Sunday, March 30, 2008

Origin of Crystal Chandeliers

Crystal chandeliers are as common as other expensive furniture and interior models, giving life to luxurious, classy buildings and structural design. Crystal-made chandelier provides distinctive reflections, adding glamour to the light that would roughly ensnare everyone?s eyes. Because of this feature, it is now one of the after sought interior decors in the market.

The use of crystal chandelier is dated back in 1150 A.D. in Europe. However there are notions that it originated from the place of the oldest civilization- China. European style during the ancient period is known for glitzy spendthrift peripheries. Shortly after the trend in Europe, Romans undertook their contribution for architectural concepts brought about by the renaissance view in the year 1400.

Baroque era in 1600 influenced the fashion and elegance of crystal chandelier?s assembly that implicated new affluent designs that can still be witnessed up to date. The Bourgeoisie or the ?middle class? in Europe during the Regency period in 1800 and 1830, were engaged in exhibiting Regency chandeliers showing the prosperity and splendor of the Bourgeoisie class.

During the Victorian era in 1849 to 1870, chandeliers grew heavier in furnishings and embellishments that were identified as Victorian crystal chandeliers. The decoration piece had enormously adorned every distinctive marvelous house.

The modern times had exerted influence on the designs of crystal chandelier, combining some styles including method of abstraction, providing sense of modernity to home?s interior decoration and giving more emphasis for appreciation. Recent made chandeliers are made of several materials like metals painted with gold, silver, bronze, and chrome. Some of the designs are combined with glass materials enhanced by the cutting-edge stylish lighting elements or candle holders within it. With the advanced tools and equipments nowadays, designers are given much chance to defy arts and craftsmanship.

Finding styles that suit one?s taste is as easy now as choosing a piece of clothes to wear. There are varieties of style to choose from. With the boosting of crystal chandelier market, people can already embellish their respective humble houses with the gift of art and make them look more like a hotel, museum, or a mansion. Chandelier can manipulate the motif of an interior decoration and add more spices to an idle-looking house interior. The house owner might want to get a set that does not demand for many light bulbs or choose a piece with so many provisions for lighting elements. Incorporating chandelier in a house interior decoration can inspire good reflections and designs. Some chandeliers can be made upon customer?s order with customer?s personal design, giving the home owner an opportunity to flaunt his own designing prowess and to display his flavor of art. According to manufacturers and sellers, majority of the buyers prefer crystal chandelier because of its flashing elegance and beauty, reflecting any lights that might come upon it. There are people who still desire for the Renaissance and Victorian type though.

During the past decades, crystal chandelier were only associated with middle class people who are fitted to enjoy the grandeur of its beauty; but as years pass by, the use of crystal chandelier for interior decoration had been wide opened to most contemporary houses and building structures around the world.

Jenny Juliano - crystal-chandeliers.line.us

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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

BABY NURSERY CHANDELIERS Unique Lighting Options

Adequate lighting is needed in any nursery for a baby's safety. But replace those Plain Jane fixtures and sconces with eye-popping chandeliers and you've got way more than just light. You've got eye-popping d?cor! There's just something about a great chandelier that draws the eye the minute you enter the room.

We work so hard to create a lovely baby girl's frilly nursery with ribbons, bows and lots of other convections of color and style so a chandelier is just the fluffy frosting on the cake, so to speak!

For a baby boys nursery chandeliers are rustic and in keeping with the interests of a little boy. Selections can range from sports themes to camping and the great outdoors. Rustic style fixtures will work nicely with many themes of the outdoors. Cover some existing mini shades with a buffalo plaid or burlap to make a generic black iron chandelier take on a whole new personality.

Most modern homes can handle more than one chandelier. Don't limit your decorative lighting to the center of the dining area. Always gauge the size of your accessories to the amount of space to be filled. If your nursery has a high ceiling a longer fixture would be appropriate. If you are dealing with a standard sized area, a smaller selection may be order. Keep in mind that smaller does not mean less style. A mini chandelier that suits the space is preferable over a large piece that will leave a fussy or overcrowded impression.

