Some of the very earliest chandeliers were made from wrought iron and thick oak wooden beams centuries ago in France. Typically using some derivation of the “cross” motif, these grand lighting fixtures originally cast their illumination via candle power. More elaborate and lavish chandeliers followed and the number of candles used to illuminate the space continued to grow. Although these ancient wrought iron chandeliers could indeed illuminate a large space throughout the evening, they also consumed a lot of candles and were therefore very expensive and only found in the most lavish of estates, churches, and castles.

Although the earliest versions of chandeliers made from wood and wrought iron, these original fixtures commonly featured misshapen metalwork and rather crude design. Modern versions of the wrought iron chandelier, however, not only have electric bulbs and are far less likely to cause a fire hazard—they also feature exquisite craftsmanship and the use of high quality glass and materials to form truly complete and stunningly beautiful chandeliers.

In a traditional or rustic style décor and design scheme, the wrought iron chandelier is right at home. The shades and colors used on the chandelier can complement an existing color scheme while the wrought iron can either add character or augment other wrought iron accents in the space. Wrought iron fireplace tools and screens, for instance, are commonly found in homes with a hearth area. Not only will the wrought iron chandelier accentuate the fireplace accessories, it will also be complemented by other light fixtures in the space as well.

The key to a really sensational and professional looking décor that looks and feels great is unified illumination and décor. In other words, you want to tie the separate decorative elements of your room together: using color schemes, same accent and/or base materials, and coordinating your lighting fixtures with one another which also complement the surrounding décor and home. It really is light fixtures like the chandelier that help focus attention, provide ambient illumination, and unify the entire space. Just also be sure that the chandelier, whether wrought iron or a lavish Tiffany, is proportional to the space in which it illuminates and is complemented with other task and accent sources of light.

Wrought iron chandeliers can be used in just about any décor so long as they are somehow unified with the surrounding furnishings and other light fixtures in the space. Although ultra modern homes featuring stainless steel accents might not be the ideal place to use a contemporary chandelier as a complementing element, it could still be used to provide an intriguing contrast and thus enhance the space in the process. Thus, if chosen properly, these modern versions of the ancient chandeliers made from wood and crudely shaped wrought iron can truly enhance and beautify your own personal castle—no matter your décor!