Contemporary Chandeliers

When one thinks of a chandelier, one usually has in mind the crystal chandeliers adorning the ballrooms of the rich and famous. However contemporary chandeliers are the "in thing" today, as they are not too ornate or elaborate, come in various casual styles, and light up the room with a nice tone without being too ostentatious.

Contemporary chandeliers come in a variety of finishes that one could choose from. With the bronze finishes, one could get weathered bronze, imperial bronze, tannery bronze, dorian bronze, and sable bronze patinas. Finishes come in brushed nickel, brushed nickel with chrome, iron oxide, olde pewter, olde iron, polished brass, empire silver, distressed black, etc.

The shades also have a lot of variety - etched marble glass shades, etched opal glass shades, antique etched glass, Venetian Scavo glass, double French Scavo glass, umber with teadust glass, umbered alabaster, silk shades, etc. The shapes of the shades also vary - oval, round, etc.

Generally, most contemporary chandeliers have casual styles with linear lines, though one could also get simple classic styles. One could have 3 bulbs or many bulbs with a candelabra base or a medium base. The lights could be upward facing or downward facing. One could also get single-tier, double-tier or triple-tier designs. Prices could start as low as $75, depending on the style and materials, on up to $1,000 or more for the designer varieties.

One can view on the Internet pictures of many of the contemporary models made by different manufacturers. The pricing depends on the height and width of the chandelier as well as the materials used.

As there is such a great variety, one could use comparative tools to compare pricing among brands as well as view details about specifications and quality of materials used. Such resources allow one to make an educated choice.

Chandeliers provides detailed information on chandeliers, crystal chandeliers, antler chandeliers, candle chandeliers and more. Chandeliers is affiliated with Kids Ceiling Fans .

 

Mini Chandeliers

Not all people have large houses that can accommodate large chandeliers. But this does not deprive them of owning a chandelier. There are several available mini chandeliers whose pattern closely resembles those of the large chandeliers.

Mini chandeliers are also called chandelettes. They work best for small areas such as breakfast nooks, stairwells and small dining rooms or bedrooms.

Chandelettes are smaller in diameter than large chandeliers. Usually, they measure less than a foot in diameter. They can be used in pairs or trios for added effect. Their colors are normally in black and white but they are also available in other colors to match the modern design of houses nowadays.

Several online stores offer mini chandeliers. Though suppliers of large chandeliers are still greater in numbers, there are stores that sell chandelettes. Other stores offer free sketch designs for mini chandeliers that are bought in bulk quantities. Because of their size, chandelettes are a lot cheaper than large chandeliers. They can cost as little as $99.

As with large chandeliers, mini chandeliers are applicable in certain types of rooms. The first thing to be considered is ceiling height. The main purpose of a chandelier is to serve as a lighting fixture. If the ceiling is too high, a mini chandelier can no longer fulfill this purpose. Next, the size of the room should also be considered. Chandelettes work best in small areas and look awkward when placed in large rooms. Lastly, chandelettes look well with smaller pieces of furniture. Bulk furniture such as pianos does not match the petite appearance of mini chandeliers.

However, more modern approaches to interior design can include chandelettes in large-scale rooms. This is done by using them in conjunction with other chandelettes or a large chandelier that serves as centerpiece. Their small size and usually dim lighting serve as supplements to the light provided by a large chandelier.

Chandeliers provides detailed information on chandeliers, crystal chandeliers, antler chandeliers, candle chandeliers and more. Chandeliers is affiliated with Kids Ceiling Fans .

Chandeliers - What You Need To Know Before You Buy

There is no denying that chandeliers are perfect lighting choices for dining rooms. Not only do they provide excellent ambient lighting, they add an undeniable element of style and sophistication to any d?cor. But have you ever noticed how some chandeliers just do not seem to fit in with the dining room they are illuminating? Perhaps they are too big and seem to overwhelm the table. Other chandeliers just do not seem to match the other design elements of the room. To help you avoid these design faux pas, here are some tips when choosing dining room chandeliers.

Even before deciding upon the style, it is important to first determine what size of chandelier you will need. To do this, measure the width of your dining room table and then reduce this figure by 12 inches. This figure should roughly equal the diameter on most chandeliers and produce a well-proportioned effect in the room. Once you determine the ideal size, it is time to start shopping for chandeliers that will accentuate the d?cor of your dining room.

