Advantages of Brass Chandeliers

Brass chandeliers are used everywhere. Hotels, restaurants, and offices use them. In homes, brass chandeliers can be found in almost any room. What makes brass chandeliers so popular?

Brass chandeliers have a long history. Before electricity, brass chandeliers were used with candles or kerosene. Brass is a sturdy metal with a long life, making it the perfect metal for the brass lanterns that used to be placed in homes and used as street lights.

In addition to being a long-lasting metal, brass has the added advantage of requiring little maintenance. Brass chandeliers are particularly appropriate in coastal areas where corrosion is a problem because by nature it is anti-corrosive.

Two types of finishes are usually available for brass chandeliers: highly polished and antique polished . A highly polished finish, as the name suggests, makes the brass look bright and polished. Antique polishing gives an older appearance that some find very elegant.

Periodically dusting with a soft, dry cloth is the key to maintaining your brass chandelier. If it gets dirty enough to need a more intense cleaning, use a gentle dish soap and warm water to clean it. Don't forget to dry after washing. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner because this will cause tarnishing.

If your brass chandelier is tarnished and you haven't used an ammonia-based cleaner, first determine whether or not it's solid brass. Try sticking a magnet on it; if the magnet stays on, your chandelier is made of steel-plated brass. In that case, the tarnish you are seeing is likely rust and can be removed with steel wool. After removing the rust, your next decision is whether to have it re-plated. If you don't want to have it re-plated, you can choose to paint it.

A solid brass chandelier which has tarnished is relatively easy to clean. First use a brass cleaner to get the tarnish off. Once it has been removed, follow up with clear lacquer spray paint.

When purchasing a brass chandelier, remember that it is not intended as a main light source. Chandeliers are hung for the elegance and grace they add to almost any room. Brass chandeliers come in many sizes, so they are appropriate anywhere.

There are many types of chandeliers available to add grace to your home or business. If you are in the market for one, remember the long life and easy maintenance of brass chandeliers. You'll be glad you did.

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Contemporary Chandeliers of Today

Not quite distant in the past, the simple mention of the word "chandelier" would invoke images of extravagant glass and crystal objects hanging in every room of some 18th century manor. The general impression that people have regarding chandeliers is that they are too bold, too lavish, and most of all too expensive. While this may be true of some higher end chandelier designs, there are many different types of contemporary chandeliers that can tote up style and originality to one’s home at a very reasonable cost. Likewise, these chandeliers can render a whole new way of looking at the rooms that have been taken for granted. There are several types of contemporary chandeliers that may be a perfect fit in one’s life.

The main purpose that a contemporary chandelier serves is to give a home's modern interior decoration an added emphasis without the risk of exaggeration. Whereas a crystal chandelier is certain to be a beautiful piece in the proper setting (such as a Victorian style bedroom or a roomy dining area), many homes today have laid-back motifs. The different types of contemporary chandeliers embody perfect harmony to nearly any modern interior living space.

Contemporary chandeliers can be made of many different metal finishes, such as bronze, brass, nickel, chrome, and even silver. There are also contemporary chandelier types that are designed with glass, although these tend to be pricier than ones made of metal. What really distinguishes contemporary chandeliers from fancier more traditional counterparts is the emphasis to pragmatism in shape, design, and function. Indeed, most contemporary chandeliers employ an assortment of patterns and color schemes, which help to put in a distinct and warm glow to any room. Contemporary chandeliers also bring forward unique patterns of not only shades and holders, but also of the lights themselves. The features on most contemporary chandelier shades are really what set them apart from other chandelier types, and by and large imagination is the only limiting factor to these designs. As for the lights, candles are out porcelain lighting is in. Contemporary chandeliers offer porcelain lighting to render a subtle ambience.

With regards to the number of lights used in most contemporary chandeliers, one’s personal taste of style is a primary determining matter. Contemporary chandeliers can feature as few or as many as one desires. The alternatives and the variety truly are boundless with these different types of contemporary chandeliers.

The days of categorizing chandeliers as expensive or garish are certainly behind modern times. With so many different types of contemporary chandeliers available, everyone now has the ability to turn homes into something that approximates an art gallery. These intimate pieces are sure to render the rooms in one’s home an enhanced personality. Whether one decides on a contemporary chandelier that is simple and understated, or bold and colorful, one cannot go wrong with adding any from the many different types of chandeliers to the interior of the home.

