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 ? Size Does Matter!

When many of us think of the chandelier, we imagine ?The Sound of Music? or some similar Hollywood picture featuring grand ballrooms illuminated by some elaborate and massive chandelier. You know the type?crystal for days and so many bulbs that you find yourself wondering how much it might cost to power that monstrosity for a month. But, when you remember the size of the room these ?Hollywood? chandeliers must illuminate, the light fixture actually seems appropriate. This is precisely as it should be because the size of a chandelier is relative to the room in which they are used.

Chandeliers are natural focal points of any d?cor so there is no need to buy a massive one that requires additional ceiling supports in order to hang. When you purchase an over-sized chandelier, the effect may actually cheapen the d?cor and make it seem gaudy or contrived. Remember, chandeliers convey a subtle grace and elegance. This effect is lost when you have a massive chandelier illuminating a small room. The idea is for the chandelier to naturally draw attention without becoming that mole on your aunt?s face that you just can?t seem to stop staring at.

Similarly, you certainly don?t want to buy a tiny chandelier for a grand dining room. Undersized chandeliers send the message that you ran a little short on your lighting budget and will forever look awkward and out-of-place. However, it is quite common to see tiny chandeliers in homes for the simple reason that they are some of the most expensive lighting fixtures available for homeowners to choose. But if you do have your heart set on a chandelier, how do you choose one that is sized correctly?

Many people choose to mount their chandelier above the dining room table. The dining room is a more formal area and is well-suited for chandeliers. The diameter of the chandelier is based upon the width of the dining room table. This is calculated by taking subtracting twelve inches from the total width of the dining room table. The height that the chandelier should be mounted at for rooms with 9 foot ceilings is roughly 30-33 inches from the top of the dining room table. When the ceiling is above 9 feet tall, the chandelier should hang 3 inches more (add 3 inches to the 30-33 inches figure for every foot above 9 feet) above the table for every foot. So, for a twelve foot ceiling, the chandelier should be 39-42 inches above the dining room table.

When not using the chandelier in the dining room, the size is determined by the room dimensions. There are two basic ways to calculate the diameter of a chandelier using room dimensions. In the first, the diameter is calculated by multiplying 2 inches by the total width of the room in feet. A width of 12 feet would require a chandelier with a diameter of 24 inches.

The other method is to add the dimensions of the room and convert into inches. In other words, a 10?X12? room would have a chandelier with a diameter of 22 inches. Some judgment will be necessary but a good rule of thumb is that it is best to err on the small side when you have more elaborate and traditional chandeliers and to go a little large on more modern chandeliers.

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 Light Fixtures and Chandeliers, as well as outdoor lighting from the industries leading manufacturers. Everything to light your home in style.

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

Call Center Customer Service

When we envision a call center we visualize a big room full of cubicles, desks, and customer service reps (CSRs) answering their telephones with their headsets on. We envision clients and customers calling into a queue and waiting for the next available rep. We think of call center customer service as how fast the CSRs answer the telephone calls ? the longer the wait time, the worse the customer service is perceived to be.

But call center customer service goes far beyond that. A call center is a place where a business answers the phone when a client calls. It can be a small business with just one or two employees or a big business with thousands of CSRs manning the phones. It doesn?t matter; a call center isn?t necessarily what we all envision it to be. If you have ever answered the phone at your place of business you have provided customer service at a call center.

Remember that - if you answer the phone, you are providing customer service. That means you need to be accessible to your customers, solve their problems, sell them what they need, and do it in a timely manner. Customer service is not only done by large businesses with an army of service reps, but also by every small business professional, sales person, and business owner.

Every time your business phone rings it is an opportunity to provide exceptional service to a customer. Be courteous, be polite, and your customers will love you for it.

Tino Buntic created TradePals to provide free B2B and B2C sales leads without cold calling to business professionals across The U.S.A. and Canada. Visit the site and create a free professional profile.

Visit TradePals at: www.trade-pals.com

How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Crystal chandeliers will need cleaning from time to time to keep their sparkle. Dust can make them look dull and drab. If cared for properly, a crystal chandelier can be the main topic of conversation for years.

Most people clean their chandeliers every few months but, if the chandelier is dusted regularly, in reality they won’t need full cleaning for up to nine months. Frequency of cleaning will depend on the chandeliers location, shape and type of crystals.

There are a few methods you can use to clean your chandelier. Most people prefer to dust the chandelier whilst it is hanging but others like to admire the crystal as they are cleaning it. Before cleaning the crystals remove any excess dust so that your cloth, glove or whatever method you use doesn’t become too dirty too soon.

Traditional methods of cleaning the chandelier are to take each crystal and wipe it with a damp chamois. This can be done whilst the chandelier is still hanging or the chandelier can be taken down and cleaned. If taking the chandelier fully apart, we would recommend that you make a diagram or label the pieces, so you know where they come from when you reassemble your chandelier.

Lukewarm water with a small amount of washing up liquid and a small amount of white vinegar will remove grime and add shine. Dry the crystal straight away after cleaning with this solution to prevent smearing.

Specialised crystal cleaner or glass cleaner can also be used to clean your chandelier. If using sprays, always make sure that the power to the light is switched off and that no one can turn it on whilst you are working. Be careful when spraying and avoid wires and other electrical components. Allow the crystals to drip-dry but take into consideration that the cupped pieces may need blotting dry and the larger prisms may need to be dried by using a soft cloth.

