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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Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Sparkling Chandelier for a More Attractive Home

Chandeliers are fixtures at the ceiling with about two or more arms that bear lights. Chandeliers were first seen and used in medieval churches to illuminate large halls. Way back, chandeliers were typically made with wooden cross which have spikes, so to secure it.

As time goes by, chandeliers became more elaborate and more sophisticated. The chandeliers were not only for lighting purposes only but it became an attractive and appealing decoration. There are no wonder why chandeliers can be seen in palaces and home of the rich people. Chandelier actually became symbol of wealth.

Indeed, chandeliers can make a home an attractive, beautiful, appealing and sparkling. They come with different varieties such as contemporary chandeliers, wrought iron chandeliers, crystal chandeliers and a lot, lot more. Crystal chandeliers are actually the most popular type. A lot of people love to purchase crystal chandelier for their own homes. Yes, you heard me right, people purchase crystal chandeliers for their own homes, indeed there are chandeliers out in the market that are affordable. So everybody can purchase their own chandeliers. Each variety has a lot of different kinds. Like for instance, crystal chandelier, it comes with different kinds such as Versailles, original French Baccarat chandeliers, Venetian Murano chandeliers, bohemian, custom made chandeliers and more.

So if you want to add up the beauty of chandelier into you home, you have to choose from the wide selection of chandeliers. Each type can give beauty to any home, but of course you have to pick one that will go well with the style of your home. Making sure that chandelier will go well with your home can add up the beauty and appeal to your home, which is actually your main goal why you want to put a chandelier to your home.

Take time in choosing the chandelier you pleases to see hanging around your home. Consider the size of your space in choosing, in order to make it more appealing not dull or crowded. Size really matters in choosing the chandelier that will go well to your home.

Color is also important, find the one that will match to the motif of your home. Make sure that each decor of your home matches to make it more attractive and appealing. You definitely want to make your home a great place, so make sure that everything matches.

As soon as you finally found the chandelier that you believe will go well with your home, putting it to the ceiling is the next thing you have to do. But before that you have to make sure that the electric box can still accommodate additional lightning. Make sure as well that you will purchase the right bulbs.

As a piece of advice, in order to make sure that the chandelier will remain its spark and charm, take time to clean it. Use large duster to clean it up. And better to do deep cleaning even once a year to make sure that the chandelier will continually have the spark and the charm.

Indeed, chandelier can make a home more appealing and attractive, so you have to treat the chandelier right, take care of it. Clean it. In order for the chandelier to remain sparkling and beautiful, you have to take care of it as well http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Crystal Chandelier for an Elegant Home

Most people want to make their homes attractive and elegant. So they usually want to put home decorations that will make their homes beautiful.

A lot of them believe that having crystal chandelier can make their homes sophisticated, but they do not purchase one because they thought they can’t afford it.

You are definitely wrong, you can afford to buy crystal chandelier, and anyone can purchase one it they want to. There are a lot of crystal chandeliers that are affordable and attractive.

Way back, chandeliers can be found in palaces and mansions. But nowadays, they already develop chandeliers that are affordable to everybody. So it is now possible that anyone can purchase crystal chandelier to make their homes appealing.

But to make sure that you can find the best crystal chandelier that will really add beauty to your home, there are some tips that this article will tell you in order to come up with the idea in purchasing your crystal chandelier, just read on.

In purchasing a crystal chandelier, you have to consider the size. You can do this by looking at the exact room that you wish to put your crystal chandelier, it can be on your living room, bedroom, and dining room. Look at the space; if the room has a huge space, then you can purchase a big crystal chandelier and if the space is small, better to purchase a small crystal chandelier.

You have to look at the design, style and motif of your room, so that you can find a crystal chandelier that matches your room. This is very important to make sure it can look beautiful and appealing as you put it in your specific room.

Yes, you can find crystal chandeliers in home improvement store and specialty stores, but you can also find a lot of crystal chandeliers and any other types of chandelier through the internet.