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A Guide to Crystal Chandeliers

Purchasing a crystal chandelier is similar to buying a diamond. Not all crystal is created equal. Crystal may be machine-cut, hand cut or molded. The cost of your chandelier can fluctuate drastically depending on the quality of crystal you choose. Most fixtures are available in four qualities of crystal.

Lights of Distinction - the Crystorama Lighting Group and James R. Moder are two of the largest manufacturers of Crystal Chandeliers.

Strass Crystal: Strass Crystal is considered the finest in the world. Strass is manufactured by Swarovski AG in the Austrian Alps. Strass is an optically pure crystal, clear as spring water, totally free of flaws, unique in purity and brilliance. Strass crystal is characterized by razor-sharp cutting of facets (surfaces) with the lead content in excess of 30 percent. Cutting and polishing are done by machine to achieve perfect optical clarity. Strass crystals are treated with an invisible coating, which eliminates dust attraction and makes it easier to clean and maintain. Each crystal (over 12mm) has the distinct STRASS® laser engraved signature, identifying it as a genuine STRASS® Crystal .

Swarovski Spectra Crystal: A passion for perfection has made Swarovski the world leader in the production of cut crystal. Swarovski & Co., manufacturer of Strass Crystal, has created a new alternative quality crystal. Swarovski has used advanced technology with olde world knowledge to produce a brilliant crystal with precision cutting and superior light reflection. This crystal type is designed for a crystal connoisseur demanding quality at an affordable price. Imperial Crystal (Available only through James R Moder): Imperial crystal dressed chandeliers contain brilliant crystals created by precision cutting sourced from Austria , Egypt , Turkey and the Czech Republic . The Imperial crystal is a combination of quality crystals to achieve a great look at an excellent price point.

Regal Crystal (James R Moder) / Majestic Wood Polish Crystal (Crystorama): This crystal is cut by hand in two stages on an iron and then a sandstone wheel. Each crystal is then polished on a wood wheel with marble dust. These methods go back centuries. If you look closely you will notice faint traces of the wood-wheel attesting, the concentrated labor of the artisan. This is a mark of authenticity. Each piece is a unique and original masterpiece.

Italian Crystal: Italian crystal also known as Venetian Crystal (from the glass-making regions in and around Venice ) is molded not cut. You will notice a rounding of edges that comes from fire polishing. Molded crystal, though never as brilliant as cut crystal has a subtle charm and is an exceptional value. It is an ideal budget crystal for heavily dressed chandeliers.

A wide selection of beautiful chandeliers can be found at LightingShowplace.com. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right chandelier to suit your home.

Astonishing Crystal Chandeliers

Definitely, no one can deny the beauty and charm of crystal chandeliers.

Since the 17th century, these amazing pieces have been delighted us and until now.

Nowadays, there are heaps of different types of crystal chandeliers. One of the crystal chandeliers that stand out is the Strass crystal. Strass crystal is manufactured by Swarovski. It is actually recognized as the world’s finest crystal.

This crystal is first machine cut, next hand polished and soon be coated with an unseen optical layer, which will create an astonishing effect. Actually, these Swarovski crystals are the ones to be used every year in the design of the excellent Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These astonishing crystal chandelier designs was first introduced last 2002, and the latest presentation happened in April 2006.

Now, let us see some of the astonishing crystal chandelier designs that have been here for years.

In 2006, fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier the ‘Science and Fiction’. The chandelier’s shape was based on the Marie-Therese design, which was known with the 18th century Empress of Austria. Ornate candle arms is what the Marie-Therese chandelier was noted for, and now, the ‘Science and Fiction’ has paid respect with this old standard. The chandelier has 111 crystals and 32 lit black candles, which makes it an amazing one.

Ferrucio Laviani, a contemporary designer, has shown an astounding chandelier in 2005 which was called ‘Yoga’. Yoga has 100 crystals with different pastel shades and together with this was a beautiful gold frame. Yoga’s shape is like a children’s top. It is lit with halogens, which cast off a mild and calm glow of colors.

‘Mediterraneo’ is another beautiful chandelier which was introduced by Gaetano Pesce. The chandelier was made up with 140 crystals stands and each consists of 87 Swarovski crystals which are lit by LED. Actually, this is truly a excellent and magnificent crystal design. It even emits calming and relaxing smell and it also changes shape which is appealing to the viewers.