Chandeliers definitely shape the mood in any room and you should find one that accurately represents the atmosphere you wish to create. If you are looking to create a more dignified and formal atmosphere, then crystal chandeliers are definitely a great choice. However, both Mission and Tiffany style chandeliers also lend themselves to an elegant and refined dining experience so be sure to browse through these styles before making a decision. For those interested in creating a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, Rustic or Traditional style chandeliers are certain to please.

Once you have decided upon the size and style of your chandelier, you must next decide on what kind of lighting effect you are looking for. While all chandeliers direct light upwards and bounce it off the ceiling to produce a warm glow throughout the room, some are designed to produce downlight. These chandeliers better illuminate the dining room table and provide an added benefit of accent lighting for centerpiece displays. For some, it is possible to produce the downlight effect by adding miniature lamp shades around each of the light bulbs.

Finally, chandeliers must be mounted at the proper height to provide the proper aesthetic appearance as well as provide adequate illumination. In rooms with ceilings less than 9 feet tall, chandeliers should be mounted 30 inches above the dining room table. If the ceiling is 9 feet tall or more, mount the chandelier an additional 3 inches higher from the table.

A chandelier in your dining room is something that will set the tone for all of the family meals for years to come. It is important to make sure that you select one that will influence the atmosphere without completely dominating it. By using the tips provided above, you should be able to find the chandelier that will provide a dining atmosphere conducive to your tastes. Above all, remember to have fun when shopping for chandeliers and do not be in a hurry to ?just find one? because you will have to live with your decision for years to come.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.barnesandwagner.com. Her store offers a complete product line of indoor lighting such as Chandeliers and Table Lamps, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style

Replacing Chandelier Parts

Chandeliers add an elegance and style to a room that no other lighting fixture can even come close to. It is not surprising that when a chandeleir gets old or broken that it is not just thrown away, but repaired. Replacing chandelier parts takes precision and careful shopping. One bad part and the whole chandeleir can lose it’s charm.

Usually when replacing parts on a chandelier, only some parts are being replaced. It is important to make sure that any new parts match the old parts. Doing this involves careful consideration of size and shape. Even the slightest difference in a decorative part could throw the whole chandeleir off in apperance. When it comes to other parts that make up the actual construction, wrong sizing could spell disaster. To ensure correct parts are chosen, measuring should be done in a meticulous fashion. It is important to measure exact lengths and widths. If possible, take the piece to be replaced so it can be compared at the store.

Quality is another important consideration when choosing replacement chandelier parts. Quality does not mean it has to be expensive. It should look similar to the other chandeleir parts. A cheaply made piece will look completely out of place amoungst pieces of high quality. It is posible to find less expensive parts that are of an equal quality to the original parts.

Chandeleir parts can be found in many different types of stores. Some parts may be found at a general department store in their lighting or hardware sections. Mostly hardware should be bought at department stores because the look of these parts is not as important. The decorative parts found at a department store may not match exactly or may look cheap against the original parts. The best place to find decorative parts is at a store that sells chandeleirs and has specialized chandelier parts available. The bottom line is not to forget that the new parts should match the old parts.

The biggest challenge when replacing chandlelier parts is making the new match the old. The main factors of size, shape and quality make a huge impact on the chandeleir. Replacement parts should be carefully matched to the old parts so that they are not noticable. Parts should be bought with the finished piece in mind. The chandeleir should look as good with replacement parts as it did when it was brand new.

http://chandeliersi.com
All the information you could want on Chandeliers from large to small, glass to brass

Replacing Chandelier Parts

Chandeliers add an elegance and style to a room that no other lighting fixture can even come close to. It is not surprising that when a chandeleir gets old or broken that it is not just thrown away, but repaired. Replacing chandelier parts takes precision and careful shopping. One bad part and the whole chandeleir can lose it’s charm.

Usually when replacing parts on a chandelier, only some parts are being replaced. It is important to make sure that any new parts match the old parts. Doing this involves careful consideration of size and shape. Even the slightest difference in a decorative part could throw the whole chandeleir off in apperance. When it comes to other parts that make up the actual construction, wrong sizing could spell disaster. To ensure correct parts are chosen, measuring should be done in a meticulous fashion. It is important to measure exact lengths and widths. If possible, take the piece to be replaced so it can be compared at the store.

Quality is another important consideration when choosing replacement chandelier parts. Quality does not mean it has to be expensive. It should look similar to the other chandeleir parts. A cheaply made piece will look completely out of place amoungst pieces of high quality. It is posible to find less expensive parts that are of an equal quality to the original parts.

