Where to Find an Antique Murano Chandelier

Chandeliers are any type of branched ceiling mounted lighting fixture that is decorative and comes complete with multiple arms and lights. There are many different styles of chandeliers that have been made throughout the ages, including the famous Murano chandeliers from Venice in Italy. Murano chandeliers were originally only made on the Murano island, but they have since developed into a style of chandelier that is manufactured all over the world. Murano is famous for its glassmaking techniques, many of which were developed specifically for chandelier manufacture or highly linked to chandelier design. There are many places to purchase Murano chandeliers in the 21st century, from small local retail centres to online chandelier stores and lighting emporiums.

Murano is a series of islands that lie right off the city of Venice in Italy. In fact, while Murano was once an independent commune it is now an actual frazione of the commune of Venice. Murano is most famous for its glass making, especially lampworking and chandelier construction. Murano glass and glass making is still highly intertwined with Venetian glass making, and it has been ever since Venetian glass makers moved to the islands in 1291. The Murano islands had a monopoly on glassmaking for centuries, and most of the refined and ornate glass work made throughout the 20th century in the western world came from one of these tiny islands. However, while Murano glassmakers still make glass and chandeliers using their traditional methods, Murano style fixtures are now also made and sold all over the world.

For customers who are looking for a new or antique murano chandelier, there are literally hundreds of manufacturers and antique shops out there. However, for people who want a truly authentic and antique Murano chandelier, there are many less options to choose from. Many of the old style Murano chandelier constructions can be found in Italy and other locations in Europe, as relatively few made their way to the United States and other places off the continent. Most large antique centres have an online presence these days, so search engines are probably the best way to track down specific antique products and the places that deal with them. Of course, you could also take a holiday to Venice and visit many of the traditional glass making houses yourself, lots of whom managed to hold onto some of their older stock.