Different types of ceiling lights

There are so many different types of ceiling lights which are called “chandeliers”, that deciding which falls under the category and which doesn’t can be somewhat befuddling.
Generally speaking, the word refers to a source of light which is attached to the ceiling –the key difference between ordinary Ceiling lights and Chandeliers being that the latter must have two “arms” for supporting the light source (Usually from electric bulbs or candles–historically candles or gas lights have also been used and in some very rare cases still are)
The best known of all the various types of luminaries which come under the name is probably the crystal Chandelier, a design which is typically considered old fashioned and elegant. They became popular in Europe during the 18th and 19th Centuries, consisting of highly complex crystal fittings, and today are made using cut glass with design features such as swags between the mounting fixture and the arms. Smaller designs can be found in the home, however larger versions can still be found in stately homes and hotels the world over.
Murano glass luminaries were first made in Murano, Italy –a place which has since become renowned for making stunning glass which is used in both jewellery and for decoration. These days the term “Murano” is used to describe the style of blown glass which originated there rather than the place itself, a kind of swirling together of different colours similar to marbles. Floral designs are frequently made from this material and many of the designs also incorporate Murano glass tubes.
Beaded styles are similar to crystal, but use shells or beads instead to decorate the ceiling lights with. A favourite type of bead is the capiz shell, which has a mother of pearl sheen and is currently very popular with modern designs. Less formal than their crystal counterparts, beaded versions are a little more subtle and of course, lighter to install.
Even older designs made use of the antlers of elk, deer and occasionally moose. As impressive as these designs were, chandelier designers have thankfully moved on to more ecologically friendly designs since, such as mission designs.
Mission chandeliers are a relative of the Arts and Crafts style, which emerged during the mid to late 1800s out of a desire for solidly made, well crafted items as opposed to poor quality, mass produced goods. Arts and Crafts objects were typically minimal, using natural materials, Celtic motifs, upside down hearts, allegories from the Bible and literature and stylised flowers. They were influenced by the simplistic quality of oriental designs, medieval style and socialism (The simple designs were considered a reaction to the dehumanising effects of industry) This style of chandelier often has a central ceiling mount made from metal at the centre of a small number of angular arms at the end of which are downward facing square lamp shades made from milk glass, often decorated with stained glass pieces or metal details.