When shopping for a child's chandelier don't ask the salesperson to point you in the direction of kid's room accessories. Often these specialized items are overpriced and completely over-rated. It's much better to use your imagination and compliment your nursery d?cor. You really don't want an item that shouts its identity as a mass produced juvenile accessory. The lighting should give a nod to its surroundings. A courtly bow is not always necessary

For instance, for a Disney nursery theme, there's no need for the shades to be covered in cartoon characters unless the rest of the room is understated. If this is the case, there's certainly nothing wrong with an area of activity. On the other hand, too many prints or pictures within any given area would not be desirable.

Color and versatility are other considerations. It's entirely possible to start with simple black wrought iron chandeliers with white shades and get stunning results. Transform those boring white shades with some trim and Voila you have created a one of a kind nursery accessory. You will have a chandelier that can be made to work with any nursery theme.

Completely change the personality of your lighting by looping strings of imitation pearls, twinkle lights or attaching silk flowers. There are many ways to embellish a generic piece if you feel the need for a little something extra.

If you have a family heirloom then you probably should not deface it with spray paint or disturb the basics of the chandelier, but shades are easily changed and cheap to replace!

Freelance Author of Nursery Decorating Articles Baby Gear Reviews and Webmaster for http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com.html

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Crystal Chandeliers and Art Glass Fixtures: Why we love them!

As a traveler from the West, it might seem strange to travel all the way to Japan and include a visit to a Glass Museum featuring Venetian and Murano glass and crystal from Italy. However, like so many other museum visitors, an appreciation and attraction to sparkling luminescence and colorful display warrants the price of admission.

For over 1000 years some of the worlds' best glass makers have been making Murano glass. Passed down from master to apprentice Murano glass designed in chandeliers and light fixtures can include: clear and colored crystals, finely cut glass shaped into flowers, and marbleized, frosted, gold and silver glass shades. Some of the top lighting manufactures including: James Moder, ELK and Kalco incorporate Murano glass in a number of chandeliers and pendant fixtures. For contemporary lighting, ELK has a wonderful selection of colored glass pendants. Another manufacturer and line to check out is Shonbek's Geometrix. This lighting line by Schonbek marries the beauty of crystal with architectural detailing that is exquisite and delicate, like finding a treasure. http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com/schonbek-crystal-chandelier.htm

And while the inclusion of colored glass crystal in lighting is nothing new, it is certainly growing. Just like the fascination with stained glass lighting as witnessed for over a century with reproduction Tiffany lighting, people continue to enjoy the decorative effects of colorful glass patterned lamp shades. Collections like the above mentioned Shonbek Geometrix, include appeal for both modern lighting design and sparkling color intermixed in the fixture.

If you wonder where all this is going - well, it's not going away. If you love colorful illumination - Swarovski crystal, Murano glass, and colorful glass fixtures keep checking the collections of your favorite designers, or, new designers. They're sure to keep surprising you with some real lighting gems!

Nicole Martins is a contributing writer and researcher to Chandeliers and Home Lighting, providing you information and reviews of popular selling lighting fixtures. You can visit this site at http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com

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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Chandelier Basics, Versatile Elegance With A Variety Of Applications

One of my favorite topics is the chandelier because of its history as a method of lighting that was used before the sixteenth century. The earliest chandeliers were very basic, almost primitive devices that involved two pieces of wood connected together to form a cross. A spike was inserted at each end to hold the candles and a rope or chain was connected to the crosspiece and then suspended from the ceiling. As a former antique dealer, I've found that nearly all of the earliest chandeliers were destroyed and very few authentic examples remain in existence today.

The chandelier found its resurgence in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and was found in the great palaces of Europe and America. They soon began to find their way into some of the more expensive mansions and private homes in this country and abroad and have been around ever since. The industrial revolution provided the impetus for mass production of this once exclusive lighting fixture and today, chandeliers can be found in many homes and in any number of rooms in these homes. One of the major appeals of the chandelier is the drama it creates. It automatically lends character and a somewhat regal atmosphere to an otherwise plain room.

One of the major appealing characteristics of today’s chandeliers, are their versatility. A kitchen can be transformed into a high-class dining area with the addition of the right chandelier. A large bathroom can be given an air of elegance with the installation of a chandelier. Some homeowners will even use a chandelier in the master bedroom to give it that special feeling.

