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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Saturday, February 9, 2008

Is Your Chandelier Really Crystal? How To Tell

Crystals chandeliers are some of the more sought after ornate lighting fixtures for homes mainly due to its elegance and exquisiteness while still maintaining its functionality as a lighting fixture. They can engender feelings of warmth and wealth to its owners, allowing them to embellish and foster a rather stylish ambiance for whichever room they may choose to hang it in the house, making it an essential ingredient to any household in terms of having an aesthetically pleasing interior lighting.

There are a lot of different types of crystal chandeliers, varying in size, shape, design and lights, giving you the opportunity to find one that best fits your style and home décor. You also need to take a few factors into consideration, such as the size of the room where you intend to put your crystal chandelier, the design of the room and its color, as well as the lighting needs of that room, before you can choose which type of crystal chandeliers is best for your room's aesthetic and functional needs.

Although some crystals chandeliers are more expensive than others, especially since some are made from different crystals, and others have a more ornate and elaborate design patterns and more expensive construction materials, buying a low-costing crystal chandelier does not necessarily mean that you have gotten the better end of the deal. There are some crystal chandeliers out there that are not made from actual crystals, which means that some crystal chandelier manufacturers use fake crystals in their creation, making you actually spend more on something that isn't what you think it is. Keep in mind that the main aspect of crystal chandeliers that makes them so appealing is their crystals, and having fake crystals is far less rewarding and has a lot less visual impact as compared to having the real ones.

There are ways that you can determine the authenticity and quality of the crystals that the crystal chandelier that you are eying has, one of which is through the use of light. Keep in mind that crystals have the ability to reflect prisms of light, which means that when light passes through the crystals, there should be a full spectrum of colors that would emanate from it, energizing the entire room while dazzling the eyes of those who may gaze upon it.

Ordinary glass chandeliers will not be able to duplicate the spectrum of light that crystal chandeliers are able to produce, so be sure to test them out before making the decision to buy one. Don't forget that the atoms of the crystals are ordered in a way that they can perfectly reflect light and color, so the crystal chandelier that you are eying should be able to interact with light if it is real.

Although most crystal chandeliers are expensive, it isn't always the best way to determine if a particular crystal chandelier has real crystals or not, especially since there exists cheaper versions of these crystals in the form of lead crystals. But nonetheless, real crystal chandeliers should still cost you a considerable amount of money, especially if it is brand new, and more so if it is manufactured by a well-known crystal chandelier-producing company. You can actually check with the manufacturers and inquire what kinds of crystals are being used in their creation in order to ensure that you are getting the real thing.

Golden Age USA - http://goldenageusa.com

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Selecting Chandelier Lighting for Your Home

With such a variety of Chandeliers available today there is always that perfect one for any home. With a range of styles, designs and finishes to choose from selecting a chandelier can be as much of a creative process as you would like it to be. Each chandelier adds a touch of class to any room and warmth or vibrancy into any atmosphere. Styles can range from elaborate and large to modern and aesthetically pleasing. Chandeliers complement other lighting well and will add value to your home.

When choosing a chandelier for a dining room, the Victorian style is highly recommended as this popular design will add tranquillity and calm to a room that can be chaotic at even the best of times. There are always popular choices to choose from with Wrought Iron and Crystal styles at the top of the list. Some chandeliers can be hung alone as a center piece feature that will dress up any room. Choose from the vast array of finishes and shade styles to find a design that will create a room of modern style with a touch of love for art. Chandeliers can range decorative styles to create a modern, dramatic, simple, elegant and formal look.

The styles of chandeliers available include Tiffany, Victorian, Art deco, South western, Tropical, Crystal, Transitional, Early American, Lodge style, Whimsical, Old world, Oriental, Traditional classics, Country cottage, Architectural and mission style. Each chandelier style can work best in it’s own setting whether for a modern look, shimmering elegance, relaxed or sleek and shiny. Find the perfect finish for your room and it will work wonders with existing furniture and style. The finishes range from white or beige, multi-coloured, polished gold or brass, crystal, polished nickel or chrome, wood, rattan, iron, brick, bronze, rust and antique or satin brass. The type of chandeliers can include centre bowl, no shade, pot racks, crystal and shaded candles.

Chandelier Installation

Before you begin the installation check the ceiling electrical box to ensure a new light will be securely supported. If the new light is around the same weight as the old light, then the electric box should be able to support the new light fixture. When hanging over a dining table, centre the light in the middle of the table with 30” distance between the tabletop and the light, to prevent any bumped heads. When buying bulbs, you should decrease the bulb wattage when larger numbers of bulbs are required. For example, a 2 socket light could be fitted with two 60 watt bulbs, whereas a chandelier with three or more light sockets is probably more suited to 40 watt bulbs. Once correct bulbs are installed, the chandelier should give off sufficient light coverage without blinding anyone. Dimmers are helpful as they allow you to adjust the light to your requirements.

