THE CHANDELIER

The word “chandelier”, meaning candleholder, comes from “chandelle”, the french word for candle.  A chandelier is a light fixture suspended from the ceiling, usually having branch supports and two or more candles or electric lights.

The style of Art Deco originated in the 1920′s and Art Deco chandeliers are on of the products of this era. Art deco originated in Europe and then spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.

The Art Deco terminology came about in 1925 when the World Fair was held in Paris. The fairs official title was Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Paris was considered the center of Art Deco style for many years after that. Famous Art Deco furniture maker Jacques Ruhlmann and metal artist Jean Dunand both came from Paris.

Art Deco chandeliers are true reflections of their style because of the materials used to make them, such as aluminum, stainless steel and inlaid wood and lacquer. These materials are truly characteristic of the Art Deco style.

The designs of Art Deco chandeliers are similar to the usual patterns reflected in Art Deco paintings. Sweeping curves are an example of one of these patterns as well as the sunburst motif, which is a famous example of an Art Deco chandelier design.

Originally, Art Deco was associated with elitism. So Art Deco chandeliers have fit in perfectly with royal gathering places and churches. They have an antique look and are quite large in size. This goes well with the high ceilings of the aforementioned buildings.

Art Deco chandeliers became popular in the United States in the 1930′s when such buildings as the Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall were established. These buildings were inspired by the art movement of the time. Both of them are located in New York City.

You can find Art Deco chandeliers today for modern design. Online stores offer pictures and prices as well as shipping charges. Some chandelier stores will offer custom packages and design templates for developing a unique version of an Art Deco chandelier.

Together with chandeliers inspired by other periods in history, Art Deco chandeliers have indeed widened the selection of homeowners and interior designers alike.