There are heaps of crystal chandeliers that you can find online. Plenty of websites are offering such products. So all you have to do is find for the websites that offers crystal chandeliers. Ask for pictures and details of the crystal chandeliers that they offer. Choose the crystal chandelier that suits your needs.

Now, in order to make your home appealing and attractive, you have to put the crystal chandelier to the specific room of your home. But before hand, you have to check out the electric box, make sure that it can still support additional lights.

If you have a huge crystal chandelier, better to ask someone to help you out. Then hang the crystal chandelier to your room. Congratulations, you now have an elegant and beautiful room.

As a piece of advice, if you are going to clean your home, better to take time to clean your crystal chandelier as well, in order to maintain its appeal and spark. You can use long feather duster and reach out as much as you can.

But you have to make a deep cleaning once a year to make sure that it is clean enough. Crystal chandelier makes your home beautiful and sophisticated, so you have to take good care of it as well.

Eliza Maledevic

GoldenAge - Crysta Chandeliers

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://7seo.com SEO Company

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Monday, February 4, 2008

Crystal Chandelier for an Attractive Room

If you hear the word lighting fixture, what is the first thing that comes up to your mind? I would say crystal chandeliers. Since, crystal chandeliers are well-known sophisticated and attractive lightning that you can put in a home.

Through the 15th century crystal chandeliers are said to be a popular decorative designs for the homes and other commercial establishments. Sometimes crystal chandeliers are said to determine your way of living in the society.

The use of crystal chandeliers started many decades ago. We usually see crystal chandeliers hanging in our living rooms, dining areas and hallways. As time pass by, the use of crystal chandeliers started to bloom. Almost everyone wish to own or have a crystal chandelier. Others spend hundreds of thousands of money just to buy a crystal chandelier.

Nowadays crystal chandeliers are also use as a decoration for the bedrooms. It is said that a crystal chandelier can help in making a room look more beautiful. Crystal chandeliers give a different look into a room because of the magical colors from its lightings.

Other interior designers said that crystal chandeliers can be turn into a modern look that will make them add more distinguishable effects on the color and aura of your rooms. With the use of crystal chandeliers you’re trying to show a different look or a new way to emphasize the aura of your house.

Craft experts say that our crystal chandeliers can now be turn into a more modern design. We can turn the colors of the crystal chandeliers into a focal point that can create a more dramatic look instead of just a plain light source. While other crystal chandeliers can be crafted in different abstracts with the shades of a sulk drum.

Other crystal chandeliers are often ornate with many lamps and other shapes of glass, which illuminates the room in many patterns. Crystal chandeliers can make you feel you belong to a royalty family because of the underlying and exquisite beauty it radiates.

Because of the majestic charm, which crystal chandeliers possess, it attracts most people to decorate their houses with it. When buying your crystal chandeliers there are lots of different designs that you could choose from which are sold in the market. It will really depend on your taste on how you will choose a crystal chandelier for your home. There are different chandeliers that are made from the crystals, brass, wrought irons and so many more.

To be able to decide on what kind of crystal chandelier will fit your room, always start with decorations that are simple in colors or those crystal chandeliers that will be predominant in the decoration of your rooms.

Be reminded that blending in all the decorations in your room is very important to make it more look beautiful and attractive.

As soon as you purchase the crystal chandelier you want, you can now hang it out to your room. Definitely, your room looks wonderful as the crystal chandelier is hanging there.

Surely you know that crystal chandelier can make your home or your room in particular, so you have to take some time to clean it up. Clean the crystal chandelier so to maintain its appeal and spark. Just be extra careful in cleaning it.Eliza Maledevic from http://www.Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Know more about CrystalChandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Cleaning Your Chandelier - Safety Tips

Chandeliers are essential accent pieces in dining and living rooms of homes. Chandeliers bring life to holidays and special occasions, and nothing beats an elegantly set table with crystal, china, silverware and linen like having an equally sparkling and gleaming chandelier.

