Palace of Versailles – 21st Century Lighting
This famous French 17th century chateau, the brainchild of Louis XIV and a spectacular symbol of his regime, was the first royal palace to introduce lighting in the form of candle-lit chandeliers.
This invention set the standard of lighting for all other European dynasties. The famous Hall of Mirrors, where the treaty ending the First World War was signed, has a collection of 17 large reproduction chandeliers. In the 20th century these were lit with unattractive and inefficient incandescent bulbs to meet safety standards.
Moving into the 21st century, a modern day “candle” has been developed that employs a flame shaped crystal LED bulb which simulates the warm, flickering light produced by a real candle. The LED bulbs are also very energy efficient and longer lasting compared to the incandescent bulbs they are replacing.
These crystal LED candles hold wonderful promise for historical buildings around the world. Visitors will be transported back in time to an age when these great interiors were illuminated by hundreds of soft shimmering flames. Just think of experiencing the opulent bed chamber of the Palace of Versailles bathed in candle light. I can’t wait- book my flight to Paris!
The LED candles have great promise for us commoners too. I’ll be on the lookout for them to add to our own chandeliers… just as long as I don’t have to wear the royal attire shown here!
Lisa Stewart is an interior designer serving the Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC.
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