Chandeliers are available in all kinds of styles, shapes and can be made from a variety of materials. Although the most common type of chandelier is made of crystal, faux candles and other types of lighting is also available. One of the best ways to find the style and size chandelier that will best complement your décor, is to go online and look at what’s available.

Keep in mind that the chandelier usually draws the immediate attention of a visitor so it should fit the basic décor of your home. Proper sizing is critical. A chandelier that is too large for the space it occupies will overpower the room and may even lend a sense of claustrophobia to the visitor. On the other hand, a chandelier that is too small for the room just looks out of place regardless of its style. Although most chandeliers can easily light an entire room, the result can often be a harsh or raw look. Many decorators prefer matching wall sconces and have both the chandelier and the sconces on dimmers so that just the right balance of light can be achieved.

Always keep in mind that chandelier and elegance go together conceptually. In fact, many consider a chandelier to be a piece of art.

Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind when looking for and eventually installing a chandelier. Sketch the room and include dimensions. Consider the size of any prospective chandelier in terms of the ratio of its size to the room where it will be installed. Some individuals fall in love with a particular chandelier, purchase and install it and find that it just doesn’t “work”. This is usually the result of improper sizing.

If you intend to hang the chandelier yourself, it’s important that you keep some important considerations in mind. Most chandeliers are much heavier than the light fixture that they are replacing. A typical light fixture is installed in an electrical box that is anchored on one side to a ceiling joist. This usually provides sufficient support for the fixture.

The chandelier, on the other hand, usually requires much greater support. One option is to remove the existing fixture and the electrical box. Then, install a fan brace that is expandable so that it will fit tightly between two ceiling joists. Fan braces are most typically used to install heavy ceiling fans. Once the brace is expanded to fit tightly between the joists, attach it according to the instructions it came with and then bolt a new electrical box to the center of the brace. The brace, supported by the two ceiling joists, will support considerable weight (up to 150 or more pounds). Attach the chandelier to the new electrical box and you’re ready to see the results.

Also, keep in mind that this is not a one-person job.
 

The chandelier or chandeliers that you install in your home can change the look and the feel of the rooms where they are installed and in fact can provide a new feel of elegance to the entire home.

LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for chandelier lighting fixtures. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount chandeliers, visit us at http://www.LightnBreezy.com

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Friday, February 1, 2008

Chandelier Can Give Elegance to a Home

Chandeliers were seen to mansions, houses of the rich, and palaces because of there sophisticated and elegant look. Definitely, chandeliers are attractive lights that hang to the ceiling of a house.

Nowadays, chandelier can be seen not only at the mansions and palaces, you can actually find chandelier at any home. Yes, there are plenty of chandeliers that are affordable to purchase, so anyone can certainly have their very own chandelier that can give elegance to their homes.

There are a lot of kinds of chandeliers, one of which is crystal chandelier. And there are thousands of styles of styles of crystal chandeliers that you can choose from. You can hang a crystal chandelier to any part of your home; it can be at your dining room, living room, and bedroom and so on. It is really up to you where you want to put the crystal chandelier that can make your home elegant and sophisticated.

If you are planning to purchase a crystal chandelier for your home, you have to consider certain factors to make sure that the one you purchase will fit and suit your home.

Measurements are important. So you have to measure the height of the particular room you desire to put the chandelier. The crystal chandelier should not exceed 30 inches above your head. Make sure not to hang it too high because it will just appear dwarfed.

If you really want to put a crystal chandelier in your home, you have to decide the exact room you want to place it and you have to consider this room in choosing the right crystal chandelier. You have to bear in mind that different rooms are entitled with different styles and sizes.

There are some guidelines that you have to take note in order for you to determine the right or appropriate size for a particular room. This article will give you these guidelines that can help you out, so just continue reading.

