What do you think of when you hear the word chandelier? Chandeliers tend to bring images of grandeur, wealth, and royalty. And candle chandeliers take us back to another era where century old homes and fireplaces were the norm. Why not enjoy the classic elegance of a candle chandelier in your home?

Perhaps you've been lucky enough to have inherited one of the beautiful old chandeliers. If so you're a very lucky person and you need to be sure to take good care of your special gift.

However, if you are like most of us there is no inheritance so you'll need to go on the hunt to find your own perfect piece. Now that can be a lot of fun too! With so many antique shops to peruse and so many online websites selling antiques so you're sure to find the perfect fixture with a little time.

Now that said, you should be prepared to pay a fair bit for an antique piece. You might get lucky and find a really great deal but overall antique fixtures are going to cost you more than modern fixtures. But after all they are an investment.

If an antique piece is out of your budget, not to worry. There are many excellent reproduction pieces that can be purchased for a very affordable price. And they only one that's going to know your secret is you.

Don't forget antique means ornate often with intricate carvings. There's a feel about them that gives them their charm and elegance. Crystal, brass, antler, wrought iron are all great antique choices. Antique candelabras are never shiny. They must always look worn. So even if you are choosing an antique reproduction make sure it has the look of an old fixture.

Oh yes, and you can quickly create the antique look using an antiquing glaze. Just apply and then rub off with a soft cloth while the glaze is still wet. You'll have instant "old."

But an antique candle chandelier won't give the ambiance of old world charm by itself. The rest of the room must also carry the theme. So that means your furniture and other d'cor needs to also look and feel antique. Then your room will come together nicely.

Candle chandeliers are by far the most elegant and classic of all types whether they are crystal, wrought iron, antler, or brass the candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be ever so romantic too! Candles are a form of lighting that bulbs just can't compete with! As the shadows flicker across the room it's a spectacular scene!

That's why they make such great mood setting pieces and the d'cor they are added to must be carefully chosen. Because candles have a softness to them a room that's filled with crisp lines and cuts is not a good choice. A small room is all not a great choice for the full effect of the candles.

They look great in a ballroom, bedroom, even over an antique tub. They can be worked into a dining room providing the d'cor is appropriate. And they look great in a room that has a soft inviting atmosphere.

Candle chandeliers do require more maintenance than electric chandeliers but they are worth every minute of it. Besides the regular cleaning and polishing you will also need to remove any wax drippings taking care to ensure they do not build up in the carvings. You'll want to clean drip cups regularly and if there are glass shades they'll need a regular cleaning as well as they will become blackened.

A candle chandelier portrays a timeless beauty that's second to none and it's a great addition to the right room so be sure to give it the consideration it deserves!