Monday, March 24, 2008

Finding the Perfect Wrought Iron Chandelier

Wrought iron, a spectacular metal, is commonly used as a dominant home d?cor material today as well as times past. From floors to walls to ceilings, wrought iron home d?cor items have touched every area of your home. The result: your house looks artistic and stylish from top to bottom. One of the most spectacular wrought iron items is for your ceiling - the wrought iron chandelier.

Wrought iron chandeliers are ornately designed and complement a room furnished with wrought iron decor. There are basically two wrought iron chandeliers designs. One design is where the arms of the wrought iron chandeliers are topped by a bell shaped lamp shade of natural white linen. This combination looks nice as a result of the the contrasting colors. When lit with around 25 watts bulbs, these chandeliers look fabulous. Also, the design pattern is likely to go well with any interior design of your room. A good alternative to the regular bulb chandeliers are the wrought iron chandeliers using bulbs with a candelabra base. These chandeliers do not have shades and yield a look of an ornately designed multiple candle holder. Wrought iron chandeliers may consist only of wrought iron, or they may be adorned with other materials for a designer look. White crystals, prism crystals, amber, glass, chains and even gold may be added to wrought iron chandeliers for elegance.

It is important that you purchase genuine wrought iron chandeliers from a reliable source. Since chandeliers are heavy and have to hang from the ceiling with no wall support, you must ensure that the holder of your chandelier is sturdy enough to bear the weight, which is more guaranteed with the genuine wrought iron product. Also, it?s better to buy at wrought iron chandelier that is moderate in weight. Genuine wrought iron home d?cor products last for years and years if maintained regularly. Get a chandelier that you can conveniently maintain (cleaning, changing bulbs, etc).

There are many online stores selling wrought iron chandeliers, including auction sites and online retailers. However, be sure to make an informed decision if you decide to purchasing online and know exactly what you are getting. Sometimes it is best to personally go to a retail store to select your wrought iron chandelier so that you can see just what you are getting.

A wrought iron chandelier can add a tremendous amount of elegance to a room. Without a doubt, wrought iron chandeliers have beautifully lit up the wrought iron home d?cor products range.

Learn more about home decorating with wrought iron. Find free home decorating tips and information at http://www.wrought-iron-depot.com

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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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Candle Chandeliers

Chandeliers have a classical elegance about them, and of all the chandeliers available, the candle chandelier ?takes the cake? because of its lighting. Whatever the make of the candle chandelier?wrought iron, crystal or antler?candles are fitted to it create a warm, romantic and inviting atmosphere. An incandescent candle chandelier, with shadows flickering around it, is truly a spectacular sight. These chandeliers also give a medieval look to the place.

More than illumination, candle chandeliers are used more as mood pieces. It is as appropriate in a stately ballroom as in the sleeping quarters. It doesn?t belong either above the dinner table or above the bathtub.

What the candle chandeliers are not suited for are cramped living quarters, sleek furniture with clean cuts and lines or furniture with hard edges. This is because the candles exude a certain softness and do not look at home with such furniture.

Candle chandeliers require a bit of maintenance in the sense that apart from the regular cleansing and polishing of the chandelier frame, one has to also ensure that molten wax from the candles does not seep into the nooks and crannies of the chandelier carvings. Accumulation of the wax will give the chandelier a mottled appearance. Another thing to consider is that if the chandelier is made up of glass or crystal, then you have to clean the surface thoroughly or the fumes from the candles will blacken them.

A candle chandelier glowing in all its exquisite beauty is a fragile object. It has a timeless appeal, but care and nurturing are necessary in order to sustain its glory.



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

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

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!

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Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Perfect Crystal Chandelier for Your Home

If you wish to make your home more appealing, because you find it dull, adding attractive decors is what comes up to your mind. But do you have the exact décor in mind?

Most people want to make their home an attractive and sophisticated one, so eventually, they find ways to make it look great. There are some people who wish to make there home just like the homes of the rich, but they think that it wouldn’t be possible because they do not have enough money to make it elegant and appealing just like mansions and palaces.

But you see, do not lose hope, you can also have the chance to put crystal chandeliers at your very own homes, yes, you heard me right, you can also put your own crystal chandeliers to make your homes appealing and sophisticated. There are crystal chandeliers that are affordable and you can purchase to make your home an elegant and appealing one.