Choose and put a crystal chandelier that is about 1.5 to 2 feet wide if you have a six person dining table, if you have an eight person dining table, you have to put a crystal chandelier that is about 2 to 2.5 feet wide, and for dining table of 10 to 12 persons, you have to put a crystal chandelier that is about 2.5 to 3.5 feet wide, if you desire to put your crystal chandelier on your dining table. You have to choose and put a crystal chandelier that is about 20 to 30% of your living room’s width, if you desire to put it to your living room. Choose and put a crystal chandelier that is about 30 to 40% of your foyer’s width, if you want to place it to your foyer or entrance hall.

In putting the bulbs on your crystal chandelier, there are still things that you need to consider in order to make sure o your safety. You have to add the total watts of all the bulbs needed on your crystal chandelier. As you add all the watts, it should be not exceeding to 200 to 400 watts. It is advisable to buy the right bulbs for the safety of your home.

In order to make sure to have a crystal chandelier that can add beauty and elegance of your home, you have to match it with the architectural style of your home. Decide if you prefer to use either clear crystals, colored crystals or a combination of these two.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson

GoldenAge - Crystal Chandeliers

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

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Stunning Crystal Chandelier Cesigns

There is absolutely no denying the beauty of crystal chandeliers. These interior conversation pieces have been delighting the senses since the 17th century. While there are many different types of crystal available today, one crystal stands head and shoulders above the rest. Strass crystal, manufactured by Swarovski, is recognized the world over as the finest crystal known to man. This crystal is first machine cut, and then hand polished and coated with an invisible optical layer, creating a stunning effect. It is these Swarovski crystals that are used every year in the design of the unique Swarovski Crystal Palace Collections. These stunning crystal chandelier designs have been introduced since 2002, with the most recent unveiling occurring in April 2006. Let’s take a look at some of the stunning crystal chandelier designs that have been realized through the years.

Fashion designers Bruno Basso and Christopher Brooke designed a chandelier in 2006 called “Science & Fiction”. The shape of this chandelier was based on the Marie-Therese design, which is identified with the 18th century Empress of Austria. The beautiful Marie-Therese chandelier is noted for its ornate candle arms, and “Science & Fiction” made sure to pay homage to this old standard. The chandelier includes 111 crystals that feature a print of one of a kind design, and it is completed by 32 lit black candles.

Contemporary designer Ferrucio Laviani presented an amazing chandelier in 2005 that he called “Yoga”. He took over 100 crystals of differing pastel shades and enclosed them in a beautiful gold frame. “Yoga” is similar in shape to a standard children’s top, but this is one toy you would not want the children to play with. This marvelous chandelier is lit with halogens, casting off a gentle and hypnotizing glow of colors and crystal texture.

Gaetano Pesce introduced a beautiful chandelier in 2006 which he called “Mediterraneo”. This chandelier is a feast for the senses, as Pesce designed this chandelier in much the same style as a traditional old world chandelier – with a twist. The chandelier consists of 140 crystal strands, each one consisting of 87 Swarovski crystals lit up by LED’s that change the color of the design. In addition, “Mediterraneo” emits certain soothing smells and also changes shape before the viewer’s eyes. This is truly a unique and gorgeous crystal chandelier design.

Chris Levine was the mind behind the chandelier entitled “Vertigo”. This creation has the look and feel of old-time chandeliers similar to those you might see in ballrooms, but “Vertigo” is lit with laser lights throughout the rows of crystals. The result is a visually stunning display of what can be done with beautiful Swarovski crystals.

As evidenced by these original designs, the days of “run-of-the-mill” chandeliers are a thing of the past. As designers continue to experiment with the aesthetic beauty of crystals, the presentations will surely resemble the stunning crystal chandelier designs mentioned in this article. As a result, more and more people are sure to discover the beauty associated with crystal chandeliers.

Jo Williams has an interest in Shopping & Retail and Crystal Chandelier, for more FREE information and articles please visit Crystal Chandelier Resources

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Stained Glass Chandelier Parts

Chandeliers have been around for centuries and lend elegance and beauty to any home. If you are a chandelier owner, then you know how quickly they can transform a room. Some say a dining room just isn't complete without one. If you are looking for an exquisite way to use chandeliers in your home, consider stained glass chandelier parts. Stained glass chandeliers combine the beauty of stained glass with the elegance of a chandelier in one.