Cleaning Chandeliers

It is always a good idea to clean your chandelier at least once a year to keep it looking clean and shiny. Before you start, turn the lights of at least 10 minutes before you begin so the bulbs can cool down. Never clean the chandelier while the lights are on, this could lead to a burnt hand. If you are going to remove the pieces then separate the light in sections or draw up a picture of how the light fits together so you won’t be frustrated and confused later when trying to put the pieces back together. Place a blanket or duvet under the light to catch any pieces of the light that may fall. Keep the fixture in the same place as you clean and do not turn it around as this may strain the power cable.

When you are ready to begin, remove the trimming such as pendants and place in container. Clean with mild detergent and then rinse in hot water. The hotter the water the less spots. When cleaning festoons, place under water at arm length to stop from intertwining. Always use mild detergents as harsh cleaning products can make the pendants brittle and blackened. Many darken with age but it is always good to delay this as long as possible. When cleaning the body of the light, it is recommended to use a dry, lint free cloth for the best possible result. Remember to dust the bulbs as well as these are give away to cleanliness of the light. Replace all light pieces on the chandelier and lightly polish it to remove any remaining spots.

Claire Calkin operates several websites covering home decor and chandelier lighting subjects. http://www.chandelier-lights.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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Friday, February 1, 2008

Chandelier Can Give Elegance to a Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eliza Maledevic Ayson

GoldenAge - Crystal Chandeliers

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

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Picking Out a Chandelier?

Though deciding on a chandelier for your home is largely dependent on your esthetic taste, the proper chandelier sizes are fairly universal. There are of course no limits to a person's creativity, but it is nice to have a basic set of rules as a guideline for choosing the right size chandelier. If you intend on making an intentional artistic statement by breaking these rules, you can certainly still be successful, but if you purchase and install the wrong size chandelier out of ignorance, it will be obvious to even the most untrained eye. Like any form of art such as music or painting, home lighting and decoration have rules that can certainly be broken, but knowing these rules is essential to any sort of artistic integrity.

Determining the right size chandelier, proportionate to the space, is really a game of numbers. With these guidelines, anyone can quickly estimate what chandelier will be the correct size. If the room is 14 ft. squared, it is recommended to use a 24" to 36" in diameter chandelier fixture. It is important that a chandelier not be dwarfed by the room and vice versa. If a chandelier is too small for a particular space, you may as well find an alternate less expensive fixture, because this scenario makes the chandelier look almost humorous rather than glamorous. Similarly, if the room is 12 ft. sq. the chandelier should be approximately 26 inches in diameter, and if it is 10 ft. sq. it should be 17 to 20 inches. These figures are not perfect equations, but they provide good proportionate sizing to work from.

If the chandelier is hanging from a high ceiling, perhaps in an entryway, the rules are slightly different. The height of the chandelier becomes much more important. The fixtures should hang down at least one quarter of the distance (if it is a two-story area). Otherwise, some other pendant style fixture may be more appropriate. If there are widows above the front door, positioning the chandelier so it is centered in the window from an exterior view is a great solution.

Dining room chandeliers are perhaps the most important to consider proportionately. It should serve as a centerpiece, but not that distracts from the rest of the table. The chandelier is at least 12 inches more narrow than the short width of the dining table, and it hangs approximately 30 inches above the surface of the table. This allows for guests and family to keep from bumping their heads into your fabulous chandelier fixture.

Once the size of the room and chandelier proportions have been considered, it is up to your taste and style to find the right chandelier within the right size. Ask yourself questions like, is this a modern formal space or is it more Victorian? Is it a casual environment or does it have a rustic theme? These kinds of questions and a guideline of the right size will greatly aid in the search for the chandelier that completes your special room.John Billington is the president and CEO of Five Rivers Inc., a leading online provider of home lighting, bathroom lighting, and outdoor lighting. For more information, please visit http://www.fiverivers.com.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Replacing Chandelier Parts

Chandeliers add an elegance and style to a room that no other lighting fixture can even come close to. It is not surprising that when a chandeleir gets old or broken that it is not just thrown away, but repaired. Replacing chandelier parts takes precision and careful shopping. One bad part and the whole chandeleir can lose it’s charm.

Usually when replacing parts on a chandelier, only some parts are being replaced. It is important to make sure that any new parts match the old parts. Doing this involves careful consideration of size and shape. Even the slightest difference in a decorative part could throw the whole chandeleir off in apperance. When it comes to other parts that make up the actual construction, wrong sizing could spell disaster. To ensure correct parts are chosen, measuring should be done in a meticulous fashion. It is important to measure exact lengths and widths. If possible, take the piece to be replaced so it can be compared at the store.