You want to put crystal chandelier in your home to make it appealing and elegant right, so in order to make sure that it will look the way you want it, you have to consider the style and design of your home in choosing the perfect crystal chandelier for your home. Look at the motif of your home, the design and the style, so to come up to the appropriate crystal chandelier that matches the style of your home.

Another factor you really have to take into consideration is the size of the crystal chandelier you need to purchase for your home. You have to look at the specific space you decide to hang the crystal chandelier. You see, a huge crystal chandelier is not appropriate in a small space, because it will look crowded. A small crystal chandelier is not right in a huge room, because it will just look dull. So the size is very important in purchasing a crystal chandelier that will look perfect at your home.

You can look for crystal chandeliers at specialty stores, home improvements stores and also through the internet. There are websites that offers crystal chandeliers; they can even provide you photos of the crystal chandeliers and details about the chandeliers. There are actually lots of people who searches and purchases crystal chandeliers through the internet. So if you desire to look and search for the perfect crystal chandelier for your home, you can find it by using the internet.

If you finally find the perfect crystal chandelier that will suit your style, you can now put it on to your ceiling. But of course, you have to make sure of your safety, so you have to check on to the electric box and see to it that it can still afford to accommodate some more lights. Also make sure to purchase the right bulbs for your crystal chandeliers.

Yes, indeed, as soon as it is set, you could see the difference. You now have a more appealing and attractive home.

Since the crystal chandelier can make your home more appealing and elegant, you have to make sure that you take good care of it, clean it, give a bit of your time to make sure that the crystal chandelier will continually have its spark and charm.

Article Author Eliza Maledevic from Jump2top.com, a SEO Company. Visit Golden Age Crystal Chandeliers & Lighting Fixtures at http://www.goldenageusa.com

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Keep Your Wrought Iron Chandelier Shining

There is nothing that can compare to the look of a wrought iron chandelier in your front entryway or over your dining room table. These types of chandeliers are majestic and they are grand and they can be a total pain to keep clean if you don't know how to do it. The key to long lasting gorgeous looks in that department is to keep the metal from getting rusty. Easier said than done right?

Wrong. Keeping your wrought iron chandelier free from rust is as easy as wiping it down with something like WD40 every now and then. This kind of cleaning is going to moisten the metal and bring a whole new glow and shine to it. If you have been noticing that your metal has been looking dull this is gong to solve the problem right up for you in seconds.

The actual cleaning can go a couple of different ways. You can get a soft cloth, one that is not full of rough bits, and then apply the WD40 to it. You can even soak the cloth in this solution to get it nice and wet. Wring it out if you do this though because you don't want a greasy mess all over the space under the chandelier. Another way to go is to apply the WD40 straight to the metal. This works just as good but it can also be rather messy. If you have a good dining room table under the chandelier or if you have marble or granite flooring don't go this route as you could end up staining your floors and table.

A simple wipe will add a protective coating to the wrought iron chandelier that will last a long time. In just a few minutes your chandelier is going to shine like never before and it is all due to a simple application of the solution. You can wipe all parts of the lighting fixture with the WD40 just make sure that you get it in all of the little crevices that are on the fixture. Any spot that you miss can bloom with rust so beware!

Tony has worked in a furniture workshop for more than 12 years. He has worked on numerous pieces of wrought iron furniture and has enough knowledge to give you his quick 3-step evaluation of the metal as well as his insights on wrought iron wall decor. This is made available to the public via his wrought iron furniture website, http://www.jlspecialty.com

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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

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Monday, January 28, 2008

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.

Vanessa A. Doctor

Crystal Chandeliers - http://goldenageusa.com

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Crystal chandeliers will need cleaning from time to time to keep their sparkle. Dust can make them look dull and drab. If cared for properly, a crystal chandelier can be the main topic of conversation for years.

Most people clean their chandeliers every few months but, if the chandelier is dusted regularly, in reality they won’t need full cleaning for up to nine months. Frequency of cleaning will depend on the chandeliers location, shape and type of crystals.

There are a few methods you can use to clean your chandelier. Most people prefer to dust the chandelier whilst it is hanging but others like to admire the crystal as they are cleaning it. Before cleaning the crystals remove any excess dust so that your cloth, glove or whatever method you use doesn’t become too dirty too soon.

