Tips For Shopping An Appropriate Chandelier

Chandeliers are customarily installed only in foyers or dining areas of grandiosely elegant homes, supposedly a housing interior embellishment exclusive to the rich. Elaborate chandeliers that comprise of cut crystal or glass have been considered as status symbols, a signature of affluence. These shimmering fixtures are classically massive, intricate and ornate, often making them suitable as centerpieces for a room. However, modern interior designers have been employing chandeliers of a wide spectrum of sizes and shapes for adorning almost any type of home, irrespective of dimensions and splendor. The aesthetic quality of chandeliers can render an inviting atmosphere and an arty accent to any home space. Chandeliers have been popularly hung over living areas, sleeping quarters, breakfast nooks, and kitchens in addition to traditionally familiar places.

These days, chandeliers do not necessarily have to be sophisticated or classy. Besides the conventional formal-type crystal chandeliers, one can now find stained-glass teacup, colonial, revival, and various other contemporary varieties of chandeliers for embellishing home interiors. While some of these contemporary designs remain to be expansive, spanning at least eight feet in diameter, others can be found no wider than two to three feet in diameter.

Chandeliers can cost a lot of money irrespective of their particular style. Thus, it is quite important to find one that appropriately accentuates your home. Top chandelier designers recommend home owners to choose a chandelier that harmonizes with the time period and overall architectural motif of the house rather than getting trendy and selecting the current fad in style. For an average home owner, buying a new chandelier every time decorative tastes evolve is really not a luxury.

When shopping for chandeliers, the first aspect to consider is the size of the room where it is meant to be hung. Fortunately, there is a general rule of thumb that will guide the appropriate choice. The chandelier should follow a simple proportion rule: approximately two inches in diameter for every foot of the room?s total width. For example, if the living area is fifteen feet wide all in all, the appropriate diameter of the chandelier should be about 30 inches. But take note that the complexity of the chandelier can also project the illusion of being large?an extremely elaborate one will appear larger in the room than it actually is. Hence, one can also make the necessary adjustments to the estimated diameter to take this factor into consideration.

The second aspect to take into account is the height as well as the structure of the furniture in the room. Suppose that a certain tall hutch is fixed in the living room. It is not advised to hang the chandelier directly above this piece of furniture because it will render a cluttered look to the room. In relation to this concern, there must be enough gap for head space so that running or bumping into the chandelier when crossing the room will not occur.

Another aspect to consider is if the chandelier is meant to be hung above a second centerpiece in the room, such as a dining room table. The dimensions of the chandelier should be in proportion to that centerpiece. Another rule of thumb to abide by is to select a chandelier size which measures approximately a third of the diameter of the centerpiece.

The last aspect to be accounted for is lighting. If the chandelier is planned to be the primary source of light in an area, its brightness should be sufficient to shed light uniformly to the whole area. Furthermore, the chandelier?s brightness should not overwhelm a second light source. One way to get over this quandary is to install a dimmer switch that allows adjustment to the amount of light the chandelier gives off. One can also utilize table lamps, floor lamps, and corner lamps to aid in illuminating the room.

Dranreb Earl Juanico
http://www.goldenageusa.com

Make Your Home More Beautiful With A Classy Chandelier

A chandelier can be an ideal option for lighting in your home. Not just for foyers and formal dining areas, but chandeliers can also be used to provide lighting in kitchens, bedrooms, as well as the children's room. But before you go out and look for that perfect chandelier, here are some things that you need to consider.

Criteria For Buying Chandeliers

1) Size of the chandelier: The most important element to consider is the size. If not sized correctly, a chandelier will not be able to provide lighting as desired and may well not fit into its designated spot. So here's what you need to know about sizing a chandelier.

* When choosing a chandelier for a particular room, you need to first measure the width and length of the room. Add these two measurements and the resultant sum (in inches) is how wide your chandelier should be. For instance, if your room is 14 feet wide by 16 feet long, you need to add these two numbers which gives you 30. Thus, the ideal width for a chandelier for this room will be 30 inches. However, you also need to consider the height at which the chandelier will hang. If you have low ceilings and the chandelier will hang quite low, you should buy a slightly smaller one (26-28 inches). But, if you have really high ceilings, then you should go in for a bigger one (34-36 inches). This is because the higher the chandelier, the smaller it is going to appear.

* Another important size consideration is the length. A chandelier should be at least 30 inches above the table that it will hang over. This is the optimum height as it is high enough to leave adequate room to place things under the chandelier and is low enough to provide the desired lighting. Thus, after subtracting 30 inches from the top of the table to the ceiling, and 3-4 inches for the chandelier hook, the space left can be used to decide the length of the chandelier. Once again, you can be a little flexible here. If you usually use very tall centerpieces on your table, you should choose a chandelier that is a little shorter.

2) Type of lighting required: The kind of lighting that you need is also an important criterion to consider. Here are the various types of chandeliers used to bring about different kinds of lighting:

* Ambient Lighting: If you wish to achieve ambient (general) lighting, you should go in for a big one, which has plenty of bulbs and open lights. This will ensure that the chandelier provides light for the entire room.