The best method of cleaning a chandelier is to use a pair of dry cotton gloves, usually white so you can see the amount of dirt coming off. One glove is used for drying the crystals and the other is damp misted with crystal or glass cleaner. Caress the crystals with the damp gloved hand then place it in your dry gloved hand immediately to dry it and make it sparkle.

When cleaning your chandelier, don’t be tempted to take short cuts by rotating the chandelier. By rotating the chandelier you will, in time, loosen its support which could cause it to fall. The electrical wiring could also be damaged leaving you at risk of fire or an electric shock.

Don’t forget to wipe the light bulbs once they are cool, but not with anything wet; this may cause them to shatter. By cleaning the bulbs it will brighten the whole chandelier.

www.easylighting.co.uk

Tracey Aldous is a trainee accountant who enjoys freelance writing for several websites in her spare time

  

Residential Art Glass Lighting - Design Trends in Chandeliers, Sconces, & Pendants

Much in the way jazz altered our concept of music, glass art has changed our expectations of residential lighting. In fact, glass art lighting is being hailed as one of the hottest new trends to hit luxury home design. According to 25-year Southern California interior designer Greg Griffith, G. Griffith & Co. of Destin, FL, “It’s emerging as a transitional point for a more energetic look. From Asian to 18th Century, every style and design can incorporate glass art lighting. The fact that these are actual sculptured pieces means you’re adding art to the room without cluttering the wall.”

Aside from aesthetics, the benefit to glass art lighting is that it’s so flexible, it ends up resolving many design conflicts. Take, for example, the story of the Wisdom Window. This stained glass piece was created by a California glass artist to create a welcoming light at the end of a dark, New York apartment hallway. The artist created four matching sconces, but wanted the end of the hallway to feel like a window. He innovated a design where a diffuser sheet will be installed underneath the stained glass piece, and lit from behind.

One New York glass artist developed a unique way to illuminate her bathroom. She created her own mosaic glass sink and lit it from underneath to create a warm, amber glow. It also doubles as her nightlight. To underscore the look of an underlit sink, matching sconces are ideal. Some kitchen designers are commissioning glass art sconces and pendants to match underlit glass kitchen countertops. This creates interesting, ambient lighting in a more finished-looking lighting package.

Glass art lighting can be a subtle accent, or a prism through which the light bathes a room in a swatch of exotic colors. “I find many decorators driving décor based on the lighting fixtures,” says Seattle-based glass artist, Suzanne Guttman. “It’s easy to fall in love with a tentacled pendant light or chandelier and make it the centerpiece of a room.”

The Cost of Beautiful

Investing in gorgeous glass art lighting is less daunting than one may assume. A Bellagio budget isn’t necessary to incorporate museum-quality glass lighting into a residential design. Sconces range from $400 to $1,200; small pendant lighting (suspended by one point in the ceiling) ranges from $300 to $600; larger pendants and chandeliers can range from $1,500 to $10,000. Serious collectors consider glass art an investment as well as being an aesthetic piece, just as they would an original painting, or a piece of antique furniture.

Glass Art Lighting 101

Once a homeowner decides on glass art lighting, it’s helpful to know a little about the glass and where it should be used, based on its physical characteristics. Here are some tips:

Blown glass has some limitations to the size and diameter that an artist can create. Some blown glass lighting utilizes many pieces in its design to create a larger, more sculptural effect.

Cast glass is very beautiful, but quite unusual in lighting because it is very heavy to suspend. One glass artist has created a woven glass technique that takes on the look of woven fabric, and results in a glass art lighting fixture that feels like a glass blanket.

Fused & slumped glass is popular for glass art lighting. Through the use of molds, fusing allows the artist to create large diameter canopied type lighting, thus enabling a single shade to be up to 48” in diameter. This creates consistency in shape and wonderful, unusual textures.

Etched glass is another wonderful medium for flat panel lighting. Pieces such as The Three Graces, by glass artist Margaret Oldman, can be lit with plain or multi-colored fiber optics, depending on the look a designer is trying to achieve.

Mosaic and stained glass are similar, in that they’re both ideal for flat panel lighting. Artists will often incorporate Italian smalti glass, blown sheets of transparent glass broken into small pieces, or dichroic glass, which is coated on one side with a metallic-like mirror finish.

Buyer Beware

One thing homeowners should remember, especially with lighting, is to be sure that the glass artist they’ve chosen understands how the electrical specs will dovetail with the piece, and that they know U.L. standards. As founder of Glass Artists Gallery, I estimate that close to 30% of our first-time customers come to us because they had negative experiences commissioning residential glass art lighting on their own. We are very careful about screening the artists we represent to make sure they understand the technical specifications

In short, glass art lighting choices become a very personal way to reveal a homeowner’s fingerprint on the interior design. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.”

For more information or to see thousands of images of art glass lighting, visit Art Lighting Gallery

Jack Healy is part owner of Functional Art Gallery, LLC - Functional Art Gallery - a growing family of online resources for the designer, architect, builder and discerning homeowner. The company focuses on handcrafted functional & architectural works of art for both residential and commercial projects. The Functional Art Gallery family includes Glass Artists Gallery, Sinks Gallery and Art Lighting Gallery. Together these resources provide the largest collection of artisan and designer products available in North America.

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