Traditional methods of cleaning the chandelier are to take each crystal and wipe it with a damp chamois. This can be done whilst the chandelier is still hanging or the chandelier can be taken down and cleaned. If taking the chandelier fully apart, we would recommend that you make a diagram or label the pieces, so you know where they come from when you reassemble your chandelier.

Lukewarm water with a small amount of washing up liquid and a small amount of white vinegar will remove grime and add shine. Dry the crystal straight away after cleaning with this solution to prevent smearing.

Specialised crystal cleaner or glass cleaner can also be used to clean your chandelier. If using sprays, always make sure that the power to the light is switched off and that no one can turn it on whilst you are working. Be careful when spraying and avoid wires and other electrical components. Allow the crystals to drip-dry but take into consideration that the cupped pieces may need blotting dry and the larger prisms may need to be dried by using a soft cloth.

The best method of cleaning a chandelier is to use a pair of dry cotton gloves, usually white so you can see the amount of dirt coming off. One glove is used for drying the crystals and the other is damp misted with crystal or glass cleaner. Caress the crystals with the damp gloved hand then place it in your dry gloved hand immediately to dry it and make it sparkle.

When cleaning your chandelier, don’t be tempted to take short cuts by rotating the chandelier. By rotating the chandelier you will, in time, loosen its support which could cause it to fall. The electrical wiring could also be damaged leaving you at risk of fire or an electric shock.

Don’t forget to wipe the light bulbs once they are cool, but not with anything wet; this may cause them to shatter. By cleaning the bulbs it will brighten the whole chandelier.

www.easylighting.co.uk

Tracey Aldous is a trainee accountant who enjoys freelance writing for several websites in her spare time

  

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Residential Art Glass Lighting - Design Trends in Chandeliers, Sconces, & Pendants

Much in the way jazz altered our concept of music, glass art has changed our expectations of residential lighting. In fact, glass art lighting is being hailed as one of the hottest new trends to hit luxury home design. According to 25-year Southern California interior designer Greg Griffith, G. Griffith & Co. of Destin, FL, “It’s emerging as a transitional point for a more energetic look. From Asian to 18th Century, every style and design can incorporate glass art lighting. The fact that these are actual sculptured pieces means you’re adding art to the room without cluttering the wall.”

Aside from aesthetics, the benefit to glass art lighting is that it’s so flexible, it ends up resolving many design conflicts. Take, for example, the story of the Wisdom Window. This stained glass piece was created by a California glass artist to create a welcoming light at the end of a dark, New York apartment hallway. The artist created four matching sconces, but wanted the end of the hallway to feel like a window. He innovated a design where a diffuser sheet will be installed underneath the stained glass piece, and lit from behind.

One New York glass artist developed a unique way to illuminate her bathroom. She created her own mosaic glass sink and lit it from underneath to create a warm, amber glow. It also doubles as her nightlight. To underscore the look of an underlit sink, matching sconces are ideal. Some kitchen designers are commissioning glass art sconces and pendants to match underlit glass kitchen countertops. This creates interesting, ambient lighting in a more finished-looking lighting package.

Glass art lighting can be a subtle accent, or a prism through which the light bathes a room in a swatch of exotic colors. “I find many decorators driving décor based on the lighting fixtures,” says Seattle-based glass artist, Suzanne Guttman. “It’s easy to fall in love with a tentacled pendant light or chandelier and make it the centerpiece of a room.”

The Cost of Beautiful

Investing in gorgeous glass art lighting is less daunting than one may assume. A Bellagio budget isn’t necessary to incorporate museum-quality glass lighting into a residential design. Sconces range from $400 to $1,200; small pendant lighting (suspended by one point in the ceiling) ranges from $300 to $600; larger pendants and chandeliers can range from $1,500 to $10,000. Serious collectors consider glass art an investment as well as being an aesthetic piece, just as they would an original painting, or a piece of antique furniture.

Glass Art Lighting 101

Once a homeowner decides on glass art lighting, it’s helpful to know a little about the glass and where it should be used, based on its physical characteristics. Here are some tips:

Blown glass has some limitations to the size and diameter that an artist can create. Some blown glass lighting utilizes many pieces in its design to create a larger, more sculptural effect.

