The word "chandelier" or candle holder comes from the
French word "chandelle" or candle.  

The earliest chandeliers were used in medieval
churches to efficiently illuminate large halls.  They
generally took the form of a wooden cross with a
number of spikes to place candles on.  After the candles
(made from animal fat) were lit, the chandelier was
hoisted to a suitable height on a rope suspended from a
hook (below left).  

From the 15th century, the chandelier became more
complex.  Forms were based on ring or crown designs,
and features became more decorative.  At this time the
chandelier became a status symbol of the wealthy, and
the fixture's popularity began to grow.  By the early
18th century, ornate cast brass forms with long curved
arms and many candles could be found in the homes of
most of the merchant class.  

Developments in glass making in the 18th century
allowed for cheaper production of lead crystal.  (Some
earlier chandeliers used rock crystal which was
naturally formed quartz glass, but this was very rare,
difficult to cut, and expensive).  The light-scattering
properties of lead crystal (a highly refractive glass),
quickly became a popular addition to the form, leading
to the "crystal chandelier".
Electrified hand cut lead
crystal chandelier ~ dates to
the late 1800's or early 1900's.
 (Electricity was not
completely reliable at this
time, so it is supplemented
with candles.)
Illustration of a medieval
chandelier from King
Rene's Tournament Book

(file released to public
domain)
"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."
Kahil Gibran
How to get the right size chandelier







Also consider the look and feel of the chandelier.  If it is ornate or has 10 to
12 lights and is a more "weighty" style, you can go with a smaller fixture in
a larger space.

• A chandelier should hang about 30" from the surface of the table.
• A table should be about 12" wider than the chandelier.
• Total wattage of all bulbs should be between 200 to 400.
So you've decided on a chandelier and placed an order; what now?
For starters, remember that lighting from a chandelier, no matter what the
setting, should make a room, people, home furnishings and prized
possessions look their very best.  So it's important to hang the chandelier in
the right spot and at the proper height for maximum impact.

A chandelier in a dining room setting should be positioned in the center of
the dining table and room proportions.

Avoid purchasing chandeliers that are larger than the width of your table, as
people may bump into it when getting up. A handy rule of thumb is that a
chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table and have at least 48
inches of space from each of the room walls or edges.

Hang a chandelier approximately 30 to 34 inches over a table with an 8 foot
ceiling height. If your ceiling is higher than 8 feet, mount the chandelier an
additional 3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling.

Avoid high wattage bulbs. They will increase the heat and cause excessive
table glare.

Try adding shades to chandelier candelabra bulbs or a wall dimmer to help
you control the light and set a more flattering mood.

When a chandelier has no central down light, you can enhance the dining
room table setting and centerpiece by using recessed adjustable fixtures
with narrow beam bulbs. Aim these bulbs at a dining table centerpiece to
create additional visual interest in conjunction with the chandelier.

In an open lobby or larger foyer setting, a chandelier can provide an
important transition from outdoor to interior spaces and set the mood for
your entire home. Hang the chandelier high enough to illuminate stairways
or side passages; about knee-level of the upstairs landing is a good standard.

Chandeliers in a lobby setting can be wider or taller than dining room
pieces so that they comfortably fill a space without appearing too small. You
should also allow for at least 6 ½ feet of clearance from the floor.

Pendant chandeliers for kitchen islands and dinette tables demand a little
different approach. Depending on their arrangement and number, position
the pendant 30" to 34" inches up from the table surface.

Dress up the hanging wire or chain of a chandelier by covering it in a
narrow sleeve of fabric. Fabric should be three times longer than the chain
to achieve a gathered appearance. A great idea for holiday looks!
Information on Chandeliers
Short History of the Chandelier
Helpful Information
If the room is:

smaller than 10' by 10'
about 12' x 12'
about 14' x 14'
Use this size chandelier

17" to 20" diameter or less
26" or 27"
24" to 36"
How to Hang a Chandelier
Parts of a chandelier