Quality is another important consideration when choosing replacement chandelier parts. Quality does not mean it has to be expensive. It should look similar to the other chandeleir parts. A cheaply made piece will look completely out of place amoungst pieces of high quality. It is posible to find less expensive parts that are of an equal quality to the original parts.

Chandeleir parts can be found in many different types of stores. Some parts may be found at a general department store in their lighting or hardware sections. Mostly hardware should be bought at department stores because the look of these parts is not as important. The decorative parts found at a department store may not match exactly or may look cheap against the original parts. The best place to find decorative parts is at a store that sells chandeleirs and has specialized chandelier parts available. The bottom line is not to forget that the new parts should match the old parts.

The biggest challenge when replacing chandlelier parts is making the new match the old. The main factors of size, shape and quality make a huge impact on the chandeleir. Replacement parts should be carefully matched to the old parts so that they are not noticable. Parts should be bought with the finished piece in mind. The chandeleir should look as good with replacement parts as it did when it was brand new.

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

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Chandelier Guidelines

Available in every decorative style, chandeliers add both presence and weight to a room. They bring the glow of candlelight to any setting.

To determine the proper size of a chandelier for a dining room based on the room size, add the length and width of the room in feet and substitute inches for feet, giving you the width of an appropriately-sized chandelier for the room. (A 10'x13' dining room, for example, would take approximately a 23" wide fixture.)

For determining the size of a chandelier based on your table size, the chandelier should be at least 12" smaller in width than the width of the dining table. The perfect chandelier will be a happy medium between these two measurements. Hanging fixtures can be smaller in scale when used in hallways and other rooms for general lighting. In dining rooms with 8' ceilings, hang chandeliers about 30" above the table. (Add 3" for each foot of ceiling height over 8'.)

Remember to order extra chain for higher ceilings. Most people don't realize that the wattage maximum of a chandelier is determined by the lampshades used on it! Smaller shades limit wattage. Chandelier shades reduce glare and help to direct light down where it’s needed. The mood and intensity of a chandelier is best controlled by a dimmer.

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and silk curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free curtain catalog.

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Friday, January 4, 2008

Choosing the Perfect Chandeliers for Your Home

Choosing the right lighting for your home is never an easy task…but once you’ve decided to incorporate a chandelier into your interior, in order to choose the right one, there are a few things you need to know.

In what room will the chandelier be placed?

It is often assumed that chandeliers can only be used in the most formal of decors…but this is a total misconception. They can be used in any room, from the dining room or kitchen, foyer, living room or office. Even outdoor living spaces are being transformed with chandeliers. Upturned shades and candle lights give a warm wash of ambient lighting while center placed down lights or shades provide direct or task lighting for any table top or surface.

Which chandelier should I choose?

Because of the nearly limitless amount of choices, you can grace any room with the perfect chandelier that will knock their socks off. There are three decisions to make when deciding on a chandelier: Style, Shape and Size.

Style

Today’s chandeliers come in a myriad of styles from a rustic rubbed bronze finish to polished brass or chrome dripping with prisms and crystals. Contemporary styles are also available to highlight a modern décor. Chandeliers are not just for your grandmother’s dining room anymore. Cool, hip styles are now available to give a current, yet graceful look. Today, chandeliers are available in a style for every taste.

Shape

Chandeliers come in many shapes from the classical to the newest trends. Many, many shapes are available from the most fluid contemporary shaped to the clean lines of the Arts and Crafts inspired chandeliers. Choose your favorite and get ready to make a statement. There are hundreds of shapes to choose from.

Size

One of the most important considerations is the size of your new chandelier. Choosing chandelier that is too large for the room will over power it and visually shrink the size of the space. Installing one that is too small will not give the full impact of a correctly sized fixture. There are chandeliers available in every size to fit any room or space.

The general rule for sizing a chandelier to a room is if the room is larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, then the correct size is a 17-20 inch fixture. If the room is 12 by 12, then choose a 26 to 36 inch chandelier. Choose a 36 or 37-inch chandelier for larger rooms.

Hanging and Installation

If a chandelier is going to be hung above a table, then it should be more than 32 to 36 inches above the tabletop. The chandelier should also be 10-14 inches smaller than the table above which it hangs. If these two measurements are taken into account, then even the tallest guest should be able to dine without hitting their head on your chandelier.

Remember, your new chandelier is likely heavier than a normal lighting fixture. Make sure your current electric junction box can support the larger lamp or purchase a new one that can support more weight.

Follow these easy to use tips and you will add functionality and drama to your interior for years to come.

