The Italians  were inspired by the French designs of the Louis XIV, XV, and XVI periods. Rather than working with scarce and costly bronze, they created the same designs in wood, which was readily available. The skilled artisans carved the chandeliers and then gilded them with silver and gold leaf to match the elegance of the brass and bronze used in France. This technique flourished in Tuscany, especially in Florence.

This period was closely followed by the Italian Provincial period. What makes this period so distinctive are not only the designs, but the painting technique of the chandeliers and sconces. The key to the style is the hand painted detail. The Italians demonstrate their unique flair for style in the approach they take to painting the fixtures. Each item is viewed by the artisan as a canvas for a showpiece. He or she hand applies the finish with a great deal of style and personalization. The artist achieves a subtle blending of colors by brushing, dabbing, and rubbing on multiple coats of pastel paints. Even a small decorative flower on a chandelier may have several colors and graduations of colors hand applied to its surface. The results are beautiful and distinctive.