$8,991
H 40 in Dm 38.6 in
Large Arts and Crafts Black Forest Carved Oak Chandelier w. Forest Owl Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
a passion for sculptural and meaningful Art then this antique and fully hand carved owl chandelier
Oak
Black Forest Carved Hanging Owl Chandelier with Wing Span
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
, Lighting, Chandeliers Brienz Black Forest lodge furnishings new items special collections Brienz
Wood
Black Forest Carved Hanging Owl Chandelier with Wing Span
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Black Forest, Carvings, Owls, Chandeliers
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Carved Wood Chandelier, 5 Lights
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautifully carved and boasts tons of details, this 5 light chandelier with custom paper shades
Paper, Wood
$2,620 / item
H 30 in W 38 in D 28 in
Gorgeous Hand Carved Wooden Lustermannchen Butler Sculpture Chandelier Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare and hand carved, Butler chandelier with real Deer Antler horns. If you are
Metal
Tyrolean Mountaineer Pendant Lamp, Hand-Carved Softwood, 1980s
Located in Hannover, DE
perfect addition to my space. The mountaineer, lovingly hand-carved from linden wood, is of exceptional
Softwood
$1,378
H 22.05 in W 7.09 in D 6.3 in
1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
mountain lovers or collectors of Black Forest carvings. Fitted with a socket for an E14-size light bulb
Metal
$4,411
H 32.29 in W 28.75 in D 33.86 in
German Lustermannchen Carved-Wood Pendant Light with Figural Railway Official
Located in Barntrup, DE
A rare German figural pendant light featuring a carved wooden railway official suspended beneath
Metal
$1,618
H 15.75 in W 5.91 in D 4.73 in
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain
Copper
$1,306
H 31.5 in W 7.29 in D 6.3 in
Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountaineer Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain
Metal
$2,697
H 39.38 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Large Pendant Light Fixture with Carved Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany This impressive German
Metal
$1,004
H 27.96 in W 9.85 in D 5.91 in
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This adorable German figural pendant lamp from the circa 1950s features a hand-carved figure of a
Metal
$1,558
H 23.63 in W 7.09 in D 5.52 in
German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand-carved figure of a mountain
Metal
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This
Metal
$1,120
H 59 in W 11 in D 7 in
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light, Austria 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This
Metal
Pendant Light Fixture with a Wooden Figure of a Mountain Climber
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber in
Brass
$2,313
H 35.44 in W 14.97 in D 10.24 in
Pendant Light with a Large Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
A wonderful German figural pendant lamp showcases a large hand-carved figure of a mountain climber
Metal
Black Forest Carved Wood Pendant Light
Located in New York, NY
Black Forest pendant light featuring a hand-carved wood (likely walnut) mountaineer climbing a rope
Black Forest Chandelier, Hand Carved with Rope Hangings, 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Black Forest Chandelier, Hand Carved with Rope Hangings, owl motif with six candle arms and wax
Carved Black Forest Wooden Folk Art German Chandelier, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
Carved wooden German chandelier, circa 1930. We are proud to offer a rare 1930 German carved wood
Wood
Antique Black Forest Carved Wood Lusterweibchen Noblewoman
Located in Berghuelen, DE
an antique antler chandelier. a marvelous handcarved and painted wood statue between two original
Wood, Antler
Fabulous Antique Victorian Black Forest Rustic Style Large Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Speaking of masterpieces! This two-tier, nine-light original candle chandelier, beautiful and
Wood
Antique French Carved Walnut & Faïence Chandelier
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique, early 20th century French hand-carved and turned walnut chandelier having delightful
Faience, Walnut
Great Antler Chandelier with Figural Carved Horn Roses ca. 1910
Located in Berghuelen, DE
a great chandelier made of stag antlers. decorated with figural carved horn pieces like wildboar
Antler
Sold
H 23 in W 18 in D 11 in
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Lustermannchen Mountain Climber Sculpture Chandelier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Stunning very rare and hand carved, mountain climber chandelier with real ibex horns. If you are
Metal
Antique Carved Wood Lusterweibchen of a Victorian Lady
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique antler chandelier, a wooden hand carved and painted statue of a victorian lady fixed on
Iron
Sold
H 24.02 in W 5.91 in D 9.06 in
German Pendant Light with Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Pendant Light with Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber and Lantern This wonderful German
