Chandeliers can be antique or modern.
A chandelier, a hanging light fixture with multiple arms, has been known to bring a room together. These lovely decorative lights can be antique or modern, come in many sizes and can evoke a number of feelings. As there are numerous types of chandeliers, there are a number of terms that describe these lighting fixtures.
Arms
The "arm" or "branch" is the part of the chandelier in which the light is attached. The arms and decorative elements are attached to the "spire," and the "arm plate" is the part where the arm is attached. The "arm to arm festoon" are the strands that run between the arms; they attach to crystal pendants and hang from or beneath the "bobeche," which is the area where the candle or the decorative piece sits (and catches the wax).
Fixtures and Such
The "fixtures" of a chandelier are the electrical items that attach the chandelier to the ceiling or wall. A "canopy" is the decorative piece that covers the electrical box on the ceiling and a "collar" is the threaded ring that holds the canopy to the ceiling. The "top loop" is the attachment from the chain to the fixture.
Main Parts
The "baluster" is the center of the chandelier, while the "break" refers to the area that connects the different pieces of the "column," or "stem," which are both terms for the center piece. In regards to a chandelier, the term "cage" refers to a metal structure used to create a center opening for embellishments.
Decorative
When describing a chandelier, there are a number of decorative terms, such as "scrolls," which are the bent pieces of metal that form a design and attaches to the column. The "finial" is the decorative piece attached to the base and "festoons" are the lovely clusters of crystal hanging from the chandelier. "Shades" are the glass, fabric or metal light coverings and a "candle sleeve" is a decorative cover for the socket.
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