The chandelier (Kronleuchter) has become one of the most iconic items in European culture and design, and is still a widely popular lighting fixture in the 21st century. Chandeliers have a long and rich history in Europe, where they have evolved from the simple lighting fixtures of the past to the ornate and refined creations of today. The oldest known chandeliers were simple in their construction, consisting of nothing more than a few branched wooden arms and multiple candles for illumination. However, from the 15th century onwards, more complex and luxurious chandelier designs were developed, many of which featured a crown design and decorated the homes of the upper classes in Europe. These early chandelier designs were always associated with the nobility, clergy, and merchant classes, where they were used to represent wealth and luxury.
The evolution of chandelier design continued past this date, where chandelier designs continued to be refined and improved to meet the technical developments of the day. For example, the early 18th century saw the development of ornate cast ormolu forms which featured long, curved arms and candles for illumination. While the design of the central candle bearing arms went through a lot of development over the centuries, candles were still used for illumination up until the 19th century. It was during the 19th century that gas light became the source of illumination for most chandeliers, and this meant they were even more closely associated with the wealthy classes of the time. The use of gas for the purpose of illumination was not affordable by the general population, which is another reason why chandeliers continued to be associated with notions of class.
Further developments to technology at the end of the 19th century saw the birth of electricity for chandeliers, which is the common form of illumination used today. In terms of design motifs and materials, there has been a constant evolution to the chandelier form over the centuries. Perhaps the most important advancement in the evolution of the chandelier form was the development of lead glass, which gave birth to the iconic crystal chandelier. The chandelier form continues to evolve in the 21st century, especially through the development of new materials and designs that break from tradition.