Metal
Sold
H 44.75 in Dm 33.5 in
Antique Black Forest Hand-Carved Candle Lite Wooden Chandelier c1800's Original
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Exquisite Black Forest Chandelier found just outside of Marseille, France. In Europe Black Forest
Wood
Unique and Large Black Forest Carved Wood Chandelier with Five Owl Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and rare German chandelier. We sold many chandeliers through the years, but never did we
Wood
Vintage Hand Carved German Black Forest Chandelier with an Owl Sculpture, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and Brienz wood carving enthusiasts. This
Metal
Rustic Black Forest Style Walnut Bear Chandelier
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest-style walnut carved chandelier with a bear figure holding 3 lights from a
Glass, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 28.75 in D 15.2 in
Stunning Horizontal Bavarian Chalet or Black Forest St. Cabin Chandelier Pendant
Located in Lisse, NL
was put into this very well designed and highly decorative chandelier makes it the eyecatcher that it
Oak
Sold
H 20 in W 29 in D 21 in
Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Lusterweibchen Sculpture Chandelier with Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare 'female chandelier' with hand-carved ibex horns. For collectors of Black Forest antiques and
Wood
Antique Oak Tavern, Pub, Wine Cellar 1920s Hand Carved Figural Chandelier
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique oak large scale tavern, pub or wine cellar chandelier circa 1920s. Original finish. Hand
Wood
Sold
H 37.41 in Dm 12.6 in
German Hand Carved Wooden Pendant Light Chandelier with Owl Sculpture, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A beautiful hand-carved wooden pendant light, chandelier with an adorable, detailed carved
Wood
Sold
H 36 in W 20.5 in D 24 in
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Lustermanchen Sculpture Chandelier W. Lantern Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and hand carved, beer serving landlord chandelier with real ibex horns. If you are looking
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 30.32 in W 18.51 in D 13.78 in
Hand Carved Wooden Lüstermännchen or Lustermandl Two-Light Pendant Chandelier
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful pendant light "Lüstermännchen" or "Lustermandl" features a masterfully carved wood
Brass, Metal
Wooden Carved Lüsterweibchen of a Lute Playing Lady
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A small wooden carved antique Lüsterweibchen chandelier with a medieval lady playing the lute
Wood
Great Wooden Carved Mermaid Lusterweibchen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
This extra-ordinary lusterweibchen is made completely from wood without any antlers. A hand-carved
Wood
Antique Wooden Carved Cellarer Lustermännchen
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A highly detailed wooden carved lustermännchen with a typical cellarer carrying a lantern. Executed
Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 15.36 in D 31.5 in
Lusterweibchen Hand-Carved Hand-Painted with Stately Real Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A beautiful lusterweibchen with handsome hand-carved and hand-painted wooden lady carrying a blazon
Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Rare Antique Chandelier with Lüsterweibchen of a Victorian Meermaid
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare antique lüsterweibchen chandelier with a wooden carved sculpture of a Victorian lady with
Wood
Sold
H 24.2 in W 38.6 in D 23.6 in
Antique, Rare and Large Hand Carved Black Forest Flying Eagle Pendant Chandelier
Located in Lisse, NL
Forest chandelier is the perfect center piece for a hunting lodge or for a Black Forest collector's
Metal, Brass
Antique Carved Wood Lusterweibchen of a Victorian Lady
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A wooden hand carved and painted statue of a Victorian lady fixed on a large pair of original stag
Iron
Antique Carved Wooden Lusterweibchen of a Victorian Lady
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique wooden hand carved and painted statue of a Victorian lady fixed on a large pair of
Iron
Sold
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Antique Carved Wood Lusterweibchen of a Medieval Lady, circa 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Item e6184 A wooden hand carved and painted statue of a two tailed meermaid representing a
Wood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 3.94 in D 6.11 in
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountaineer Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain
Copper
Sold
H 37.41 in W 27.56 in D 35.44 in
Antique Carved Wood Lusterweibchen of a Victorian Lady, circa 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Item e6182 A wooden handcarved and painted statue of a victorian noble woman. Fixed on a large pair of original deer antlers. Named lusterweibchen or lüsterweibchen, executed circa ...
