How To Install A New Chandelier

Many people will feel they will need to acquire the skills of an electrician to install their new chandelier, lantern or wall sconce. This is by far the safest way of doing the job and you should make the necessary enquiries to obtain the skills of a licensed and qualified electrician. However there are many people who are interested the field of do-it-yourself. If there is a light or electrical wiring at the point where you wish to install and you feel that the electrical installation and physical hanging of a chandelier is within your means then there are a few basic points to remember before proceeding. Be aware that if the light connection is on the outside of a house, for instance the installation of a new lantern, additional care needs to be taken over the waterproofing of the electrical system. This article does not propose to go into installing a new electrical light circuit. You may also like to contact an electrician just to ensure that you have a backup should you find the job beyond your means.

First and foremost is to be aware of the legal and safety requirements with electrical fittings. You may need to check with your Landlord and/or the local authorities that you have the right to modify your electrical circuits. It is particularly relevant if you have a listed building. You should read and familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions of the new lighting fixture. Check that none of the parts mentioned are missing, nor that it excluded a necessary part such as the supporting chain. You need to ensure that you have everything, parts and tools, needed to complete the job. You should establish that the point of fixing or hanging (on the ceiling) is strong enough to hold the weight of the chandelier or wall sconce. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the method of replacing the light bulbs since this is something you will certainly have to do at some point in time. In fact it would generally be easier to install the chandelier and then add the light bulbs at the end.

It then goes without saying that you need to turn off the electricity supply. However since that may be inconvenient for the length of time it takes to install the lighting system, you may be able to establish from the safety trip fuse box (breaker box) exactly which electrical circuit you are using and the appropriate switch to turn it off. This is a fairly simple operation: you simply turn off one trip switch at a time and see if the light you are replacing goes on or off. Something that is indispensable when working with electrical circuits is one of those simple screwdrivers with a built-in light to enable electric currents to be detected. This allows an additional confirmation that the electrical wires are not alive.

With the wiring that you are working on now safely turned off, we proceed with dismantling the old fitting making careful note of the wiring and in particular the color of the wires; it will certainly be worth making a small diagram if the wires are complicated or you expect the job to take a long time. An alternative would be to use masking tape and labeling the wires.

With the above preparations completed, the actual process of installing the new lighting system should go smoothly. Once the chandelier is installed, you will need to do a test of the circuit. If you followed my advice about leaving the light bulbs out until the end, now is the time to put one in place and test it by turning the electrical circuit back on. If problems occur that you feel you are unable to solve, then contact a qualified electrician for advice or to complete the job.

Julian Pollock is a practising accountant and a trained therapist as well as a successful web site publisher. Among his publications are numerous articles on chandeliers, candelabra and lanterns (chandelier-mall.com).

Choosing Your Chandelier

From days of yore chandeliers have always been highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. They set the scene. They are a display of opulence and give an atmosphere of grandeur, status and wealth. The size and complexity of the chandelier, particularly the dazzling crystal chandelier with its sparkling prisms that cascade the room with rainbows, proclaimed the eminent owner's degree of luxury lifestyle. They would be and still are today often found in the entrance halls, foyers and atriums of celebrated public establishments, theatres and the like.

Nowadays the demand for chandeliers, and particularly for different varieties of chandeliers, has increased beyond imagination; such that they have become far more commonplace in the last few decades. The huge increase in the differing styles of chandelier may seem bewildering to someone who wants to buy a one but without a clear idea of exactly which sort. Here are some guidelines to help clarify exactly what will be suitable for you.

The first important point to consider is exactly where the chandelier will hang. Will it be in the entrance hall, living room, dining room, or wherever? Then you will need to decide upon its exact location within that room so as to be able to judge the right size. You will need to know the minimum and maximum height and width dimensions. Obviously you need a chandelier that fulfils your intention for buying it. If the room it is to go in has a high ceiling, you will automatically need a larger size chandelier. If it is to go in a cozy alcove, you will want to make sure that no one is going to bang their head when they walk under it. Generally chandeliers hang from a chain that is attached to the ceiling, so you have a degree of flexibility as to its height from the floor. The type of lighting is another concern. If you use normal electric bulbs, you will need to be able to replace them occasionally. If you have chosen a candle chandelier (originally all chandeliers had candles for lights), then you need to consider that they will need replacing continually.

If you're ceiling is not so high, you would obviously do better to choose an appropriately diminutive model and then you also have options of complementing the chandelier with additional lighting such as standard or table lamps, wall sconces and the like. The Italian and Murano chandeliers are particularly elegant as well as being compact. You would do well to consider having dimmer switches for your lights. This enables you to create different ambiances as well as controlling the energy consumption - an important consideration in our forever changing world.

