The Victorian Chandelier

A Victorian chandelier is a light fixture that has the classic style that was most popular during the reign of Queen Victoria of England. The Victorian style began in the mid-1800s.

Some antique stores sell light fixtures that are from this time period, but most of us who are budget conscious will typically buy the modern re-creations of this style of chandelier. These antique chandeliers used to run on gas, while modern versions use electricity.

Both types of chandeliers are known for being quite extravagant, usually incorporating glass, crystal, beads, and other decorations that tend to emphasize elegance.

There are different types of Victorian lighting fixtures, since the Victorian era is known for the differing tastes of those who lived then.

Many people had their own interpretations of what they thought was extravagant and elegant, which is why most chandeliers of this time were styled with many different types of decorations. These decorations typically were: beads, crystals, and ornate metal.

In fact, it is possible to make a Victorian chandelier at home by buying a simple chandelier and then adding decorations such as beads or elegantly decorated glass for each light bulb which will make the fixture stand out.

A Different Culture Now

During Victorian times, these chandeliers were placed in all of the rooms in the house. The living room, where guests were gathered in Victorian houses, was used the most, so a very elaborate and expansive chandelier usually hung in this room.

Today, you might still find these chandeliers in living rooms, but not too many (percentage-wise). Our more liesurely culture has transported the bulk of our entertaining into the den or great room.

The dining room is another great place for an elegant Victorian chandelier, often used as the centerpiece above the dining table. The chandelier can have four lights on it for small versions, or it could have as many as 20 or more for a large fixture in a big room.

The style of the lighting also varies, from simple exposed bulbs to blown or frosted glass. The chandeliers also come in a range of metal finishes. Bronze, brass, chrome, gold, or silver all can be seen at showrooms.

Most of these chandeliers come with an adjustable chain so that you can adjust the light fixture at the appropriate level depending on ceiling height. Today, there are miniature Victorian chandeliers for smaller rooms, as well as outdoor styles.

When choosing the best victorian chandelier for your dining room, spend some time deciding how big a chandelier the room can accomodate. Seating some of your friends and family at the table, make some rough measurements.

Go With Your Own Taste

Just as importantly, take pains to ensure that the new chandelier blends with the rest of the house. Consider your sense of style. If your house is full of heavy Victorian furniture and dark woods, then consider a chandelier in a dark finish.

If your taste is primarily modern, then search for a sleek, uncluttered design. If your taste runs to marble, then the best chandelier for you might be a lavish gilded one with Murano glass bulbs.

You should also consider the mood you want to create. If your heart is set on a romantic meal for two, then you want a chandelier that is pretty, delicate and not too imposing. If it's about festive cheer, then something more expansive might be called for.

If you're fond of Halloween parties, heavy metal and horror movies, then look for a chandelier with a touch of Gothic attitude.

Where To Find Them

To find your perfect victorian chandelier, search the telephone book under Lighting Systems and Equipment for specialty retailers in your area, or take a stroll around your local department store.

If you Google "Victorian chandeliers + photos" you can look at various models for hours. Before you go looking, put a few photographs of the room you're redecorating into your cell phone for visual reference.

Alternatively, hunt online by typing “victorian chandelier” into your search engine. In particular, look for examples made in Murano or Florence, Italy, both traditional centers of chandelier making.

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