Saturday, May 3, 2008

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 .

 

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Friday, April 11, 2008

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 .

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Is An Antler Chandelier For You?

Picture this - rustic dining room in a cozy A frame or country home and a fabulous antler chandelier as the focus. It looks awesome! And if you don't believe me have a look at some of the home décor websites.

One very unique feature of antler chandeliers is that each one is unique. Yes they may be similar in style or color but because each set of antlers is truly unique the chandelier must also be.

Antler chandeliers are truly a form of art that will add an element of design and beauty to your room. And what a great way to reflect on your western heritage!

So what type of décor do you use an antler chandelier in? Well you have plenty of choices. As mentioned early a country home with a country dining room. A rustic dining room would be very fitting as well, but so would an early American or Southwestern, or Native American theme.

Now those are all common sense decors but antlers can make quite a trendy statement too in a modern or contemporary room, especially if you take your time and choose a style that works as a piece of art. Antler chandeliers also look terrific in a room that's filled with game hunters finds. Perhaps a taxidermy duck, bear, elk head, or any other fitting wild game.

Antler chandeliers are available with traditional candle settings or in their more modern electric form. There are many choices on the market and there are also several online companies that will allow you to customize your chandelier right down to the type of light socket covers it has. It's a terrific option for those who know what they want right down to the last detail!

Here are some of the style options to consider.

1. Mule Deer Antlers
Mule deer antler chandeliers can range from smaller sizes around 28" in diameter to much larger at 48" in diameter. The number of light fixtures runs from as little as 6 to as many as 12 and occasionally even more depending on style.

The bucks' antlers, begin growing in the spring and they are shed usually sometime in December each year. They are high and branch forward, forking equally into 2 tines with a spread up to 4 feet making them an excellent choice for a chandelier.

2. Fallow Deer Antlers
The fallow deer antlers make a very interesting and unique chandelier because of the type of antlers they have and the size of those antlers. A 50" diameter is quite common.

This is a medium sized deer and the adult males have large palmate antlers. The bucks develop spike antlers that begin to develop in their first year and continue to grow until 3-4 years old. The cast only antlers comprised of beams and simple points.

3. Rocky Mountain Elk
The rocky mountain elk provides the basis for a spectacular chandelier and a wide selection in size and style. Their sharp pointed prongs with a beam that sweeps both up, back, and out has a nice artistic effect on the finished product.

By year 2 the bulls spike are anywhere from 8 to 15 inches long and by year 3 they have 4 or 5 points. By the 4th year the antlers have become much heavier and after year 5 they are much larger, heavier, and have at least 6 points. It is said they actually develop their best set of antlers as an old bull around age 11. By this age they can be 5 feet long with 10 points and weight more than 25 pounds. Now that's a chandelier!

The mature bulls will shed their antlers during February and March while the younger bulls will usually shed later in May. New antlers begin to grow as soon as the old ones have been shed. The antler cycle is very regulated

You can quickly see why these elk horns make such great fixtures. Variety in age, size, points, and color provide a wealth of décor choices!

4. White Tail Deer
The white tail deer chandeliers come in a range of sizes, weights and fixtures from as few as 4 candle lights to as many as 10. The style of these chandeliers makes them perfect for a game room, family room over a pool table or in a dining room.

Only the male deer grow antlers which they shed each year. The growth starts in the early spring and by September the antlers are full grown. Deer antlers are actually the fastest growing tissue that man knows about. They will grow about ½" per day and they become covered with a live material that is called velvet that is eventually rubbed off.

A buck of about 10 months old and by one year of age spikes are commonly seen. Spikes are more common than branches in deer that are undernourished. Spike bucks shed earlier than branched bucks.

White-tailed deer mature at between 5 to 8 years and deer that with spiked antlers in their younger years often mature to be trophy adults. Trophy antlers make superb chandeliers

5. Faux Antlers
For those of you that prefer not to actually have the real deal not to worry you can make your fashion décor statement with faux antlers. These faux antlers are truly amazing with the same quality finish of the real thing. Generally they are made from resin making them very durable and a lot cheaper than the real thing!

If you've got a rustic, country, or southwestern décor consider adding an antler chandelier. You'll love the look!