Julian Pollock is a practising accountant and a trained therapist as well as a successful web site publisher. among his publications is a website on chandeliers, candelabra and lanterns (chandelier-mall.com).

Alabaster Chandeliers

Alabaster chandeliers are gorgeous in concept and design, giving a sophisticated soft look to the room. The finishes chosen are generally light, such as a tortoise finish, in order to compliment the alabaster and bring out its beauty.

Alabaster chandeliers are manufactured in Valencia, Spain and other places and are customized according to specifications. They generally come with a 10-year warranty against tarnishing and factory defects and a 30-day money back guarantee. Prices range from $700 to $6000 or more, depending on model, width, height and design of the shades used.

One could go for traditional chandeliers that feature classic craftsmanship. Some designs include, for example, a cluster of iron scrolls, which beautifully accent glass lamps made of alabaster. Others come in sienna-cast alabaster stone finish along with hand polished multi-faceted glass crystals, giving a luxurious look.

There are chandeliers that draw on the popular mission style with bold lines and faux alabaster glass combinations that come in a double-tier design. The finish is light bronze, complimenting the alabaster glass. Other chandeliers could have an antique tortoise finish with beautiful natural alabaster shades.

One could get simple alabaster chandeliers, such as an alabaster bowl on a chain, or choose more complex elaborate designs, which have a number of smaller alabaster shades.

One could browse through the selections provided on the Internet to get information on detailed specifications and pricing. Accordingly, one could place an order or get the chandelier customized according to one's own specifications.

Alabaster chandeliers are beautiful in concept and design and well worth the cost.

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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.

Selecting A Chandelier

Chandeliers are special lights that have been in use for a long time. The word chandelier comes from the French word 'chandelle', which means candle. In the earlier period, these lights were made of animal fat and were attached to wooden spikes. They used to get support from the ceiling.

There was no electricity during that time, so the substitutes that were available were small sputtering tallow wall sconces, or the glow of a fireplace. Thus, chandeliers provided better lightning. They were generally used in medieval churches and abbeys in the 15th century.

Earlier, these chandeliers used to be designed for the use of the wealthy and powerful, as only they could afford them. However, it can be said that the journey of the chandelier started from homes in between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Chandeliers are considered as a symbol of status, wealth, and beauty, and have been widely used in movies to show the status of any wealthy family. It is believed that to build an impressive and complete home structure, these chandeliers are capable to develop a unique and elegant beauty.

Selecting a chandelier can be a little bit difficult. It may create confusion for you to decide on the right chandelier for your entry hall or dining room. These chandeliers come in many different varieties and sizes. Mostly, people go for shiny brass multi-arms with faux candle socket and flame-shaped bulbs.

If you are looking for an adjustable chandelier for your home and you cannot decide on the width of the chandelier, then first of all you should calculate the dimensions of the room. You just need to add the width and length of the room in feet, and then convert this figure to inches. The number you get in inches is the near about diameter of the chandelier that you need to purchase. Some people prefer oversized chandeliers for their room; they can be used design wise, but an undersized chandelier must be avoided except in the case where you are using multiples.

Secondly, the placement of the chandelier is very important, so that it shines properly. In the dining room, the chandelier should be placed exactly over the center of the table. However, the roughly estimated gap between the table and the chandelier must be about 30 inches to avoid accidents.

In order to save wall art from being positioned in the dark, you can use recessed lights. You can also use a dimmer to create a preset level while dining and for special occasions.

You can use two to three low-voltage pendants in the place of a chandelier for light distribution for long and narrow tables.

A proper choice of chandelier can develop a style and enhance the beauty of your room. Always remember that while choosing a chandelier, you must keep in mind the place where it will be installed, and its size.

Article by Stefan Rockhaus. Visit the Chandeliers Guide to read more about chandeliers - Find more articles at Information Point

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!

What Makes A Chandelier Expensive?

Chandeliers are one of the best ornate fixtures that people can invest their money in, especially in making their homes, or offices, more aesthetically pleasing and extravagant.

Chandeliers have a natural ability of adding a feeling of elegance and warmth to any room that it is placed in, and it also serves as an essential ingredient in creating a particular ambiance in its environment while acting as a functional interior lighting in any home. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy these aesthetically pleasing lighting fixtures as most of these furnishings are not that cheap, in fact, they are quite expensive depending on the type and kind of chandelier that you may be purchasing.

