Chandeliers

A chandelier is a decorative pendant light with several arms, or branches, holding light bulbs which are usually, but not always upwards-pointing. Candle-shaped bulbs with candle tube fittings often feature on modern-day chandeliers echoing the style of the first medieval chandeliers which held candles.

Chandelier derives from the root Latin word candere which means to glow, glitter brilliantly or illuminate. The word 'chandelier' is French dating back to medieval times.

A chandelier is a ceiling light, or sometimes wall light, with multiple arms. A candelabra is a candlestick with multiple arms. Candelabra is occasionally used today to refer to a chandelier which carries real candles.

No, a chandelier is by definition a pendant light with at least three, and often more, 'arms' but it does not have to huge and can be quite compact in design. It can also be made with an adjustable drop to suit any height of ceiling. We offer all our designs at Nigel Tyas Ironwork in upscaled or downscaled versions to fit your space.

We have created tiny three-light chandeliers for kitchens to colossal bespoke two-tier giant chandeliers with 20-lights or more for barn conversions. See our full range for chandeliers for details of diameters and lengths of drops. The 12-light Hartcliff chandelier is our most popular size.

Modern 'wrought iron' products are made of mild steel which is lighter than iron itself, but non the less quite weighty. Larger chandeliers will be quite heavy. All our Nigel Tyas chandelier product listings give the approximate weight in their product description. They are engineered to be balanced and hang safely from appropriate and robust ceiling hook fittings. Some designs, like our Hartcliff range, featuring metal tubing which reduces the weight.

Yes, chandeliers are available in all sizes and styles and you can choose one to hang in a modern property which may have smaller rooms or lower ceilings. If you are concerned about weight, please see the approximate weight given on every chandelier's product listing and consult your electrician if you have concerns. Generally, our chandeliers are well-made and well-balanced with quality ceiling fittings to allow for a good fit in any setting.

Chandeliers always feature multiple arms from a central hanging point and often carry upwards-pointing candle bulbs. Ceiling lights usually feature one light per cable or fitting - most are single pendants, but larger ceiling lights may well feature a cluster of lights. These may be arranged together to create a cascade of lighting suspended on separate cables but from a shared ceiling plate – for example our Broadstones and Springvale ranges and Bretton and Stocksmoor clusters.

There are many traditional chandelier designs which echo Medieval motifs or Victorian romantic styles but there is nothing intrinsically old-fashioned about a multiple-armed light fitting. The sweeping arms of designs such as our Hartcliff chandelier hang just as well in stylish modern interiors. More rustic chandelier designs also work well in eclectic contemporary schemes which mix quality fixtures, fittings and furniture to create a balanced and unique whole. You can also update any traditional chandelier design by opting for our light burnished steel finish rather than the usual natural black finish. Choosing candle tubes which match the finish of your metalwork rather than traditional ivory candle tunes can also dramatically update the look.

Standard chandeliers come on a fixed light fitting, cable or chain which you can choose to hang from a ceiling hook to your required length on installation. You would then need to use a ladder or platform or extended cleaning tools to tend to the light and most customers find this is a suitable set up for this quality, low maintenance fitting.

We’ve made chandeliers to carry candles instead of bulbs in the past and are more than happy to do so again.

Yes, but dimmable bulbs rely on having the appropriate dimmable electrical fittings and switches in place. Always consult a qualified electrician if you want to add this feature to a light fitting in your property. You must also take care to buy the appropriate dimmable bulbs for your chandelier and bear in mind the extra cost of these bulbs.

We generally recommend SES (small Eddison screw) LED candle bulbs for our chandelier range. We recommend LED 4watt for a good soft warm light and for longevity and cost effectiveness.

Generally speaking, light fittings such as chandeliers are classed as 'fixtures' which are assumed part of a property and should be left in place when you move. However, you may make arrangements to take particular fittings with you as long as you state this clearly as your intention to prospective buyers and leave good working alternatives in place. Always talk to your conveyancer about this.

This can depend on personal preference, but as a guide for smaller and medium sized rooms, we suggest that you choose a chandelier no wider than a third of the length of the shortest wall of your room. This simple rule of thumb can be a helpful way to ensure the light isn’t ‘too big’ and is in good proportion to the space.
For larger rooms and big open plan spaces, this measuring guidance does not apply. You have the freedom to choose an impactful chandelier of any size to suit your interior scheme.
In either case, we also suggest a good way to help you decide on size is to mock-up a cardboard dummy of the size of chandelier you are considering, hold this in position and see what you think! This simple task can really help to visualise the scale and ensure you choose the size of chandelier you prefer.

Generally, we advise if you get the right size chandelier for your room – ie one that is in good proportion to the space – it follows that the number of candle lights and the lighting level they provide will work well.
If you are concerned it may be too bright to provide the ambient lighting you require at different times, it is a good idea to ask your electrician to install the chandelier on to a circuit with a dimmable light switch and use dimmable candle bulbs to allow you extra control.
For further advice, you may consult a lighting designer who may calculate the optimum number of lumens your light fitting should provide by taking into account the purpose of the room and its required brightness; room size, height and wall colour; plus, your personal preferences.