chandelier is considered more convenient by many. There is no dripping wax; therefore no clean-up. No smoke when you blow them out—just turn off the switch. Dimmer switches are available, so you can set your mood from romantic to party to family. You can also feel safe draping your electric chandelier with greenery or flowers for holiday or seasonal appeal, without worrying about any of it catching on fire.

Both types of candle chandeliers are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and prices. It’s easy to find one that fits your style and your décor. From the simple one-tier with three branches, up to five tiers with multiple branches, and anything in between, there is an abundance of choices.

Wooden fixtures are stylish and family-friendly. They blend with a number of different décors. From sleek Scandinavian styles, which are often made in light or white woods, to heavy Medieval types, there are literally hundreds of styles available. Colonial styles, which are often in pine, either in a light honey-pine or darker shades, are quite popular. They have a solid look and feel to them, but aren’t as ponderous as some of the Medieval pieces, so they fit well in the average household. Although they can be in a plain, simple style, they are also frequently fashioned in gracefully turned spindles. These go well with colonial-style or mission style furniture. The large Medieval styles, reminiscent of a castle hall, need a proportionately larger room to look their best. These often have wrought iron integrated into the design, and are usually quite stunning.

While a real antler chandelier is not made from wood, it does fit into the same style of home as a regular wooden one. Any place that is trying to have a rustic feel definitely be well served to put up one of these.

Metal Chandeliers

Many styles of wrought iron chandeliers are available in black or white, as well as metals like brass and pewter. Scrolled metal in many styles from plain to fanciful are readily available. Some look more like works of art than lighting fixtures, incorporating human figures as well as loops, branches, and graceful swags. For any taste from the most conservative to the most contemporary and modern, you can find that special fabulous fixture to set off your room. If you have a trendy home design it is very easy to find a slick looking modern chandelier.

For the epitome of elegance, consider a glass or crystal candle chandelier. Glass, acrylic, or crystal prisms depending from a silver or brass tone fixture is a classic look. While the dangles are usually clear, glass beads in many different hues are available, too. The downfall to a chandelier with dependents is that they can be time-consuming to clean, and to keep looking their gleaming best.

Another option is a chandelier where the entire fixture is constructed of glass. They have the luster and sheen of glass, but usually no dependants to clean. These tend to be in a simple elegant style, and come in several colors. Pale green or soft pink seems to glow in the candlelight. Murano glass from Italy is a wonderful option. These come in a variety of gorgeous colors, and are handmade. These can be pricey, but if price is not a concern, a chandelier made of this material is exquisite.