Chandeliers have adorned the halls, churches and abbeys as far back as the medieval times. In these early days, they were candle chandeliers made as a wooden cross and each section had candles secured to them. They were hoisted by a rope and pulley system to a height to provide enough light and tied off in order to prevent it from falling. These candle chandeliers were one of the earliest means of providing light to a dark room.
Later a more complex form of the candle chandelier began to evolve in the form of a ring or even a crown. These designs began to become popular as a decorative piece and often were found in prestigious places such as palaces and the homes of the extravagant and wealthy. As the early forms of these candle chandeliers became popular they took on a "status symbol" of the rich. They continued to grow in popularity and by the early 18th century they were being made from ornate brass cast with various forms and curved arms in order to hold lots of candles. These candle chandeliers then found their way into the homes of many merchants.
As glassmaking evolved the candle chandeliers were adorned with the lead crystals that scattered the light the thus the crystal chandelier began taking on the more popular choice.
One of the most popular chandeliers is the chandelier from the Phantom of the Opera where of course, it was brought crashing down by the Phantom.
Today, candle chandeliers are still used though not so much for the lighting but more for the atmosphere they create. Many of the ones you find in retail outlets have the votive that holds the candles and are found in a wide range of styles, shapes, sizes and materials. One of the more popular types of today's candle chandelier is made from iron or ornate metal and can be adorned with crystals or other decorative ornaments.