Chandeleir parts can be found in many different types of stores. Some parts may be found at a general department store in their lighting or hardware sections. Mostly hardware should be bought at department stores because the look of these parts is not as important. The decorative parts found at a department store may not match exactly or may look cheap against the original parts. The best place to find decorative parts is at a store that sells chandeleirs and has specialized chandelier parts available. The bottom line is not to forget that the new parts should match the old parts.

The biggest challenge when replacing chandlelier parts is making the new match the old. The main factors of size, shape and quality make a huge impact on the chandeleir. Replacement parts should be carefully matched to the old parts so that they are not noticable. Parts should be bought with the finished piece in mind. The chandeleir should look as good with replacement parts as it did when it was brand new.

http://chandeliersi.com
All the information you could want on Chandeliers from large to small, glass to brass

The Best Selling Chandeliers - Luxurious Home Decor

The chandelier is an elegant piece of furniture usually used for lighting. From designer lighting chandeliers as well as hanging chandeliers without lights, to Alabaster chandelier lamps. There are crystal chandeliers that add an incredibly alluring appearance in any home, hotel foyer, church, theatre, convention hall, ballroom, etc.

When many people redecorate their homes they make small changes – but these small changes nonetheless can sometimes transform the look of a room all on their own. A chandelier is one of those types of home accessories – however practical, or strictly decorative that can make such a notable difference. Similar to the key role in design that a shower curtain plays in bathroom décor, the lighting in any room can be key to its overall ambiance.

In Victorian, Elizabethan as well as other various antique designs, chandeliers can look spectacular in your home. Imagine such a chandelier in your dining room, living room or even in your bedroom. There is a glamorous touch (however subtle or elaborate it may be depending on the design of your chandelier) that a chandelier will add to your home décor.

Some of the more modern, custom designed, or abstract chandeliers will provide a much more difficult to categorize and yet beautiful ambiance which is elegant in a very modern or perhaps more artistic way. It is a wonderful idea to check out the virtually endless amount of possibilities you could add to accessorize your own home. Especially if a room needs lighting anyway, it may be a great idea to consider a chandelier for your own home.

Some people have modern chandeliers that hang like several small versions of a typical halogen lamp upside down, i.e. facing the floor instead of the ceiling. These chandeliers use with less powerful light bulbs, and can suit motifs ranging from the most black and white modern décor to a rustic designed office or living room. Of course, such lights in the design of chandeliers are arguably variations on a theme.

However, seeing these new modern creations may open your eyes to different designs you would never have considered. You may consider lights or décor that are such variations on the general idea of hanging lights and decorative chandeliers when you discover the possibilities that can make such a difference in virtually any room of your home.

Some people find the picture perfect chandelier for their homes among the wide variety of merchandise now available. However, some people find certain chandeliers almost perfect – but not quite. These people sometimes design and customize their own chandeliers exactly to fit their overall home design, décor, or motif. The most common home décor motif that would include a chandelier supports a dramatic and elegant look.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on chandeliers and home lighting, please visit homedecorworld.com, supplier of high quality Kitchen and Dining Room Decor and Home and Garden Decor.

Crystal Chandeliers - How to Make Them Really Sparkle

A crystal chandelier can add a touch of elegance to any room, whether you place it in your foyer, over your dining table, in your bedroom, or even in your bathroom! Of course, to be sure that your chandelier retains this elegance, it is going to need to be kept clean. The difference between a gleaming crystal and a dusty crystal on a chandelier can great.

So, how do you go about cleaning a crystal chandelier? Here are some helpful tips:

For a quick clean, or if you are unable to take your chandelier down from the ceiling, start out by putting newspaper or towels or a drop cloth beneath it (there is not reason to dirty the rest of your home just because you are cleaning one part of it!) You can then reach up with a long-handled feather duster and clean off as much as possible. Then go ahead and take a glass cleaner and spray your chandelier. In fact, feel free to drench your crystal chandelier with your glass cleaner. Then, simply let the everything drip off. Voila! Your crystal chandelier is sparkling and shiny again, with very little work.

Of course, while this is an excellent and easy way to clean your crystal chandelier, you may sometimes prefer a deeper cleaning (at least once a year). Unfortunately, a deep cleaner does require some disassembly and a little bit of scrubbing. Here is how to go about it.