‘Vertigo’ is a chandelier which was designed by Chris Levine. This chandelier is like the old traditional chandelier that you can see in ballrooms. But the advantage of Vertigo is that it is lit with laser lights all through the rows of crystals. And it end up being a stunning chandelier.

‘Run of the mill’ chandeliers are now the thing of the past. Since designers nowadays are keep on experimenting and creating with the artistic beauty of crystals. They are now heaps of stunning and excellent designs of crystal chandeliers. It actually makes a lot of people discover the beauty and charm that can be seen in crystal chandeliers.

Certainly, lot of people believes that crystal chandeliers can make their homes more appealing and will add beauty to their furniture and fixtures. It certainly adds impact to the ambience of a room. And there are heaps of designs of crystal chandeliers; all you have to do is choose the best that will fit to the design of your home

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Antique Chandeliers

Chandeliers conjure visions of royalty, grandeur and opulence. Though sleeker and slimmer versions have evolved, there’s still an aura of antiquity that surrounds a chandelier. So when one is striving for an antique look for his home, going in for turn-of-the-century furniture, a decadent looking fireplace and a chandelier are the first things on his mind.

Chandeliers conjure visions of royalty, grandeur and opulence. Though sleeker and slimmer versions have evolved, there’s still an aura of antiquity that surrounds a chandelier. So when one is striving for an antique look for his home, going in for turn-of-the-century furniture, a decadent looking fireplace and a chandelier are the first things on his mind.

If you are one of the lucky ones who possess an old chandelier handed down to you through generations, then you wouldn’t need to lift a finger. For the not so lucky ones, you would need to hunt for a piece that would look convincingly old. Shops selling antique pieces would definitely be your first stop. For nothing can really replicate that old look better than a piece actually made years back. But if they cannot satisfy you, you have no other choice but to get a ready-made variety and try to give it an old look.

First, steer clear of the slim-trim polished-steel chandeliers. These are especially designed for modern homes with clean-cut furniture and can never be passed off as old. Antique chandeliers are ornate pieces with very intricate carvings.

Candle chandeliers have an inherent archaic feel to them. An antique chandelier can be made of crystal, wrought iron, or brass or antlers, and they are never shiny in appearance. That is why you just cannot buy a wrought-iron or a brass type of chandelier and install it, hoping that it would impart an antique look to the environs. The chandelier must be worked upon so that there is an authentic antique feel to it. To replicate an old look, you need to apply an antiquing glaze on it. While the glaze is still wet, you need to rub off the shine from it with a soft cloth. The latter is done to achieve a worn-out look.

After working on the chandelier, it is also important o have the other furniture catered to the antique look. For a single antique or antique-looking chandelier cannot bring about an antique feel in the ambience. A chandelier will look antique only when there’s an antique atmosphere around it.

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Vintage Chandeliers

A chandelier is undoubtedly an indulgence that can be seen used through history. Museums all over the world showcase exquisite pieces of intricately made chandeliers used by royalty. So, when in today's times one opts to give his home decor a vintage touch, it is the thought of a chandelier that first enters the mind. But then just any chandelier will not add a vintage touch to your home. The chandelier itself has to bear a distinctly vintage visage.

The best place to look would be antique shops. Spread the word that you are on the lookout for a vintage chandelier and if you are lucky, someone you know may have an unused one in their attic. As to why it is in the attic and not hanging in the living room, there is just one answer- tastes differ.

Vintage chandeliers are generally ornate pieces with intricate carvings. Candle chandeliers are a good bet as they have an antique feel to them. But they might not be a practical acquisition unless they have been modified to accommodate electrical fittings. Other materials that vintage chandeliers are made of are crystal, wrought iron, brass or antlers. Do remember that vintage chandeliers are rarely, if ever, shiny in appearance.

If you do not find a suitable piece of vintage chandelier on the market you have another way of procuring it. Buy a wrought-iron or a brass type of chandelier and work upon it to age it. This is possible by the application of an antiquing glaze on the chandelier. This process will impart a suitable authentic antique feel to your brand new chandelier. When the glaze is still wet, rubbing the metal with a soft cloth gives the metal a worn out look, and, your vintage chandelier is ready.

Take care to alter the decor of the surroundings also in a suitable manner. The vintage look must be enhanced by a vintage ambiance.

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