Friday, April 11, 2008

Rustic Chandeliers: A Buyer's Guide

Rustic chandeliers are ideal for a lodge or a cabin, as they provide adequate lighting and lend a rustic look to the surroundings.

If one would like a woodsy look, one could choose chandeliers designed with a pine, cedar, or chestnut finish. Rustic pine chandeliers are made of cast fiber and a timber slice finish, a metal base with wrought iron armature, and hand painted laced lampshades. One could get a 4 light pine cone chandelier with dangling pinecones or go in for ponderosa pine cone chandeliers, where the base of the lights are shaped like pine cones.

In cedar log chandeliers, one can get 5 downward lights and an aspen bronze finish with rustic Scavo glass, or a 9-light chandelier with hand painted copper claret finish and

buckskin leather shades. The chestnut chandeliers with 5 lights (single tier) or 9 lights (double tier) have a chestnut finish with gold dust glass for shades.

One could go for ?bear creek? 3-light, 5-light (upward /downward), or even 9-light fixtures with two tiers sporting an antique bronze finish with champagne frost glass. Or one may prefer a Brownstone 3-light or 5-light (upward/downward), or even a 15-light fixture with three tiers and champagne frosted glass.

If one wants a wild life feel, one could go for the antler or the buckhorn chandeliers. Antler chandeliers come in 5-light or 6-light designs, giving the impression of real antlers with a faux antler finish and with natural faux ostrich leather shades.

One may prefer the soft impression of candlelight with candlelight/casa chandeliers.

Fixtures with 6 lights or 9 lights (two-tier) come in a natural iron finish with rustic candle style glass. The casa chandeliers have 3-light, 5-light, or 9-light (two tier) options with an olde black finish and rust Scavo glass.

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

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, March 20, 2008

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.

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, March 17, 2008

Enjoy The Classic Elegance Of A Candle Chandelier

What do you think of when you hear the word chandelier? Chandeliers tend to bring images of grandeur, wealth, and royalty. And candle chandeliers take us back to another era where century old homes and fireplaces were the norm. Why not enjoy the classic elegance of a candle chandelier in your home?

Perhaps you've been lucky enough to have inherited one of the beautiful old chandeliers. If so you're a very lucky person and you need to be sure to take good care of your special gift.

However, if you are like most of us there is no inheritance so you'll need to go on the hunt to find your own perfect piece. Now that can be a lot of fun too! With so many antique shops to peruse and so many online websites selling antiques so you're sure to find the perfect fixture with a little time.

Now that said, you should be prepared to pay a fair bit for an antique piece. You might get lucky and find a really great deal but overall antique fixtures are going to cost you more than modern fixtures. But after all they are an investment.

If an antique piece is out of your budget, not to worry. There are many excellent reproduction pieces that can be purchased for a very affordable price. And they only one that's going to know your secret is you.

Don't forget antique means ornate often with intricate carvings. There's a feel about them that gives them their charm and elegance. Crystal, brass, antler, wrought iron are all great antique choices. Antique candelabras are never shiny. They must always look worn. So even if you are choosing an antique reproduction make sure it has the look of an old fixture.

Oh yes, and you can quickly create the antique look using an antiquing glaze. Just apply and then rub off with a soft cloth while the glaze is still wet. You'll have instant "old."

But an antique candle chandelier won't give the ambiance of old world charm by itself. The rest of the room must also carry the theme. So that means your furniture and other d??cor needs to also look and feel antique. Then your room will come together nicely.

Candle chandeliers are by far the most elegant and classic of all types whether they are crystal, wrought iron, antler, or brass the candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be ever so romantic too! Candles are a form of lighting that bulbs just can't compete with! As the shadows flicker across the room it's a spectacular scene!

That's why they make such great mood setting pieces and the d??cor they are added to must be carefully chosen. Because candles have a softness to them a room that's filled with crisp lines and cuts is not a good choice. A small room is all not a great choice for the full effect of the candles.

They look great in a ballroom, bedroom, even over an antique tub. They can be worked into a dining room providing the d??cor is appropriate. And they look great in a room that has a soft inviting atmosphere.

Candle chandeliers do require more maintenance than electric chandeliers but they are worth every minute of it. Besides the regular cleaning and polishing you will also need to remove any wax drippings taking care to ensure they do not build up in the carvings. You'll want to clean drip cups regularly and if there are glass shades they'll need a regular cleaning as well as they will become blackened.

A candle chandelier portrays a timeless beauty that's second to none and it's a great addition to the right room so be sure to give it the consideration it deserves!

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 custom lighting

Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, March 7, 2008

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Crystal Chandelier for Your Living Room

The living room is one of the particular rooms in a home where you can find a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. You can also find crystal chandeliers from the dining rooms and main halls of people homes.