* Accent Lighting: If you want to place your chandelier over something specific so as to illuminate that object, or if you want it to provide you with accent lighting for specific areas, then you should choose one with spotlights and down lights. A spotlight will help you to focus lighting on special works of art and help to bring about their beauty. With down lights, you can provide accent lighting for tabletops and other specific areas.

* Diffused Lighting: Many people like to have sober diffused lighting in their home. They do not like the glare of very bright lights. If you too desire such lighting, you should choose a chandelier with uplights. An uplight will throw light on the ceiling which then gets diffused and provides a very warm glow. You can also choose a chandelier with shades as this will help to maximize the light filtering down but reduce the glare at the same time.

Thus, once you have decided on what type of lighting effect you wish to achieve, you can select a chandelier accordingly.

3) Style of the chandelier: As it is most likely going to be the center of attention in any room, it is essential that you choose a chandelier that has a look and style which is in keeping with the rest of your d?cor. You do not want to draw attention to your chandelier for all the wrong reasons after all!

While a traditional crystal chandelier can look at home in almost any setting, if you want to go in for an ornate wrought iron chandelier, or perhaps a contemporary one, it is important to first determine that such a design will match your home d?cor. Remember, while choosing a chandelier style, you want to go in for one that matches your d?cor and not contrasts with it.

In addition to the above, ease of cleaning, number of bulbs (depending on how much lighting you require), and your budget are the other factors to consider when choosing a chandelier.

Lukas Rathswohl is the publisher of All About Chandeliers, your guide to finding the perfect chandelier for your home. Go to All About Chandeliers - Your Chandelier Guide and brighten up your home!

Tiara of Lights: The History of Chandeliers

Chandeliers have always seemed synonymous with elegance, wealth, and beauty. Immortalized by Hollywood, one might believe that no grand house was complete, unless it had a lavish cut-crystal chandelier hanging in the formal dining room. Surprisingly, the true history of the chandelier dates back to a time long before beautiful southern belles and movie stars. In fact, the first chandeliers were quite humble, when compared to their modern counterparts.

The word 'chandelier' comes from the French word 'chandelle,' meaning candle, and the earliest forms of these lights simply consisted of a wooden cross, designed with a small spike at each end. Candles, made of animal fat in those days, were attached to each of these wooden spikes and the chandelier was then supported from the ceiling. Since there was no electricity, the only alternatives were a small sputtering tallow that could be carried about, wall sconces which only illuminated small sections of rooms, or the glow of a fireplace. The chandelier, therefore, offered a better form of lighting and was commonly used in places such as medieval churches and abbeys during the 15th century.

The first chandeliers that were designed for private use, were only found in the homes of the very wealthy or powerful. The humble farmer or common tradesman had little use for such forms of lighting, most planning their days around the rising and setting of the sun. Modest homes were often poorly constructed and tiny, the concept of a chandelier being little more than a fire hazard to such domiciles.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the chandelier began to find its way into the homes of more prosperous merchants and, as housing quality began to improve, finally into the homes of the working class. While wealthier homes boasted ornately-crafted chandeliers of brass, the more common households used wood, wrought iron, and tin sheet for their chandeliers. Additionally, the chandelier began to evolve as artisans began to experiment with light refraction, using mirrors, polished brass plates and quartz crystals.

In 1676, an English glassmaker, George Ravenscroft, introduced leaded glass to the world of lighting. Softer to work with and better able to refract light, this soon became the preferred material for chandeliers. By the late 1800's, a better method of cutting the leaded glass would be perfected by Daniel Swarovsky, of Austria. This would mark a turning point for the chandelier, where it would cease to simply be functional, but would now become a work of art.

The invention of electric lighting and better methods of manufacturing have only served to help the chandelier survive throughout the ages. Modern creators have taken this art form to new levels, creating chandeliers beyond one's wildest imaginations; glass slippers, martini glasses, chandeliers that look like thousands of glowing flower blossoms or even u.f.o.s, it would seem that the possibilities are endless. Ranging in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, there is a chandelier for every home and, seemingly, every d?cor theme imaginable. Having outlived the test of time, it appears to be a lighting form that is bound to remain, and keep surprising us, far into the future.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.chandeliers-central.info

Crystal Chandelier for an Appealing Dining Room

Crystal chandeliers are one of the best décor that you can use to make your home sophisticated and elegant. There are plenty of crystal chandeliers that you can choose from. Yes, there is different variety of crystal chandeliers with different styles, colors and designs. So it is really up to you which one you prefer to put to your home. But there are some factors to consider in making it more appealing and elegant as you hang it on your home. You have to decide the specific part of the room you desire to put a crystal chandelier, since you can hang it on your living room, entrance hall, dining room and bedroom. So you have to decide which part you will hang a crystal chandelier. You also have to know that each room requires different styles and designs of crystal chandeliers. If you desire to put a crystal chandelier is your dining room then you have to consider the size. Since there are some procedures that you need to know and use in order to make it more appealing and look good. If you have a six person dining table, you have to choose crystal chandelier that’s 1.5 to 2 feet wide. If you have an eight person dining table, then you have to purchase a crystal chandelier that’s 2 to 1.5 feet wide. And if you have 10 to 12 person dining table then you have to buy a crystal chandelier that’s 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide.

