A hanging light is any light fitting suspended from the ceiling, whether by a chain, rod or cable. The category includes chandeliers, pendants, hall lanterns, gasoliers and electroliers, rise-and-fall lights, ceiling bowls, billiard lights and industrial pendants, and it is one of the most effective ways of lighting a room and creating a focal point.
Before electricity, hanging lights held candles or oil lamps and often had to be lowered for lighting and cleaning, which led to the development of counterweighted rise-and-fall mechanisms. Gas brought gasoliers with fixed pipework, and early electric fittings adapted these forms before new designs emerged in the twentieth century. Materials include brass, bronze, gilt metal, wrought iron, wood, crystal and glass, with styles ranging from Georgian and Regency through Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. When choosing an antique hanging light, consider the ceiling height, the drop required and the weight of the fitting. All antique hanging lights should be professionally rewired and securely fixed by a qualified electrician.