Wood
Sold
H 25.2 in W 7.09 in D 6.3 in
1950s German Alpine Pendant Light Carved Painted Wood Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Charming 1950s German Alpine Pendant Light with Carved and Painted Wooden Climber This delightful
Metal
Sold
H 34.26 in W 11.03 in D 7.09 in
Pendant Light Fixture Carved Wood Figure Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling mountain
Metal
Sold
H 40 in W 13 in D 8 in
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light with Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts. This
Iron
Sold
H 31.5 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
Pendant Light Fixture Hand Carved Wood Figure Climber with Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand carved figure of a mountain climber in
Metal
Sold
H 23.23 in W 5.52 in D 6.3 in
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wooden Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand carved figure of a smiling mountain climber
Metal
Sold
H 23.63 in W 7.09 in D 7.88 in
German Pendant Light with Hand Carved Mountain Climber Sculpture and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp or Lüstermännchen features a hand carved figure of a mountain climber
Metal
Sold
H 27.17 in W 7.88 in D 5.52 in
German Pendant Light Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber. The
Metal
Sold
H 31.5 in W 9.85 in D 5.91 in
German Pendant Light with Carved Wooden Mountain Climber Figure and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This exquisite German pendant light features a hand-carved figure of a mountain climber dressed in
Iron
Sold
H 32.29 in W 34.65 in D 32.29 in
Antique Carved Wood Luster of an Angel of Love with Real Antlers
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An unique and rare antique antler chandelier - a wooden hand carved and painted statue of an angel
Iron
Sold
H 39.38 in W 9.06 in D 6.11 in
German Pendant Light of a Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German Black Forest figural pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a mountain
Iron
Sold
H 36 in W 9 in D 6 in
Vintage Hand-Carved Wooden Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light with Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineer enthousiasts. This
Iron
Sold
H 35.44 in W 7.49 in D 3.55 in
Figural Pendant Light with a Carved Mountain Climber Figure and Lantern, Germany
Located in Barntrup, DE
This delightful German figural pendant light features a hand-carved linden-wood figure of a smiling
Metal, Brass
Vintage Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light with Glass Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts. This
Iron
Sold
H 47.25 in W 20.87 in D 7.09 in
Figural Pendant Light of a Hand Carved Wood Figure Mountain Climber with Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a hand carved figure of a mountain climber. The
Metal
Sold
H 63 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
German Hanging Lamp with Hand Carved Sculpture of Mountain Climber and a Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling and cheerful mountain
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
German Pendant Light with a Carved Wooden Figure of Mountain Climber and Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
This wonderful German figural pendant lamp features a large hand-carved linden wood figure of a
Metal
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This
Metal
Sold
H 26.38 in W 13.78 in D 22.45 in
Hand Carved Wooden Pendant Light Lustermannchen with Cellar Master Figure, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
" features a masterfully carved wood figure of a cellar master and wooden horns suspended from brass chains
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Sold
H 43.3 in W 15 in D 9.5 in
Vintage Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light w. Stained Glass Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts. This
Iron
Sold
H 35.04 in W 12.6 in D 4.14 in
Pendant Light with Hand Carved Sculpture of a Mountain Climber and a Lantern
Located in Barntrup, DE
Wonderful German pendant lamp features a hand-carved figure of a smiling and cheerful mountain
Metal
Sold
H 50 in W 13 in D 6.5 in
Vintage Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light with Glass Lantern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This
