What Makes a Light a Chandelier

Chandeliers are one of the most enduring kinds of lighting fixture in the world, with a history that goes back to medieval times. However, what exactly is it that makes something a chandelier (Lüster) ? The term chandelier can be used to describe any kind of branched lighting fixture, from simple cross designs to the much more common decorative and ornate variations. Chandeliers differ from other light fixtures in a number of ways, including their multiple light bearing arms and their often complex design structure. While there is a huge variety of different styles and types of chandeliers, all of them are unmistakably what they are.

The word chandelier comes from an old French word with the same spelling, which in turn comes from the even earlier word "chandelabre". While the term chandelier first appeared in the English language in the 14th century, the term candelabre originates from the 10th century. The earliest chandeliers that we know about come from medieval times, where they were used in places of assembly and worship. They have always had links to religious and spiritual locations, perhaps due to their early cross like design and the symbolic act of light coming down from above. Perhaps above everything else, the one factor that makes a chandelier different from a standard light fixture is its multiple light bearing arms. Many early designs featured a basic cross design, while more complex geometrical configurations were developed as time went on.

Perhaps the other key feature that makes chandeliers stand out from other lighting fixtures is the decorative nature of their design. While they may have been relatively simple early on, it did not take long for chandeliers to develop crystals, ornate decoration, and much other finery associated with the upper classes. This tendency towards decorative excess is one of the main features of any chandelier, a feature that few other kinds of lighting fixtures can match. Chandeliers continue to be popular all around the world, both in large communal spaces and in many homes as well. Despite their links with religious locations, upper class and royal settings, they have become a common sight in many private homes and public places around the world.