These are the procedures you need to do and follow to make sure that you will be buying the right and appropriate crystal chandelier in your dining room. These can help you avoid dullness and crowdedness. Since if you put a large crystal chandelier in a smaller room then it will look crowded and it you put small crystal chandelier in a big room it will just look dull. So following the right procedures can help you out in making your dining room look good and beautiful. You have to consider the design and style of your dining room as well. You have to search and purchase a crystal chandelier that matches your dining room. In this way, you can make sure that you are making your dining room elegant and sophisticated. Crystal chandelier is definitely a work of art which can make your home to look at its best but this can be possible if you make sure to consider all the factors needed. All of these factors can make you and aid you to have an elegant home and sophisticated one. Let us say, you finally found the one that is right for your dining table, yes, you have an elegant dining table. Bt do not forget that you have to take good care of it in order to make sure that it will continually possesses its shine and spark. Clean it up with long feathered duster to remove the dirt and dust. One a year it is also better to make deep cleaning. But of course, you have to be extra careful with your crystals to prevent it from damages.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson http://www.goldenageusa.com

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://Jump2Top.com - SEO Company

Chandelier Earrings: Cascading Elegance

Earrings come in many forms, and the complexity of the style reflects the sophistication of the wearer's taste. One of the most elegant and complex designs is the chandelier cut. Chandelier earrings - as they are simply called - are a more complicated variant of the drop earrings, which are usually made of just one stone or material. Chandelier earrings may be a mix of two or more stones, or an elaborate web of stones and metal. They are longer than drop earrings and often reach far down the neck area without touching the shoulders.

"Chandelier" in itself sounds bulky and reminds one of the heavy cascading lights in party halls and fancy ballrooms. But take the bulk out of the equation, get the shape and apply it to fine threads of silver or gold, and you'll have unique and exotic pieces of jewelry guaranteed to cast light upon the most formal occasion!

The beauty of chandelier earrings is attributed to how it accentuates the length of the neck. The subtle swaying of the jewelry also creates a hypnotic, almost melodic effect. Chandelier earrings are perfect complements to evening gowns and cocktail dresses, clothes that emphasize feminine curves and lend grace to languid movements.

Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, Julienne Moore and Jennifer Lopez have been known to wear signature chandelier earrings at public events. The ever-popular J-Lo, especially, has appeared in many a music video with different cascade-style ear ornaments.

In fact, earrings such as this could be considered an indispensable part of formal wear. No jewelry collection is complete without at least a pair of elegant chandelier earrings. For those special occasions where a woman must look and feel especially sophisticated and ladylike, she should consider wearing flowing jewelry. She will find to her delight that it is a true sensual experience, as much as it is a stunning visual treat.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Easy Steps On Installing You Crystal Chandeliers

Nowadays crystal chandeliers are very demanding. Crystal chandeliers really play a big factor in adding appeal to your house.

So to all of you who purchase a crystal chandelier, my congratulations! So to help our enjoy tour crystal chandeliers I’ll give you easy way steps on how to install your chandeliers.

Remember installing crystal chandeliers requires careful attention to every detail.

First you have to know how heavy your crystal chandelier is. If you see that it nearly matches the weight of your present lighting fixture, there is no need for you to replace the junction box. On the other hand if your chandelier is heavier that your present lighting fixture there is a need for you to purchase and install a junction box that will support the chandeliers weight.

Then after that do remember that you have to shut off the power to the circuit feeding of the chandelier. Use a circuit tester to verify the electricity is shut off. Then afterwards you have to remove the old light fixture. While performing this fixture remembers you have to mark how the fixture was and mark the wires with tape.

Then if it is necessary you have to install the junction box as soon as possible. You have to attach the hardware from he new chandelier to the m mounting strap. If you cant find a mounting strap it means you have to install one.

You have to wire the new chandelier in the same way as the former fixtures. Connect the wires. But do remember that in putting the wire you have to match the colors. Remove about ½ inch of insulation from each of the new wire before attaching it to the corresponding ceiling wire.

Once you finished twisting the wires from the new chandelier to the ceiling wires, you have to twist the wire nuts in a clockwise position. You have to know that in every new chandelier you buy the manufacturer always include manual of instructions for you to be able to complete the process in installing your crystal chandelier.

Be reminded also that if your installing your crystal chandelier in a dining room or kitchen area make sure that the crystal chandelier hangs at least thirty inches above any table you might place under it. Your crystal chandelier should measure twelve inches less in diameter than the width of the table.

And of course always seek for someone’s help when installing your crystal chandeliers. Crystal chandeliers are usually heavy but delicate. Remember if you drop the crystal chandelier you’ll destroy it.

So now you have enough knowledge on how to install your crystal chandeliers, make sure that you have to buy a crystal chandelier that will blend the painting of your home for a more appealing effect. And be reminded that if you want to maintain the beauty of your crystal chandelier for a long time you have to clean it once in a while .so stand up from your seat and start installing your crystal chandelier.

Article Author Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com