Metal
Sold
H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 13 in
Hand-Carved Wooden Pendant Light Lustermandl with Cellar Master Figure, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
" features a masterful hand-carved oak wood figure of a smiling cellar master or winegrower who is on the way
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 42 in W 14.5 in D 5.5 in
Vintage Hand Carved Mountaineer Sculpture Pendant Light w. Glass & Metal Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthousiasts. This
Iron
Sold
H 60 in W 7 in D 6.5 in
Vintage Hand Carved Mountain Climber or Mountaineer Pendant Light with Lantern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautifully crafted light fixture for Black Forest and mountaineering enthusiasts. This
Metal
Antique Lüsterweibchen of a Lute Playing Medieval Lady
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A wooden carved antique lüsterweibchen chandelier with a medieval lady playing the lute, large
Wood
Lovely Antique Lute Plaining Lüsterweibchen, circa 1850
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A wonderful antique lüsterweibchen with a carved wooden sculpture of a lute playing Victorian lady
Iron
$11,149
H 41.34 in W 34.26 in D 28.35 in
German Lusterweibchen Four-Light Chandelier w. Carved Mermaid Figure and Antlers
Located in Barntrup, DE
This amazing German chandelier features a delicate hand-carved and polychrome hand-painted mythical lady or mermaid with a scaly fishtail. The adorable and handsome lady is holding a...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$116,518
H 240 in W 552 in D 120 in
Mid-Victorian Moorish wrought & cast iron pergola or decorative garden structure
Located in London, GB
A monumental Moorish mid-Victorian wrought iron Pergola or Decorative Garden Structure, a unique masterpiece in High Victorian Ironwork design. Our research confirms it is French, da...
Wrought Iron
Certified Maison Bagues Ship Chandelier - iron and crystal
By Maison Baguès
Located in Paris, FR
Certified Maison Baguès Chandelier - iron and crystal Finish: Gold or Silver gilding Re-edition of its old model "Le Bateau". UL listing available for an additional charge.
Crystal, Iron
$2,400 / set
H 19.5 in W 38 in D 16 in
Pair of Vintage Fret Chinese Chippendale Faux Bamboo Wood Benches End of Bed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage wood faux bamboo bench. Upholstery is original and will absolutely need to be recovered. May have stains, holes, dirt and indents to foam cushion interior from stacki...
Wood, Faux Bamboo
Black Forest Carved Swiss Entry Mirror with Climbing Bears
By Black Forest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Large Swiss Black Forest carved entry or hall mirror with climbing bears both sides and pine boughs with pine cones at top and bottom. Carved by Swiss master carver Bernhard Amend. H...
Other
Set of Four Monumental Neo-Gothic Confessionals in Oak
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A group of four antique confessionals in Neo-Gothic style, made of oak.
Wood, Oak
Bird Cage Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Year: 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Bird Cage, Art Nouveau Year: 1900 Country: French Material: Iron It is an elegant and sophisticated bird cage. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles s...
Iron
$25,950
H 32.29 in W 80.71 in D 35.44 in
19th Century Pair of Antique Sofas in the Manner of Howard and Sons
Located in Miami, FL
This sofas have high sides and back which is cosy in front of a fire or anywhere. The high sides are sprung and have built in down cushions. This makes them supremely comfortable if ...
Fabric, Walnut
$2,337
H 40 in Dm 8.8 in
Magnificent Dutch Arts & Crafts Brass & Round Glass Hall Lantern / Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Perfect size Antique, Arts and Crafts hallway pendant with 12 curved art glass panels. If you are looking for a stylish and quality crafted antique lantern to grace your entry hall,...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Rare Empire Jewel Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Empire Jewel Table Lamp Important and rare Tiffany Studios New York "Empire Jewel" Table Lamp, Only 2-3 known to exist and well documented in Alastair Duncans Tiffan...
