Chandelirium: Part 1

Detail image of Marilyn Suspension Lamp from Axo

One of my favorite things about writing, besides first creating characters, is creating their environment. Where they exist and interact is a reflection of who they are, and can hint at (or boldly demonstrate) what’s lurking underneath. Consider the classic Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, shut up in her decaying mansion, surrounded by clocks that she ordered stopped at the moment her heart was broken irreparably. What if she had brooded and schemed in a well lit, perfectly kept mansion, dressed to the nines? It just wouldn’t be the same.

One of my characters has inherited an old Venetian house, and it recently occurred to me that this house is desperately missing a chandelier. Not just any chandelier, but a huge, ornate chandelier, the kind you can’t help but notice (it should maybe even be a bit oppressive). The fact that I can’t have a chandelier in my rental apartment has absolutely everything nothing to do with it, I swear.

Here are a few of the chandeliers I am debating between as inspiration for the Venetian home (think grandiose, traditional, and Murano glass of course):

{1} 18 Light Crystal Murano Chandelier from Italian Lighting Center

{2} Majestic Murano Chandelier from Italian Lighting Center

{3} Large Murano Glass Chandelier from Italian Lighting Center

I have to admit, that I like the intensity this red could add to a dark room…

{4} Red Murano Rezzonico Style Chandelier from Italian Lighting Center

All of the above are from the Italian Lighting Center. {1} 18 Light Crystal Murano Chandelier Item: 33878 {2} Majestic Murano Chandelier Item: 33257 {3} Large Murano Glass Chandelier Item:33878 {4} Red Murano Rezzonico Style Chandelier Item: 33166

Still in the realm of make believe are some chandeliers that I personally would love to have in my living room, dining room, bedroom, hallway, even bathroom! Be forewarned, don’t fall in love unless you have a couple grand to spend on these fixtures… I was still in dreamland at this point.