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Chandeliers often evoke images of grand ballrooms and spectacular banquet halls of yore. This is especially true of crystal chandeliers, which have lit many castles and palaces. In today's world, these lighting fixtures are fast becoming common place but haven't lost the charm they lend to any room, be it big or small, that they occupy.

The first chandeliers were pretty simple, composed of a wooden frame that held up a few candles on short metal spikes. They lacked the majestic bearing of crystal chandeliers and the reliable strength of wrought iron chandeliers but served the purpose of lighting large rooms, usually a place of assembly like a town hall.

Over the past hundreds of years, from the advent of the medieval era to the 18th century, chandeliers became more intricate and their countenance slowly outweighed their purpose, the bases by which the rich and powerful decided to use them in their palatial homes. These lighting accessories, especially the fascinating crystal chandelier, metamorphosed into badges of prosperity and prestige.

In contrast, modern chandeliers may be as beautiful and elegant as their forebearers, but they are within reach of common people who wish to add a distinctive flair to their homes. Before you rush off and go through the chandelier collection of the nearest mall or an online store, there are a few things you have to remember in selecting a good chandelier.

The hall you intend to beautify with a chandelier should be painstakingly calculated. This will give you a fair idea of how big the chandelier must be to fit in the room. It shouldn't be too big that it takes up the whole ceiling and shouldn't be hung too low to impede the movement of the home's visitors and occupants. Naturally, appearance plays a critical role in your choice since the chandelier must go well with the room's furniture and interior design.

Installation of a chandelier is tricky business, requiring some knowledge of structural engineering. It is recommended that you seek the help of an expert in putting in this lighting fixture as some models, particularly crystal chandeliers, are not only heavy and may cause the ceiling to cave in if improperly installed, but also very fragile that it will break into many pieces if it falls to the ground.