Cast glass is very beautiful, but quite unusual in lighting because it is very heavy to suspend. One glass artist has created a woven glass technique that takes on the look of woven fabric, and results in a glass art lighting fixture that feels like a glass blanket.

Fused & slumped glass is popular for glass art lighting. Through the use of molds, fusing allows the artist to create large diameter canopied type lighting, thus enabling a single shade to be up to 48” in diameter. This creates consistency in shape and wonderful, unusual textures.

Etched glass is another wonderful medium for flat panel lighting. Pieces such as The Three Graces, by glass artist Margaret Oldman, can be lit with plain or multi-colored fiber optics, depending on the look a designer is trying to achieve.

Mosaic and stained glass are similar, in that they’re both ideal for flat panel lighting. Artists will often incorporate Italian smalti glass, blown sheets of transparent glass broken into small pieces, or dichroic glass, which is coated on one side with a metallic-like mirror finish.

Buyer Beware

One thing homeowners should remember, especially with lighting, is to be sure that the glass artist they’ve chosen understands how the electrical specs will dovetail with the piece, and that they know U.L. standards. As founder of Glass Artists Gallery, I estimate that close to 30% of our first-time customers come to us because they had negative experiences commissioning residential glass art lighting on their own. We are very careful about screening the artists we represent to make sure they understand the technical specifications

In short, glass art lighting choices become a very personal way to reveal a homeowner’s fingerprint on the interior design. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.”

For more information or to see thousands of images of art glass lighting, visit Art Lighting Gallery

Jack Healy is part owner of Functional Art Gallery, LLC - Functional Art Gallery - a growing family of online resources for the designer, architect, builder and discerning homeowner. The company focuses on handcrafted functional & architectural works of art for both residential and commercial projects. The Functional Art Gallery family includes Glass Artists Gallery, Sinks Gallery and Art Lighting Gallery. Together these resources provide the largest collection of artisan and designer products available in North America.

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Friday, December 21, 2007

Unique Candle Chandeliers for Your Home

There’s nothing quite like a candle chandelier to set the perfect backdrop to any occasion. Whether you are entertaining guests, curling up with a good book, or spending time with that special someone, a candle chandelier exudes romantic charm and provides an intimate atmosphere that is impossible to ignore. A candle chandelier truly represents the perfect compromise between form and function, and more people are being introduced to these marvels of interior design everyday. If you’ve ever considered unique candle chandeliers for your home, the following article should give you a better understanding of these decadent decorations, as well as provide you with the tips you need to make a smart buying decision.

While most of us have surely seen similar candle chandeliers featured in movies and print (the large fancy type with what seem to be hundreds of candles flickering in unison), the modern candle chandelier has many different faces. In fact, many unique candle chandeliers for your home do not contain candles at all! These candle chandeliers actually contain “faux” candles (designs similar to a candle, but with a bulb providing the light source). But make no mistake: these chandeliers still work to turn any room in your home into a comfortable and inviting space. In addition, these chandeliers can be made using a variety of metals that cost a fraction of true candle holder designs.

If you think you might prefer a real candle chandelier (and who could blame you?), you will face a wide selection of outstanding designs to suit any taste. Arguably the most beautiful of all candle chandeliers are those made of glass or crystal. However, these require a great deal of maintenance and attention to ensure that the candles do not tarnish the beauty of the piece. (It should be noted here that candle wax should be cleaned from any holder, regardless of type). Another consideration of these elegant chandeliers is that they tend to be more expensive than those made of metals (bronze, wrought iron, etc.), but they certainly add an amazing effect to any room in your home.

There are also other things to consider when searching for unique candle chandeliers for your home. For instance, candle chandeliers come in a variety of shapes and styles, ranging from elegant to contemporary. The overall look and feel of your home will probably be your best guide when picking out a candle chandelier. You will also need to think about how many arms you want in a candle chandelier, and just how decorative you want them to be. Naturally, chandeliers with a large number of arms, and those with more detailed designs will tend to fetch higher prices.

As you can see, there are several options available when considering unique candle chandeliers for your home. Regardless of the candle chandelier you finally decide on, the piece is sure to grace any room in the home with a touch of elegance and class that you probably never even realized was missing.

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

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