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 .

Evolution of Crystal Chandelier Lighting

Crystal chandeliers establish atmosphere in building interiors. This fact holds true today as it did a thousand years ago. People started ornamenting their light sources with crystals from very early on. Initially, crystals are installed on lighting elements for primarily practical reasons. Crystals possess a high degree of reflection and refraction, which gave them a high optical capability of scattering light to a wider area inside a room. But it did not take long before crystals had evolved into an essential ornamental component?the birth of crystal chandeliers. Each historical era has contributed a unique rationale or perspective behind the design concepts of the crystal chandeliers that we witness today. Chinese culture was perhaps one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in human history. Crystal chandelier designs in this era are classified as ?Oriental style.? Original forms of this style of crystal chandeliers can be traced back to the year 1150 A.D., which provided a large intensity of inspiration to European designers. An Oriental style chandelier is characterized by flamboyant built lavished with extravagant fringes.

The Renaissance era contributed the ?rebirth? of ancient Roman architectural concepts, which sprouted from Florence in Italy in 1400?s. Notable examples of Renaissance crystal chandeliers can be seen today at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Doges? palace in Venice. Original renaissance-style chandelier designs initiated the use of ?crystal candles with replicas of buds and curving arms.?

The year 1600 marked the beginning of the Baroque era. Famous painters that emerged during the Baroque period include Rubens and Rembrandt. Baroque architecture is distinctively expansive, attempting to open up space to infinity. The Baroque designs are derived from the richness that flourished during the Baroque epoch. These expansive ephemeral concepts developed during the Baroque resonate through time and is probably the reason that it still has a commanding influence on modern day designs of crystal chandeliers and lighting fixtures.

The Regency epoch is the name given to a brief period between 1800 and 1830 that witnessed the rise of the Bourgeoisie or the ?middle class? in Europe. Regency chandeliers are exhibited in middle-class salons, demonstrating the power of the budding Bourgeoisie class. Regency chandelier designs feature ostentatious and massive, and fragile linear ensembles as well.

The Victorian epoch prospered in England from 1840 to 1870, a period when Europe was engaged in historicism. Victorian crystal chandeliers are characteristically heavy, and have illuminated the most magnificent houses of the world.

Developed in central Europe at the turn of the century, Art Nouveau produced the exhibition pavilion fro the Viennese Succession as well as the Metro entrances that align on underground passage to Paris. Art Nouveau crystal chandeliers are distinguished by the consistent use of floral ornaments.

The period of Modernism emphasize reason and abstraction as the primary values in Modern Art. The influence of this period is manifest in linear and functional architectural designs that persist until the present. Two of the founding institutions of Modernism, Gropius and Kandinsky, have established the prevalent concepts of today?s crystal chandelier designs.

Earl Juanico www.goldenageusa.com

Choosing the Perfect Chandeliers for Your Home

Choosing the right lighting for your home is never an easy task…but once you’ve decided to incorporate a chandelier into your interior, in order to choose the right one, there are a few things you need to know.

In what room will the chandelier be placed?

It is often assumed that chandeliers can only be used in the most formal of decors…but this is a total misconception. They can be used in any room, from the dining room or kitchen, foyer, living room or office. Even outdoor living spaces are being transformed with chandeliers. Upturned shades and candle lights give a warm wash of ambient lighting while center placed down lights or shades provide direct or task lighting for any table top or surface.

Which chandelier should I choose?

Because of the nearly limitless amount of choices, you can grace any room with the perfect chandelier that will knock their socks off. There are three decisions to make when deciding on a chandelier: Style, Shape and Size.

Style

Today’s chandeliers come in a myriad of styles from a rustic rubbed bronze finish to polished brass or chrome dripping with prisms and crystals. Contemporary styles are also available to highlight a modern décor. Chandeliers are not just for your grandmother’s dining room anymore. Cool, hip styles are now available to give a current, yet graceful look. Today, chandeliers are available in a style for every taste.

Shape

Chandeliers come in many shapes from the classical to the newest trends. Many, many shapes are available from the most fluid contemporary shaped to the clean lines of the Arts and Crafts inspired chandeliers. Choose your favorite and get ready to make a statement. There are hundreds of shapes to choose from.

Size

One of the most important considerations is the size of your new chandelier. Choosing chandelier that is too large for the room will over power it and visually shrink the size of the space. Installing one that is too small will not give the full impact of a correctly sized fixture. There are chandeliers available in every size to fit any room or space.

The general rule for sizing a chandelier to a room is if the room is larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, then the correct size is a 17-20 inch fixture. If the room is 12 by 12, then choose a 26 to 36 inch chandelier. Choose a 36 or 37-inch chandelier for larger rooms.

Hanging and Installation

If a chandelier is going to be hung above a table, then it should be more than 32 to 36 inches above the tabletop. The chandelier should also be 10-14 inches smaller than the table above which it hangs. If these two measurements are taken into account, then even the tallest guest should be able to dine without hitting their head on your chandelier.

Remember, your new chandelier is likely heavier than a normal lighting fixture. Make sure your current electric junction box can support the larger lamp or purchase a new one that can support more weight.

Follow these easy to use tips and you will add functionality and drama to your interior for years to come.

For additional decoration tips and information on lighting fixtures, chandelier, table lamps, home décor tips ideas and trends visit : http://www.bungalowlights.com By Julie M. Sellers for Bungalow Lighting.

Wrought Iron Chandeliers Will Bring Warmth

You will be able to add a whole other level of warmth and beauty to your life by purchasing wrought iron chandeliers. These kinds of chandeliers can be placed in one of any number of places in your home and they will make all of the difference. You will be able to enjoy your whole home in ways that you never even know that you could.

You will be able to have a ball hosting all kinds of cocktail parties under the twinkling of your wrought iron chandeliers. These are especially wonderful in the front hall. When you walk into your home you want to feel like you are walking into a showroom right? Well that is what these chandeliers are for. They will make your home your palace and it will be so much fun and so exciting. There are even different sizes for you to choose from depending on the level of elegance that you are looking for.

Some people choose the smaller version of the wrought iron chandeliers because they are not quite so fancy. Many people prefer that look of understated elegance and this is a great idea for many home. You may find some with fancy crystals and some without this too will depend on what kind of look you want to bring to your entire home.

If you have shiny floors the very twinkly light fixture are the best choice as they will reflect in the floor like tiny little diamonds. And when you have the crystal wrought iron chandeliers you are looking at a sea of starts all over the alls the floors and the ceiling. There is nothing that compares to this type of effect, nothing at all in the world.

If you are ready to take the look of your home to the next level then look into wrought iron chandeliers. They come in a variety of different price ranges and you will enjoy them like nothing before see in your home.

Tony has worked in a furniture workshop for more than 12 years. He has worked on numerous pieces of wrought iron furniture and has enough knowledge to give you his quick 3-step evaluation of the metal as well as his insights on wrought iron wall decor. This is made available to the public via his wrought iron furniture website, http://www.jlspecialty.com