Chandeliers are considered the most luxurious extreme of lighting design. One gets the image of large glass monstrosities hanging from the ceilings of medieval castles or large mansions. Homebuyers would feel chandeliers were an unwanted extravagance, even in large homes. However the design of chandeliers has evolved dramatically over time. Designers have taken use of innovative materials to create stunning new designs. Seagull Lighting has a truly extensive range of modern chandeliers catering to every segment of residential buyers. With hundreds of models ranging from intimate mini designs to large custom-made designs, the outfit aims to cater to as many buyers are possible.
The Origin of Chandeliers
Chandeliers owe their origin to the lighting needs of medieval monks- who were also the originators of modern education, research and medicine. Chandeliers were used to light up the abbeys and churches as the traditional methods of lighting in that era were very insufficient for reading and prayer in the early hours of the day. The earliest chandeliers were basic wooden or metal contraptions, basically suspended candle stands with a purely functional purpose. Candles were fixed on the ends of two wooden beams joined cross-wise. The use of chandeliers spread to the nobility and wealthy traders who lived in large homes. Newer materials began to be used for making chandeliers like iron, steel and brass. Glass was used to refract candle light and also to produce a shimmering effect. Crystal was first developed for use in chandeliers by Daniel Swarovski. Soon, the race began to create bigger and shinier chandeliers all over European cities. Larger and larger chandeliers were commissioned to be given as gifts to high –status nobility and business magnates as a mark of respect. The makers of chandeliers grew famous all over the globe.
The Use of Chandeliers Today
Today, one can expect to find the largest chandeliers in office lobbies and luxury hotels. With rising incomes and mass- manufacturing methods in the 20th century, chandeliers are no longer considered millionaires’ playthings. There has been a considerable change with downsized designs being made available for ordinary home buyers. Let’s take a look at Seagull Lighting chandeliers.
Mini Chandeliers (Three-light and four-light models)
Mini Chandeliers can be used in dining areas and home bars for decorative mood lighting. They can also be used to light up hallways and vestibules. There are also bathroom lights in this range. Seagull Lighting’s range starts from cozy three light and four light models. These chandeliers come in both classic as well as contemporary designs. The classic range has more use of brass shades and glass elements. The contemporary design features geometric shaped frames with minimal use of curved metalwork. The designs are available in finishes like chrome, bronze and brushed nickel. A range of different light elements like incandescent lamps, compact fluorescent lights and LEDS are used for lighting. Some designs even use quirky lamps as a decorative element. For example, look out for the models that use Edison Bulbs in the chandelier.
Small and Medium Chandeliers ( Five, six, seven-light models)
Small and Medium chandeliers start from five-light and go up to seven-light models. These chandeliers are best paired with living rooms in larger houses. These chandeliers often emphasize on the decorative element as much as the functional element as they act as an elegant centerpiece to the design. The Seagull Lighting range in this segment offers a few interesting models with vintage and industrial design, which are not usually associated with chandeliers.
Large Chandeliers (Eight-light Models and above)
The large chandeliers are used in ballrooms and atria for a decorative effect. Premium materials and light catching elements used in these designs are sure to leave an amazing impression in the minds of guests. These large chandeliers are so intricately made that they can be considered mobile art. Seagull Lighting’s range of large chandeliers goes all the way to eighteen-light models. The chandeliers come in a wide range of finishes ranging from oil rubbed bronze, wrought iron and satin nickel.