There is nothing that can bring warmth and beauty to a home like an antique chandelier. They add beauty, charm and elegance to a room while creating a bright, vibrant illumination. They are also typically passed down from family member to family member. This can make it difficult to locate an authentic one. However, there are many ways to find the chandelier you are looking for.
Checking out an antique store is the first thing most people do to find an antique chandelier. Some antique stores can restore antique chandeliers without marring the original beauty or value. You definitely want to look in consignment shops, especially the high-end ones. You may be surprised by what you will find there; you may just find exactly what you want. Another good way is to check the listings of estate sales. Most estate sales list major items in the paper. You could get more of its history than you would otherwise. Auctions could be a good route to find one. Most large estates are auctioned, either on the estate itself or in an action house. You could very likely find something there.
To be certain you are getting a real antique when shopping for the perfect chandelier, you need to know how to distinguish a real antique from a reproduction. This will take some research. There are many books on antiques that can guide you when looking for antique chandeliers. First, you will need to know the popular materials that make an item an antique. Polished steel was not a popular material until recently, voiding the possibility of it being an antique. Most were made of materials that were convenient, as well as beautiful when applied correctly. Materials like brass, bronze, antler, and crystal are typical materials that will identify the chandelier as an antique. You will also want to look at what kind of fuels are used to light the fixture. It was common practice to have one lit by practical means. Lighting sources such as candles, gas, and kerosene were very popular and are positive identifiers of the antique you are looking for. However, many of them have been refitted for electrical use and it is best to check and make sure it was recently modified. Manufacturers also gave each chandelier a different set of insignia that made them unique. These insignia are no longer used, mostly due to mass production. if you find a chandelier with insignia that are similar to ones you have seen in antique books, it may be an antique.
An antique chandelier is a rare find you will treasure for the charm and elegance it gives to the room it is in and it is a great accent to a antique dining table. Choosing the perfect one will depend on what style you are looking for. The bigger the room the bigger the it can be. A big chandelier in a small room is too overpowering. If you know what you are looking for, these simple guidelines will help you will find the perfect antique chandelier at the best possible price.