The history of chandeliers is a rich one. They were first used in medieval times to light dark churches. These early chandeliers were not like the ones you see today. They were normally just wood and candles. But out of that came a lovely decorating and lighting trend. In the 15th century, gorgeous chandeliers started popping up in churches, palaces and homes of the very wealthy. Later, stained glass would be combined with these lovely lighting fixtures to create something very unique. With stained glass chandelier parts you can get in on the trend.

When the Victorian’s started using stained glass, the stained glass chandelier was invented. This is a very beautiful item and quickly became popular. You can enjoy the beauty this fusion yourself with stained glass chandelier parts. Using stained glass, you can transform just plain, old, chandelier into a true work of art.

Creating a stained glass chandelier is easy if you have the equipment. First, of course, you do need a chandelier. Look for these quite cheap in thrift stores and antique shops. Do not worry about the condition; you can do a lot to fix it up. Then shop for stained glass chandelier parts on the internet or in glass shops. Ebay is a great place to find stained glass chandelier parts.

If you are not interested in making your own stained glass chandelier, you can purchase one already made. Using stained glass chandelier parts, people have been making and selling stained glass chandeliers for years. Visit your local lighting shops to find just the right stained glass chandelier for your home. The beauty it will bring into your home will be worth searching for.

Stained glass window panels and antique mission style staned glass window panels as well as window restoration information, reviews and resources - Stained Glass Window Panels is your source for authentic Tiffany stained glass & home decor reviews, FAQs and informative articles. Spun glass is a wonderful art form and a great way to decorate your home. If you are looking for design tips, spun glass figurines, glass decoration, and information on art glass supplies and antique stained glass or spun glass decor and gifts we can help by providing information, FAQs and reviews.  

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Thursday, December 6, 2007

Contemporary Chandeliers are Popular Today

n the past, as one think of a chandelier, images of expensive crystal and glass chandelier found in rich and famous mansions are the ones that come into their minds.

Before, the broad impression of people to chandeliers is that they are too expensive and too bold. Though, contemporary chandeliers nowadays are the ‘in thing’. They are not too complicated and too elaborate, and they come with different styles and designs.

Certainly, there are a lot of varieties of contemporary chandeliers that one can choose from, the contemporary chandelier that will fit your home.

Contemporary chandeliers can be made of numerous different metal finishes, such as bronze, brass, nickel, chrome, and even silver. There are heaps of bronze finishes such as weathered bronze, imperial bronze, tannery bronze, dorian bronze, and sable bronze patinas. With the nickel finishes, one can get from brushed nickel, brushed nickel with chrome, iron oxide, olde pewter, olde iron, polished brass, empire silver, distressed black, and so on.

Indeed, there are even a lot of varieties in terms of the shades such as 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, and a lot, lot more.

There are also contemporary chandeliers that are made of glass, but there are pricey than those contemporary chandeliers made with metal. Contemporary chandeliers comes with different patterns, color schemes, styles and designs, each gives and put distinct glow to any room. Contemporary chandelier can also give a room a unique way of giving light to a home. As for the lights, contemporary chandeliers offers porcelain lighting that can give a home a fine ambience.

In terms of the number of lights in the contemporary chandelier, there a lot of varieties as well, it depends on what you desire to put on your home. There are heaps of types of contemporary chandeliers and they all vary in styles, designs, color schemes, it’s really up to you, on which type you like choose that will fit to the style and design of your home.

Besides, the main purpose of the contemporary chandelier is to give a home a modern interior decoration. And creativity in choosing a contemporary chandelier for your home is required, since you will be the one who will search for the right contemporary chandelier that will suit your style, your design and your home.

Now that there are lots of contemporary chandeliers available in the market, store, on the internet, and so on, all you can to do is search for the right one. Since there are many chandeliers out there, everyone can turn there homes into art gallery. These amazing pieces can make a home more appealing and attractive.

Whether you decide to have a contemporary chandelier that is simple or uncomplicated or bold and rich, surely no one will go wrong from the many types of contemporary chandeliers to beautify the interior of a home. All it takes is find the certain piece with the lots of different contemporary chandelier that will fit to your home. Just be creative enough in searching for the right contemporary chandelier for you. Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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