Restoration of old chandeliers by CIR worshop
Isaure and Calvin Robinson welcome you to the CIR Workshop and put their know-how as artistic bronziers to the service of restoring old chandeliers, while respecting period techniques and assemblies.
Specialist in the restoration of old and historic chandeliers
CIR workshop specializes in the restoration of old chandeliers.
We support individuals, professionals and heritage sites with the repair, maintenance and restoration of historic chandeliers, from the 18th to the 20th century.
Each antique chandelier is studied with precision in order to respect its period, its style and its original manufacturing techniques. Our approach aims for authentic, coherent and sustainable restoration.
We work on all types of antique chandeliers and lighting fixtures:
cage chandeliers, tassel chandeliers, hot air balloon chandeliers, crystal chandeliers, girandoles, frames and decorative elements in bronze.
Restoration of old chandeliers in France and internationally
CIR workshop restores your old chandeliers and lighting fixtures throughout France and abroad.
Services include dismantling, secure transport and reassembly on site.
Restoration services for old chandeliers
We restore chandeliers and lighting fixtures of all styles and periods
Restoration of old chandeliers using period techniques
Each intervention is carried out by an artistic bronzier, using techniques specific to each century.
An 18th century assembly, entirely crafted by hand, differs fundamentally from those of the 19th or 20th century.
This mastery makes it possible to faithfully reconstruct period installations and restore a historically accurate luster, with enhanced heritage value.
CIR workshop has a large stock of old pendants, allowing the replacement or addition of missing parts, while maintaining the harmony and proportions of the chandelier.
Work carried out during the restoration of an old chandelier
Depending on the condition and period of the chandelier, the workshop can intervene on:
- Technical repairs: brazing, tapping, adjustment
- Reconstruction of missing parts, with cast iron if necessary
- Cleaning crystal, gilding and patina
- Direct or indirect electrification, to French or American standards
- Replacement of missing or damaged crystals with old crystalware
- Creation or recovery of patinas
Traditional gilding: nitrate gilding (mercury style) or gold leaf gilding
Antique chandeliers: styles, characteristics and maintenance tips
Better understand the composition of an old chandelier, the diversity of styles and periods, and the right actions to ensure its maintenance.
Key Elements of a Chandelier
Light sources :
Lighting technologies have changed quite a bit in History.
Chandeliers relied on candles from the medieval era to the 18th century before the development of Gas lighting in the 19th century.
By the end of this century, chandeliers were adorned with fake candles and flame light bulbs (flameless candles). The transition from candle chandeliers to lightbulb chandeliers was fueled by the democratization of electricity.
Bronze :
Bronze is an alloy of multiple metals with different proportions varying between bronze pieces. It includes copper, lead, tin and zinc. Bronze has high wear resistance. Its specific color reflects the composition of its alloy. Coating techniques (for metal finishing) can be used to color the alloy (patina, gilding…).
Legendary chandelier :
Louis XVI chandeliers
- Couronne
- Enfillage – Fut
- Guirelande – Cristal chaîne
- Bougie
- Pampille – Pendeloque
- Binet
- Bobèche
- Coupelle – Bassin
- Bras de lumière
- Boule – Quille
Chandelier Styles
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Antique chandeliers
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Modern / contemporary chandeliers
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Chandeliers by material
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Chandeliers by shape
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Let us handle the care and maintenance of your chandeliers.
This service is particularly suitable for castles, museums, prestigious houses, palaces, institutes and places open to the public, requiring regular and rigorous maintenance of their lighting fixtures.
The intervention is recommended once or twice a year in order to preserve the aesthetics, safety and durability of the works.
Our teams travel to site with all the necessary equipment, including scaffolding and specific equipment for high-rise rooms or complex configurations.
Services provided:
Careful dusting
Complete cleaning of elements
Checking electrical components
Revision of the structure
Replacement or restoration of parts if necessary
An ideal solution for tall, monumental or difficult to access spaces, guaranteeing professional maintenance while respecting the structures.
Our Everyday Tips on How to Clean and Take Care of your Chandelier
Chandeliers are (by nature) precious and fragile items, tough to reach and handle. If you are thinking of cleaning your chandelier, you should seek professional help. Do not attempt to unhook your chandelier from ceiling yourself if you do not have the proper equipment or don’t consider yourself as an expert in removing hanging lights. You may prevent an accident from happening. Having said that, there is few actions you can do every day to keep your chandelier bright.
