The Patio Expert Pages

Obviously, there's no lighting source more brilliant in appeal than chandelier lighting. Due to their wonderful qualities and aesthetics, chandeliers have evolved as necessary fixtures added in many luxurious hotels, fine dining restaurants, up scale corporate offices as well as homes. They come in varying types and finishes, and are able to combine functionality and design that make them suitable for different settings. More often than not, modern chandeliers provide illumination by using standard electric light bulbs or electric candles; however, there are also old chandeliers that utilize gaslights and wax candles that are still being used today.

Among the myriads of chandelier lighting fixtures to choose from, crystal chandeliers remains as the most popular preference. These chandeliers are constructed from cut glass crystal pieces that gracefully hang on the arms of the fixture. Crystals reflects light easily, and break the light into several arrays, which produces a colorful shimmering effect. Crystal chandeliers were popularized by elite Europeans and wealthy Americans during 1920's and 1930's.

Bead-shell chandeliers are contemporary chandelier pieces that are truly popular because of their bead and shell structures. The Capiz or mother-of-pearl shell is the most common type of shell used for the creation of these chandeliers. Bead-shell chandeliers are known for their soft lights, which makes them appropriate for fine dining restaurants because they induce a cozy vibe. They are also usually positioned near pictures and paintings, as they highlight these interior pieces beautifully.

Murano glass chandeliers are contemporary chandelier fixtures that originated from Murano, Italy, which is regarded as the glass blowing capital of the world. These light fixtures denote a specific chandelier design that is often curvy and tubular in form, exclusively made from blown Murano glass. As the glass being used in this type of chandelier can be molded into several shapes, these chandeliers are often designed with floral motifs and other complex figures and are usually dyed in pastel colors. The use of different colors in these chandeliers allows them to emit unique and creative light effects.

On the other hand, antler chandeliers, as their name implies, are derived from the shed antlers of deer, elk or moose. These chandelier lighting pieces are very popular in western-style homes like the log cabins or ranch residences. If you want to have a rustic vibe inside your home, using an antler chandelier can do such effect. If you can't afford an authentic antler chandelier piece, you can opt for a faux antler chandelier that is made from plastic fibers, designed to look like original antlers.

Candle chandeliers made from metals such as brass, brushed nickel and wrought iron are elegant pieces that resonates the rich history of the past. Antique chandeliers made from metals used to hold candles instead of electric bulbs and have been in existence since the 1400's, though they were reinvented in differing finishes throughout the centuries. Antique metal candle chandeliers may costs from $50,000 to $60,000; a bit pricey compared to other chandelier pieces due to their rare quality and origin. If you want to conserve energy and you have the budget, an antique metal candle chandelier would be a good purchase.