The living room is the place where the visitors stay when they are in a person’s home, so usually, this particular room is the place where a person might consider putting crystal chandelier to make it more appealing and attractive to visitors. Indeed, having a crystal chandelier in your living room can make it more impressive to visitors. Most people prefer to put an elegant and sparkling crystal chandelier in their living rooms.

Yes, any types of crystal chandelier can make the living room of a home appealing and elegant but there are particular or certain crystal chandeliers that can give much effect on this particular room. You definitely know that crystal chandeliers comes with different types, sizes and design, so you have to find a particular crystal chandelier that will look best on your living room. In choosing the best crystal chandelier in your living room, there are some factors that you need to know and consider before purchasing any crystal chandelier for your living room.

The first factor that you need to know and consider when finding the right crystal chandelier for your living room is the space of the room itself. You have to look at the space o your living room, is it huge or small. If you have a huge living room, you can choose a big crystal chandelier, to make your living room attractive and elegant enough for you and your visitors. If your living room is small then put a little crystal chandelier, since in putting large crystal chandelier in a small room can make the room crowded. So you really have to consider the space and size of the room and crystal chandelier to avoid making your living room appear to be too vacant and too crowded.

The next factor to consider is the amount of lighting you need to make your living room well-lit. In order for you and your visitors to see the beauty of your living room, you have to make sure that the crystal chandelier can illuminate the right amount of lighting. Definitely, crystal chandelier serves as complex lighting fixture, so it should bear the right amount of lighting that can add with the beauty of your living room. The good thing about crystal chandeliers is that, they can be use with different types of light bulbs, with different colors, styles and design. So absolutely, crystal chandelier is a piece of art that can give elegance and beauty to one’s home.

In choosing crystal chandelier in your living room, you also have to consider the overall design of your living room. You have to find a crystal chandelier that matches the total design and style of your living room to make it more appealing and attractive.

This article mentioned some factors that can be helpful on your part in choosing the right crystal chandelier that can fit and can give beauty to one’s home.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson http://goldenageusa.com

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

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, February 25, 2008

General Tips for Chandelier in a Dining Room

Mounted fixtures have a dual purpose. They don't just illuminate a room; they also provide aesthetic appeal to it by bringing beauty and personality into your room. Unlike lamps that one can move around, chandeliers are more permanent. Hence, proper positioning is required for these luminous adornments to work well and look good. The first tip in choosing a chandelier relates to size. One must consider the proportion between the size of the room and the size of the chandelier. A chandelier that is too small for a room will look isolated. On the other hand, one that is too large for a room will appear cluttering. With a rich variety of chandeliers available today, chances are high for finding the perfect one that matches any home. Creativity is very much involved in selecting a chandelier with a wide range of designs, finishes and styles to choose from. Each chandelier adds a touch of elegance to any room and vibrancy into the domestic atmosphere. Chandelier styles can range from elaborate and large to minimalist and aesthetically pleasing. Chandeliers can complement other lighting very easily and will certainly add value to one’s home.

When choosing a dining room chandelier, in particular, attention to proportions becomes magnified. The fixture must neither dominate a table nor look too insignificant. The best thing to do is to measure width and length of the dining table (or the diameter for a round table) and consider these measurements in shopping. As a rule of thumb, the span of the chandelier must be 12 inches shorter than the table's width (or diameter).

To ensure a new light will be securely supported, the ceiling electrical box must be checked before one begins the installation of the chandelier. When hanging over a dining table, the chandelier must be aligned with the center of the dining table with a 30-to 33-inch gap between the tabletop and the bottom of the chandelier. The purpose of the gap is to prevent any bumped heads. Chandeliers for other rooms should be placed generally higher than 8 feet above the floor in the middle of the room or foyer for safety and style. If the electrical connection on the ceiling does not work with the center of the dining table, add a heavy-duty decorative hook on the ceiling above the table center, and then attach a length of chain to carry the wiring from the electrical connection to the hook.

With regards to choosing the right bulbs to buy, one should decrease the watt rating of the bulb larger numbers of bulbs are required. A chandelier with three or more light sockets is probably more suited to 40 watt bulbs. Once correct bulbs are chosen and installed, the chandelier should give off sufficient light coverage without blinding anyone. Dimmer controls are recommended since they allow adjustment of the light intensity according to needs.

It is always a good idea to clean the chandelier at least once a year to maintain its beauty and shine. Before one starts with the cleaning process, the light bulbs must have been off for at least 10 minutes so the bulbs can cool down. For safety reasons, one must never clean the chandelier while the lights are on. It could either lead to a burnt hand, or worse to electrocution. If the pieces have to be dismantled, one must do so in sections or draw up a picture of how the components fit together. This will mitigate any frustration and confusion at the moment the pieces have to be reassembled together. Also place a blanket under the chandelier to catch any pieces of it that may fall. Keep the chandelier in the same place as you clean and do not turn it around as this may strain the power cable.