 

1. Turn off the power.
 2. Gently and steadily remove your lamp from the fixtures.  If you are at all worried about this step, be sure to have some extra help.  Chandeliers can be very heavy, depending on their size.  If you prefer to leave your chandelier attached, that is perfectly fine -- just step up and remove the crystals as you need to clean them.
 3. Take out all of the bulbs.
 4. Protect your chandelier crystals by laying down a folded towel across the bottom of the sink, wash pan, or whichever basin you decide to use.  
 5. Fill up the basin with hot (but bearable) water and add soap or detergent of your choice.  
 6. Remove the crystals a few at a time and wash them in your soapy water, and then rinse them with hot water (you may even wish to have a hot water rinsing pan with a little ammonia in it).  
 7. Wipe them dry, and then immediately place them back onto your chandelier.
 8. Do not take off all of the crystals at once!  You may have trouble remembering their proper places on the chandelier.  Just choose a place to start, and work methodically around that point.  
 9. Wipe off the arms of your chandelier with a non-sudsy cloth.
 10. Wipe down the bulbs and then put them back into their sockets.

 

The difference between your pre-washed chandelier and your post-wash chandelier may surprise you. Sometimes it is hard to tell how dirty something is until you see it sparkling clean again.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on lighting and home decor, please visit Crystal Chandeliers.

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Rawhide Lamp Shades & Antler Chandeliers

 

It just needed rawhide lamp shades. Sometimes you just can't see it…you know what I mean? A friend who just bought a beautiful log home had a problem because he said we wasn't much of a designer and didn't know what to do next. Have you ever experienced that? I sure have. Sometimes when we are involved in a project we are so close to it that we can’t see the obvious. It's times like these when we need a fresh perspective.

A friend or family member might be able to look at our circumstances objectively and see the solution right away. Well that was the case with my friend. He had just purchased this beautiful home in the mountains. It was fabulous with large wood beams and a stone fireplace. The kind of place that anyone would love to decorate but it was just sort of plain. Even though it had large antler chandeliers it was just sort of dull and lifeless.

Immediately it was apparent that he needed rawhide lamp shades on the chandeliers to add warmth, color and a nice glow. All of a sudden the room came to life. The formerly bare antlers were bathed in rich golden light and the room took on an inviting feel.

For a cabin or log home, there is probably no better accessory than antler lamps with rawhide lamp shades. It doesn't matter if you love the southwest styles or the heavy dark masculine western look, rawhide shades on antler chandeliers and lamps will bring in the rustic lighting you need. The beautiful shapes and textures of antlers and the hand stitching on the stretched rawhide lamp shades will deliver the look and feel you are after.

You don't have to travel far in Montana or Wyoming to find beautiful ranches and to realize that antler lighting is magical and that there just isn't any substitute for leather lamp shades. If you have a log home or even if you just want to bring the rustic mountain lodge look into you family room or den start with rustic lamps and shades and you will be amazed at the affect it has.

There is a balance that is created by using rawhide lamp shades throughout your room. It's hard to explain but when you see it you can actually feel it. The warm glow from rawhide lampshades on chandeliers and floor and table lamps, or a small desk lamp just tie the room together and bring a sense of unity and also harmony with nature. Because the elements of real deer antlers or moose antlers along with the handcrafted character of rawhide lamp shades the room is drawn together.

You will undoubtedly like the look of rawhide shades on antler wall sconces and small candelabra type lamps. You can also use ideas from the rich north woods style to accent your lighting. Try a pair of snow shoe sconces with rawhide shades.

The light tone of the wooden frame and the leather lacing of the shoe along with the leather binding compliment the hand lacing on the lamp shade and its warm glow make a perfect harmony. Weather you prefer to compliment your antler lamps and chandeliers with southwestern light rawhide shades or western style dark rawhide lampshades, both are perfect choices for rustic decorating.

Like my friend, if you are unsure of where to start in your special rustic space, you can begin with whitetail deer antler lamps. They are some of the most beautiful while also being some of the least expensive. Antler chandeliers are also made for whitetail antlers. In larger spaces antler chandeliers may have several tiers of huge elk antlers or moose antlers. Remember, it doesn't matter if you space is large or small. You can use antler lighting with rawhide lamp shades or add them to your own rustic lamps to bring in the feel of the old west, and mountain cabin or a southwest adobe ranch.

Craig Chambers is an expert on rustic lighting and decorating. Learn more about antler lighting, rawhide lamp shades and decorating at http://www.missiondelrey.com

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.