For additional decoration tips and information on lighting fixtures, chandelier, table lamps, home décor tips ideas and trends visit : http://www.bungalowlights.com By Julie M. Sellers for Bungalow Lighting.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Crystal Chandeliers: Choosing What Fits Your Style

f you are planning add extra spark to your home interiors, consider adding chandeliers. Apart from providing light, chandeliers also offer added elegance and charm to your rooms. There are many options to select from, which may also be requested as custom made. People usually pick the crystal chandelier selection because such an exquisitely done ornament can be considered to be a beautiful piece of art that you can add to your home.

When you are shopping for a chandelier, you might be spending some time thinking around of the right crystal chandelier selection that fits your home, not only in size and shape, but in style and charm as well. There are a lot of choices. You have a vast option from crystal chandeliers that sparkle to crystal chandeliers that twinkle. The factors to consider in finding the right fit for a crystal chandelier include the function of the room, the size and color of the room, and the overall motif of the home. The appropriate crystal chandelier selection indeed takes a lot of work, but it will be worth your time.

One option when looking for the appropriate crystal chandelier selection for your home is to look over home improvement stores that are so numerous these days. Often times these stores display a wide selection that you can purchase and take home on the same day. If you do not find what you are looking for there, another option is to look over specialty stores.Crystal chandeliers can normally be ordered if not in stock. Some even allow the customer to make their own personalized design to some extent.

Just as fashion ornaments the way you look, so does your crystal chandelier selection adds a slice of glamour to your home along with the more minimal lines of contemporary furniture. Crystal chandeliers were once fitted only for grander period interiors due to its elaborate style and design. However, in the last few years we have witnessed this home lighting embellishment revitalized with a more contemporary look that can fit with contemporary interior styles and arrangements.

The innovation of crystal chandelier styles is characterized as a merging between more traditional elements with modern furnishings. The way it is popularized by more and more households, makes crystal chandelier selection a normal undertaking when you are planning to decorate or redecorate your home interior.

At recent design shows in London, including Grand Designs Live, contemporary designs such as the Large Willow Crystal light—a crystal chandelier featuring Egyptian crystal droplets draped from sculptural chrome arms—are welcomed by the audience who are now more open to unorthodox and bolder designs. Just some few years ago, matching is a crucial thing when it comes to crystal chandelier selections. Now, people are more daring to try out radical perspectives and daring styles.

Black is particularly a key trend in crystal chandelier selections, which curiously gives a new spin to traditional crystal. The French Bedroom Company's "Von Teese"—named after burlesque performer Dita Von Teese—captivates the look of this baroque chic. Its largest version ever made has been featured on Channel 4's Big Brother. Black adds a classic taste to crystal chandelier selections. They become not only just another aesthetic agent to the home, but also are made to last through time. In addition, these black crystal chandeliers are highly adaptable. It can be placed wherever you feel putting them. Such a crystal chandelier design frees up the constraints imposed by more traditional selections.

Take the time to find the best chandelier for your home. Consider where it will be and the rooms purpose. Also consider the your tastes and the style of your home. Of course you will be limited by a budget, perhaps, but taking time to look in all the possible places (online, home improvement store, and specialty stores) will give you many options.

Earl Juanico - http://crystal-chandeliers.line.us/

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Enhance Your Decor With Distinctive Chandeliers

For many years, chandeliers were used primarily in foyers and dining rooms, but today, homeowners are installing them all over the house, from the master bedrooms and master baths to great rooms and powder rooms.

Most of the time, chandeliers are sold without the shades and are often used that way. Adding or changing shades gives you a totally different appearance and reinvents the piece.

To determine the size of a chandelier that will hang in a foyer, or any room, just add the room dimensions together. If your foyer is 12' by 16', add 12 + 16=28. The proper size chandelier for this space would be 28" in diameter.

Chandelier bulbs come in up to 60 watts so if you have a 10-arm chandelier, that's 600 watts. Try using 40- or even 25-watt bulbs for the right amount of light in your space. Go one step further and install a dimmer to control the glow even more.

Choose a chandelier with a diameter equal to the width of the table. For example, if the table is 54", select a chandelier with a 27" diameter. The chandelier should hang approximately 30-32" above the tabletop. This is low enough to complement your table settings, but high enough to be out of the way.

Glass chandeliers require careful approaches and procedures for care that are different from those for metal or metal and glass lighting devices. In a dining room that's totally open with nothing but columns delineating the space, you may be able to go with something larger

Cleaning your chandelier once a year will keep it shining to its original brilliance. Use a damp or dry cloth to clean your chandelier.Roger King has been writing articles on home decorating ideas for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior design solutions.

Visit his web site www.all-homeinteriordesigns.com for free tips and guides for your home improvement projects

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