You might think the living room an odd place to hang a chandelier.  However, despite their seemingly non-traditional nature, they were commonplace in many rooms of homes and palaces from 12^th century on. Let’s revisit a bit of the chandelier’s history to find out just how far these beautiful fixtures have come.

The first known chandeliers were created for medieval places of assembly around the 12^th century. Their construction was that of a wooden cross with candles attached to the top of each of the four arms. They were then rigged with rope from a hook in the ceiling and over to be secured on the wall. Perhaps they were very primitive and very basic, but a good beginning nonetheless.

So you’re flipping through your design magazines, or even the latest Restoration Hardware catalog, and might have come across some of these wooden chandeliers. Do you wonder, are these new or modern, what inspired these designs? Who new, these chandeliers have their roots from early 12^th century designs!

Oly Isa Wood Chandelier, Available through Interior Designers

Restoration Hardware Chandelier

Restoration Hardware Chandelier

In the 15^th century came a more complex design based on a ring or crown with multiple candles secured around it. These new and improved fixtures became popular decorative items in the main rooms of houses and palaces of clergy, merchant class and nobility.  These extremely expensive fixtures were a sign of status and wealth. These are still very popular chandeliers even today, and many lighting designers incorporate these 15^th century designs into modern day fixtures.

Beatrice Chandelier

This is a gorgeous crown inspired chandelier designed by Julie Neill Designs.

Carol’s Crown St. Chandelier

Clearly inspired by the crown design concept by Julie Neill Designs.

I find it so fascinating no matter how inventive we are in our designs, and products there is always a trace of the past to be found!