Earl Juanico

GoldenAge-Crystal Chandeliers

Earl Juanico - GoldenAge-Crystal Chandeliers

Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, January 28, 2008

The Stunning Brilliance of a Murano Chandelier

A Murano chandeleir is a true work of art. These pieces go beyond the normal designs and style, mixing gold with clear glass or adding unique shaped glass pieces. Murano chandeleirs are all made to the highest standards. These pieces are made to last and provide a quality lighting fixture.

Murano chandeleirs are in a class of their own. Known for precise construction and superior products, Murano is a company that has gained respect. The reson behind all of this fame is the attention to detail. Murano glass is of the purest and finest quality. It is all hand blown and made by master craftsmen. A clear glass is one that is cherished above all the rest and every piece made by Murano is ensured to be clear and free of any distortion. To make such high quality glass starts with the choice of base products. Murano glass is made with Cogoli or quartz pebbles from the Ticino and Adige river beds. By using the purest materials, they can then produce the cleanest glass pieces with no iumpurities.

There are many styles of Murano chandeleirs. They are all beautiful in their own right. The pieces are breath-taking and inspirational at the same time. They have such a rich elegance to them that it is hard to believe that some of them are made for outdoor use. That versitality means these pieces can be used everyweher from the garden to the dining room and never look out of place. Chandeleirs can be made to customers specifications or can be chosen from the exsisiting collection.

One piece is a white glass with green and 24 carat gold accents. It is a simple design that compliments many differnet décor styles. Another piece, the Barbara chandeleir is all about fruit. It features colored glass fruits and is framed by crystals. The candle lights are on a wrought iron frame. An older, harder to find Murano chandelier is the Amethyst. It has 8 arms with tear drop pendant accents. This chandeleir is from the 1940s and has that vintage flair to it. No matter what style of chandelier is chosen, the customer is sure to be pleased with their Murano chandeleir.

A Murano chandelier is definitely the center of attention in any room. These pieces are hard to define in words, but it only takes one look to leave a person breathless. The detailed work in every aspect of the chandelier shows the dedicatoion of Murano to produce excellent chandeleirs that exhibit unique style and a rich attitude.

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

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, December 3, 2007

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

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Monday, November 26, 2007

A Guide to Crystal Chandeliers

Purchasing a crystal chandelier is similar to buying a diamond. Not all crystal is created equal. Crystal may be machine-cut, hand cut or molded. The cost of your chandelier can fluctuate drastically depending on the quality of crystal you choose. Most fixtures are available in four qualities of crystal.

Lights of Distinction - the Crystorama Lighting Group and James R. Moder are two of the largest manufacturers of Crystal Chandeliers.

Strass Crystal: Strass Crystal is considered the finest in the world. Strass is manufactured by Swarovski AG in the Austrian Alps. Strass is an optically pure crystal, clear as spring water, totally free of flaws, unique in purity and brilliance. Strass crystal is characterized by razor-sharp cutting of facets (surfaces) with the lead content in excess of 30 percent. Cutting and polishing are done by machine to achieve perfect optical clarity. Strass crystals are treated with an invisible coating, which eliminates dust attraction and makes it easier to clean and maintain. Each crystal (over 12mm) has the distinct STRASS® laser engraved signature, identifying it as a genuine STRASS® Crystal .

Swarovski Spectra Crystal: A passion for perfection has made Swarovski the world leader in the production of cut crystal. Swarovski & Co., manufacturer of Strass Crystal, has created a new alternative quality crystal. Swarovski has used advanced technology with olde world knowledge to produce a brilliant crystal with precision cutting and superior light reflection. This crystal type is designed for a crystal connoisseur demanding quality at an affordable price. Imperial Crystal (Available only through James R Moder): Imperial crystal dressed chandeliers contain brilliant crystals created by precision cutting sourced from Austria , Egypt , Turkey and the Czech Republic . The Imperial crystal is a combination of quality crystals to achieve a great look at an excellent price point.

Regal Crystal (James R Moder) / Majestic Wood Polish Crystal (Crystorama): This crystal is cut by hand in two stages on an iron and then a sandstone wheel. Each crystal is then polished on a wood wheel with marble dust. These methods go back centuries. If you look closely you will notice faint traces of the wood-wheel attesting, the concentrated labor of the artisan. This is a mark of authenticity. Each piece is a unique and original masterpiece.

Italian Crystal: Italian crystal also known as Venetian Crystal (from the glass-making regions in and around Venice ) is molded not cut. You will notice a rounding of edges that comes from fire polishing. Molded crystal, though never as brilliant as cut crystal has a subtle charm and is an exceptional value. It is an ideal budget crystal for heavily dressed chandeliers.

A wide selection of beautiful chandeliers can be found at LightingShowplace.com. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right chandelier to suit your home.

Labels: , , , , , ,