To take care of bronze parts, you need a soft skin brush or brush so you can brush each piece of bronze with it, nooks and crannies included. Chemicals are useless and, in some cases, inappropriate. The gilding and patina of your chandelier may be damaged as a result.
To make crystals clean again, grab a cloth you previously moistened with hot water and soap. Pass the well-wrung rag on each pendant of your chandelier. If marks remain, repeat the process as many times as necessary while reducing the amount of soap in the water.
These cleaning tips must be implemented as often as you want depending on the state of conservation of your chandelier and its hanging location.
Frequently asked questions – Antique chandeliers
What is an antique chandelier?
An antique chandelier is a hanging light fixture generally dating from the 18th, 19th or 20th century. It is made with noble materials such as gilded bronze, brass, wrought iron or crystal.
Depending on its era, it can belong to styles such as Louis XVI, Empire, Napoleon III, Art Deco or even the 50s and 70s.
If you own one or more chandeliers, we can help you determine the period, style and techniques used. We also collaborate with specialized experts when necessary.
My antique chandelier is not electrified, can you adapt it?
We electrify old chandeliers while preserving their authenticity.
We use discreetly integrated modern sockets (E14 or E27), often inserted into fake candles adapted to the style of the room.
How to recognize an authentic antique chandelier?
An authentic antique chandelier is distinguished by:
- the quality of the materials (solid bronze, hand-cut crystal, blown glass, etc.),
- artisanal manufacturing, often entirely done by hand,
- original tassels and pendants,
- traditional fixing elements (hooks, rods, old parts).
Our workshop can assist you with any pre-expertise or more in-depth expertise, in conjunction with our partner experts.
Do you offer restoration of old chandeliers?
CIR workshop specializes in the restoration of old chandeliers.
We work on:
- cleaning bronze, brass and crystal,
- gilding (tempering, mixing) and old patinas,
- the reassembly and reconstitution of tassels,
- electrification to current standards (E14, E27),
- the reconstruction of missing parts,
- the complete restoration of the assembly according to the period of the chandelier.
Each restoration respects the original artisanal techniques, whether they date from the 18th, 19th or 20th centuries.
Our workshops are based in Paris and Ezy-sur-Eure. We travel everywhere in France (and internationally on request).
Can we replace or complete the pendants of an antique chandelier?
We have a large stock of old and contemporary pendants, compatible with many styles (Louis XVI, Empire, Art Deco, 50s, etc.).
We can also:
- reconstruct a complete set if tassels are missing,
- replace damaged elements,
- harmonize a chandelier whose pendants have been replaced over time.
What are the most sought-after styles of antique chandeliers?
The most popular styles today are:
- Louis XVI: symmetry, garlands, floral motifs, classic elegance.
- Empire: gilded bronze, architectural forms, eagle heads, torches.
- Art deco: geometric lines, frosted glass, refined design.
- Hot air balloon: cascading pearls and crystals.
- 50s / 70s: modernism, organic or graphic shapes.
We work with a network of antique dealers and decorators to help you find a specific model.
Can you help me find an antique chandelier?
We offer a selection of antique chandeliers restored in our workshop.
We can also support you in a personalized search according to:
- your favorite style (Empire, Louis XVI, Art Deco, etc.),
- the dimensions of your room,
- your budget,
- technical constraints (ceiling height, electrification, etc.).
Contact us to discover the models available in our workshops. You will already have an overview in the SHOP area of our website.
How much does it cost to renovate an old chandelier?
The cost of renovating an old chandelier varies depending on several criteria: the size of the chandelier, the number of sconces, its general condition and the nature of the work to be carried out.
For information only:
- A complete restoration of a chandelier approximately 1 meter in diameter with 12 sconces can cost from €2,000.
- A partial restoration (replacement or repair of tassels, small repairs, targeted cleaning, etc.) can cost a few hundred euros.
It is important to note that for complete and careful cleaning, the chandelier is usually dismantled. This step also allows, when relevant, to update electrification to current standards.
In some cases, maintenance can be carried out on site, with the chandelier remaining suspended.
Each project being unique, a personalized quote is systematically established, generally based on photos.