Bronze
$232,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 136 in Dm 108 in
Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns . Monumental Exquisite refined work King Charles X Period Rotunda rotundus building structure with a cir...
Stone, Copper
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
Carved Oak Renaissance Trestle Dining Table
Located in Evergreen, CO
Created with excellent craftsmanship and solid construction in Europe during the late-19th century, this oak dining table is adorned with an array of extraordinary carvings. Four fie...
Oak
Early English Antique Bar
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted in an Elizabethan style and exuding Old-World charm. This substantial full size bar is made from substantial Tudor oak with heavy distressing, it features geometric paneling ...
Granite, Metal
$3,476
H 27 in Dm 20.5 in
Arts & Crafts Folk Art Chandelier w Music Making & Dancing Sculptures, Great Fun
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and all handcrafted, practical size antique circular chandelier. Some chances you only get once in your life and that is exactly what we thought when we first saw this unique...
Metal, Iron
Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.
Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.
The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.
As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.
Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.
Chandeliers — simple in form, inspired by candelabras and originally made of wood or iron — first made an appearance in early churches. For those wealthy enough to afford them for their homes in the medieval period, a chandelier's suspended lights likely exuded imminent danger, as lit candles served as the light source for fixtures of the era. Things have thankfully changed since then, and antique chandeliers and pendant lights are popular in many interiors today.
While gas lighting during the late 18th century represented an upgrade for chandeliers — and gas lamps would long inspire Danish architect and pioneering modernist lighting designer Poul Henningsen — it would eventually be replaced with the familiar electric lighting of today.
The key difference between a pendant light and a chandelier is that a pendant incorporates only a single bulb into its design. Don’t mistake this for simplicity, however. An Art Deco–styled homage to Sputnik from Murano glass artisans Giovanni Dalla Fina, with handcrafted decorative elements supported by a chrome frame, is just one stunning example of the elaborate engineering that can be incorporated into every component of a chandelier. (Note: there is more than one lighting fixture that shares its name with the iconic mid-century-era satellite — see Gino Sarfatti’s design too.)
Chandeliers have evolved over time, but their classic elegance has remained unchanged.
Not only will the right chandelier prove impressive in a given room, but it can also offer a certain sense of practicality. These fixtures can easily illuminate an entire space, while their elevated position prevents them from creating glare or straining one’s eyes.
Certain materials, like glass, can complement naturally lit settings without stealing the show. Brass, on the other hand, can introduce an alluring, warm glow. While LEDs have earned a bad reputation for their perceived harsh bluish lights and a loss of brightness over their life span, the right design choices can help harness their lighting potential and create the perfect mood. A careful approach to lighting can transform your room into a peaceful and cozy nook, ideal for napping, reading or working.
For midsize spaces, a wall light or sconce can pull the room together and get the lighting job done. Perforated steel rings underneath five bands of handspun aluminum support a rich diffusion of light within Alvar Aalto's Beehive pendant light, but if you’re looking to brighten a more modest room, perhaps a minimalist solution is what you’re after. The mid-century modern furniture designer Charlotte Perriand devised her CP-1 wall lamps in the 1960s, in which a repositioning of sheet-metal plates can redirect light as needed.
The versatility and variability of these lighting staples mean that, when it comes to finding something like the perfect chandelier, you’ll never be left hanging. From the natural world-inspired designs of the Art Nouveau era to the classic beauty of Paul Ferrante's fixtures, there is a style for every room.
With designs for pendant lights and chandeliers across eras, colors and materials, you’ll never run out of options to explore on 1stDibs — shop a collection today that includes antique Art Deco chandeliers, Stilnovo chandeliers, Baccarat chandeliers and more.