Daren has been lighting store for 10 years now and has become experienced with installing lighting in various areas. He has decided to create http://www.lightingus.com to answer many of the questions he has come across many times. Visit his website to learn more about decorative outdoor lighting.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Buying the Right Chandelier

Everyone knows that chandeliers are an easy way to add style and elegance into any home. However, the wrong chandelier can have an adverse affect. With that said, here are some tips on what you can do to avoid creating a freaky frenzy in your home decor:

First of all, decide where you're planning to install your chandelier. This may be a bit tricky considering that chandeliers are usually designed to be a bit bigger than standard ceiling pendants and island lights. A couple places that I would recommend would be the foyer, living room, and sometimes the dining room. Of course, this all depends upon the size of the room; too big of a chandelier and you'll dwarf the room, too small and you could end up with a lot of negative space and not enough light.

The next step is to decide what style you're looking for. Are you shopping for a traditional chandelier complete with multiple tiers, glass baubles and candelabra styled lamps? Or perhaps you're searching for a single tier style carved out of wood? Whatever the style, always consider the look of your current decor and work with it. For instance, if you have a Spanish styled split leveled home, having a chandelier with colorful blown glass diffusers and flowers may not work well. In fact, it may very well clash! You want your chandelier to heighten the look of your home with its elegance and beauty, not create design chaos.

The last step is to consider is will your chandelier put a dent on your electricity bills? Not too many people realize this, but lighting does cost a bit of dough, especially if they leave their lights on when they don't need them. If you're one of those folks who absolutely must leave their lights on for whatever reason (shame on you, that's wasteful!), consider replacing your bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or any comparable, energy efficient bulbs. Most if not all chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps and even outdoor lighting can use compact fluorescent bulbs, which is good news since that means you can use these nifty little bulbs on almost all the lights in your home thus saving you money.

Placement, style and energy efficiency are three very important key elements when it comes to purchasing lights. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you'll be pleased with your chandelier.

For an excellent selection in floor lamp and chandelier be sure to visit Eco-Lights.com.

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Diamond Chandelier Earrings

To value a diamond, the four C's are carat, cut, color and clarity. When a jeweler describes a diamond as flawless, it means that there are no internal imperfections or visible surface imperfections. Viewed under a 10-power magnification, a skilled diamond grade expert can establish the value of a diamond. Diamonds, as with many other gemstones, have their weight stated in carats. When the weight of a diamond is in decimals, this figure is accurate to the last decimal point. An example is a diamond said to be .40 carat; this could represent a weight of .395 to .404 carat.

Pink diamonds

Pink diamonds are uncommon but considered some of the most beautiful diamonds on earth. Many famous movie stars own pink diamond chandelier earrings and they are certainly a thing of beauty. These diamond earrings are luxury and people love luxurious items. Pink diamonds are 'real' diamonds that nature does not make very often. Because of this, there are man made pink diamonds offered by jewelers. They are less expensive than natural pink diamonds. These diamonds are in style

Chandelier earrings

Purchasing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings for you or as a gift can be very exciting but also a difficult decision when it comes to choosing the right pair. As with clothing or other products, diamond jewelry and earrings have fashions or styles also. Make sure you consider this when shopping for diamond earrings.

The great news is that diamond chandelier earrings are all the rage and a 'must have'. Open any celebrity magazine or watch the awards shows on television and all the women are wearing magnificent chandelier diamond earrings. These earrings are a great accessory for any outfit and make you feel glamorous. Not only will they make you feel sexy but often catch the eye of people around you. Originally started around 1920, these chandelier earrings are still available in some antique and collectible shops.

Diamonds have a fiery brilliance all their own, and wearing a pair of diamond chandelier earrings draws attention to a woman's features as they cascade from each earlobe, framing her face and drawing attention to her neck. If a woman is wearing a special chandelier pair for an evening out, bare shoulders and cascading, dangling diamond earrings will look spectacular. Do not forget to give some thought to what you want the diamonds set such as platinum, white or yellow gold and silver.

Diamond chandelier earrings that have a tapered dangle design give a modern yet sophisticated look. Worn both as casual and formal wear, they give a brilliant, yet captivating look.

So remember, for yourself or that special someone in your life, a pair of diamond chandelier earrings will last forever, go up in value and make the person wearing them look and feel special. Make sure you do some research and then go buy the earrings of your or someone else's dreams.

To know more about the beauty of Earrings, check it out for free at Pearl Diamond Earrings

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Friday, November 30, 2007

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.

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

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Monday, November 26, 2007

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.

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

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