However, despite its allure and stature, many chandeliers suffer from neglect and improper cleaning. Since these pieces are sensitively intricate, people would resist cleaning them until it's absolutely, positively necessary to do so.

If a chandelier is dirty and filled with dust, grime and cobwebs, it is time to clean it before that special occasion arrives and when should you be in a hurry, you could cause some of the crystals to drop, or probably damage the fixture itself.

Be sure to your chandeliers in advance before any major event, so it will be ready when the special occasion comes.

Ways to clean chandeliers
 

There are a lot of ways on effectively cleaning chandeliers, however there are two standard methods used when it comes to cleaning a chandelier. The methods pertain to the way you clean the fixture and the 2 choices are either to wet clean or dry clean them. Should one have an ornate and opulently designed chandelier or one that is placed too high too clean, you may probably have to wet clean the fixture.

If you have a particularly fine crystal chandelier, you must first contact the lighting center of your choice, or where you purchased the fixture, and inquire about the proper way to clean it. It is also advisable to ask for advice from a lighting professional or an electrician. However, it is also recommend that one uses a spray cleaner or try individual hand cleaning. If one has any concerns at all, hand, or dry cleaning could be the best choice.

Safety tips for cleaning chandeliers
 

Before proceeding with cleaning your chandelier, take note of the following safety precautions:

- Turn off the electricity first at the circuit breaker box, to prevent electrocution.
 

- Plug another light at another outlet, on another breaker switch, to lighten the area and guide you when cleaning the chandelier.

- Move anything breakable away from the cleaning area.
 

- Use a tall ladder so that you won't have problems reaching inner areas of the chandeliers.

- Put a mat or a large of plastic on the floor to serve as a catch basin for any drips, and also place a soft blanket or cloth on the floor to catch any crystals, should one fall

For the proper and thorough cleaning of chandeliers, it would be best to follow these important procedures:

- Take out all bulbs and put them aside.
 

- Lay a large towel above the bottom of a sink or dishpan. Fill this halfway with medium hot water. Add soap, detergent and swish up to create suds.

- Fill up a large container or pan with clean hot water for rinsing and pad this up with a towel to keep fine, crystals or glass from breaking.

- Take the crystal drops and saucers off of the chandelier and wash a one at the time. Wipe the frame of the chandelier with a cloth filled with suds.

- Continue washing, and re-changing parts of the chandelier until the whole fixture is clean. Afterwards, wipe them dry and put them back into their sockets.

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

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Sunday, December 9, 2007

Art Glass Chandeliers - Something Unique

A museum in the Hakone region of Japan, (a few hours from Tokyo) houses some of the most interesting Venetian crystal ornamentation and lighting. The Venetian Glass Museum or the Hakone Glass Forest, as it’s called, is a great way to see crystal and Murano glass in all its splendor, because, unlike a typical museum, a portion of the displays begin outside where entryway trees are festooned in Murano crystal; some clear, others in beautiful rich colors. These crystal filled trees line the museum’s courtyard.

The museum itself contains some very exquisite Murano glass chandeliers dating back to the 18th century. Period piece rooms are filled with ornate crystal chandeliers – a different kind of visual experience for the Murano glass lover, a Venetian style of production that dates back hundreds of years.

Murano glass dates back to the 13th century when glassmakers in Venice were banned to the island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon. Some of this was based on safety to ensure the hot fires needed to make glass would not burn down Venice but another reason was to keep the knowledge of the craft secret and specific to the area. Glassmakers of Murano (at the time) were actually forbidden to share their trade secrets with foreigners nor were they allowed to leave the island, an offense punishable by death. Venetian glassmakers were the leaders in glassmaking throughout the middle ages, right up until the 19th and 20th century when they were finally upstaged by the Bohemian and English glassmakers.

Murano glass is still renowned throughout the world. Glassmakers on Murano work much the same way they did hundreds of years ago but now it’s possible to find much more affordable Murano reproductions.

Nicole Martins, is a senior editor at Chandeliers and Home Lighting. If you would like to read more about Italian chandeliers with Murano glass visit this site at: http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com

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