Chandeliers can come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and designs, which can be made of a number of different materials in its construction. All of these factors can determine the cost of any chandelier, which is why some chandeliers are considered to be more expensive than others. It is important to keep in mind that chandeliers are often related to the lavish and the extravagant, which is probably why most households that do have chandeliers in a part or some parts of their home are those that can afford it. Although there are cheap chandeliers as well, you still do not normally see chandeliers in poor households, or those which are not that well off financially.

Construction materials

One of the things that factors in a chandelier’s expensive cost is primarily the materials that is used in creating it. There are certain chandeliers that use crystals, such as the Swarovski crystals, as part of its materials. These crystals are used in making the chandelier appear more elegant and extravagant by adding it in the design of the entire chandelier. Crystals aren’t exactly cheap stuff, and considering that chandeliers use not just one, but a myriad of different types of crystals in constructing just one chandelier should give you an idea of just how expensive these lighting fixtures really are. Also, the materials used for the frame of the chandelier as well are taken into consideration, which is why two similar-looking chandeliers can vary in prices depending on the materials used in constructing them.

Size

The size of the chandelier also plays a factor in its price, which is actually directly proportional to the amount of materials used in its construction, making larger chandeliers more expensive than smaller ones. However, those larger chandeliers that are made of cheap construction materials will not cost more than a smaller one that is made up of the finest construction materials around.

Design or pattern

The design or pattern on the chandelier itself can also be a factor in increasing the value of the chandelier, especially if the design pattern is very intricate and very elaborate. There are some chandeliers that do not have that much design but are more expensive than those that do, which could mean that certain factors may weigh more in the other chandelier as compared to the cheaper one, making the prior more expensive than the other.

No single factor dictates the price of a chandelier, which is why all of these different factors help influence the cost of chandeliers, but naturally, chandeliers are not cheap to begin with, so do not expect to be able to buy a brand new chandelier for a very cheap price, especially if all of the following factors are present.

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Guide on Expensive Antique Chandeliers Collections

The look and feel of antique chandeliers cast off a certain type of nostalgia, able to instantly transport us back to a simpler time and place. If you have ever seen or purchased an antique chandelier, there is no doubt that you can relate to that feeling. If you are interested in antique chandeliers, it is important to know that they can represent a major investment, and should be treated as such. Because of the delicate nature of antique chandeliers, as well as the care needed to maintain these marvelous items, we are offering this guide on expensive antique chandeliers collections. By following these simple precautions, you will be able to wisely purchase and enjoy these wonderful vintage pieces.

The most important step you can take in building a beautiful antique chandelier collection is to find a reputable dealer. Unfortunately, there are dishonest people out there who won’t think twice about taking your money in exchange for a cheap and fraudulent chandelier. So, how can you protect yourself against making a poor purchase? The best advice would be to contact a reputable antiques dealer in your home town (or state), and they should be able to put you in contact with somebody who deals in antique chandeliers. Another important fact regarding reputable antique dealers: They will possess the knowledge and information to answer all of your questions regarding any antique chandelier. If they can only give vague answers, or use general terminology, it may be best to take your money and interest elsewhere.

It is also a good idea to enlist the services of an appraiser when considering a purchase. As mentioned earlier, these expensive antique chandeliers should be looked at carefully before you actually make a purchase. An appraiser will be able to make an honest determination as to the value and authenticity of the piece you are considering.

What are some characteristics of expensive antique chandeliers? Naturally, the term “antique” implies that the chandelier is more than 100 years old, and they go as far back as the 17th century. However, most antique chandeliers that were preserved until today come from the Victorian Age as well as the Renaissance and the Gothic and Rococo Revival periods. A good number of these chandeliers will be gas, electric, or kerosene, and many of them will contain intricate and elaborate aesthetic characteristics (both on the arms as well as on the globes surrounding the candles). And though it may sound obvious, it is also worth mentioning that many of these antique chandeliers were made of brass, bronze, and crystal, and should certainly have an aged appearance.

It is also important to properly care for your antique chandelier. While it may be fine to use regular soap and water on modern chandeliers, antiques require more involved attention, and it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a restoration specialist. There are several quality services available in this field, and any reputable antiques dealer should be able to properly refer you.

Hopefully, this guide on expensive antique chandeliers collections will help you to better enjoy the wonderful beauty that antique chandeliers have to offer. It is our hope that you will always make smart choices before purchasing any antique chandeliers, and in doing so you will take great satisfaction from your collection for many years to come.

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