Light Conversation — Room Photos

Chandelier Wider than Your Table? 0

Trying to decide what size chandelier to purchase? Look at this lovely room and read the store behind it.

This customer debated about which size Durham to use in her dining room.  The Small Durham, at 22" wide, was the best choice for the drop leaf table which she kept dropped the majority of the time.  The room, however, measured right at the size for a 26" wide chandelier, or the Medium Durham.

She (and admittedly, we) had a hard time deciding whether to choose the 22" or 26" wide chandelier.  The customer uncertainly decided on the 22" wide, but once she was home and revisited the room, she thought better.  She called us with the decision to change her order to the 26" Medium Durham, which you see above - without the crystal candle cups.  

In the end, it was the perfect decision. 

Using Crystal Chandeliers to Make Your Kitchen Glorious! 0

Who says crystal chandeliers are too formal for a kitchen?  Not us!  Nor our customers.

Above is a slightly customized Mabel in a very sophisticated, yet small, kitchen.  It looks perfect with the open shelves and Carrara marble.  

With modern exhaust fans and cooking methods, you don't have to worry so much about the amount of grime that will accumulate on a chandelier.  (Though, we say never worry about it at all!  A dirty chandelier is better than no chandelier.) 

Choosing a chandelier like the Mabel, above, makes cleaning an easier task. With a lack of crystal strands/festoons and bobeches that lift straight off the candle, this chandelier can be cleaned in an hour.

Above are our 3-R-6 chandeliers offering plenty of light for this island work space.  A little bit more off a chandelier to clean, but totally worth it! 

Check out our Houzz idea board or our Pinterest board for more crystal chandeliers looking beautiful in your kitchens.

 

How to Choose the Right Medallion 0

We hear frequent questions regarding ceiling medallions.  What size? What style? Should I paint? What about the center hole?  Let's see if we can help!

What size ceiling medallion should you choose?

There are many different opinions and a formula or two to help you pick the right size medallion.  Here is what we have to say about the subject:  A ceiling medallion is an architectural element - just like your crown molding (moulding) or your chair rails. Choose a medallion that suits the style of your room.  

If the ceilings are tall and the molding ornate, then choose something that fits into the decor - an ornate, big medallion larger than your chandelier.  If the room is simple and has 8' ceilings, then choose a plainer medallion that is smaller than your chandelier. Don't worry about the exact size of the medallion.

What style of medallion is right for your chandelier?

Any style is right - again, choose something that suits your room and your home. You can consider matching motifs (Egg and Dart, Greek Key) to your molding. 

Should you paint your medallion?

Yes!  But, how is up to you.  You can match your trim using a nice glossy paint. Or, you can paint it an accent color.  Most medallions are purchased primed and ready for paint.  Victorians would paint the various elements of a medallion in color schemes.  Beautiful if it fits your room. 

Why are the center holes in medallions different?

You will see medallions with center holes that are of varying sizes.  When choosing, keep in mind how your chandelier mounts.

Some medallions have center holes that are smaller than the ceiling box (frequently under 2"). In this case, an electrician will need to install the mounting hardware before the medallion is installed. You can then choose whether to use a canopy or simply use the screw loop without the canopy.  Other medallions have holes that are larger than the canopy you intend to use.  This is okay, as long as your canopy covers the hole in the ceiling.  The bit of the ceiling that peaks through between your canopy and the medallion can be painted the same color as the medallion and will blend in.   

A fancy medallion may protrude some at the very center. For extreme extension, you may need what is called a bee-hive canopy or another type of deep canopy.  

Whatever you do, it will be beautiful! And, if you don't want a medallion, that is perfectly fine. Without a medallion, you may see the gorgeous play of light on your ceiling.  

New Customer Room Photos 0

We've added new photos to our Customers' Photos page - like this Alexandria lighting a home in Pennsylvania.  Thanks to all for sending in their photos!  Keep them coming...

Nice Words 0

“The chandelier is in place and is every bit as gorgeous as I hoped it would be, maybe more! I’m so pleased!  I have attached a couple of photos, however my photography skills do not do it justice. Thanks again for your assistance, you were a pleasure to do business with!”       It is very important to … Continue reading Nice Words

Shiny, Happy Bathrooms. 0

This morning I flipped through some lovely decorating suggestions on my favorite site Apartment Therapy.  They were sharing the idea of hanging a crystal chandelier over your bathtub.  Yay for crystal chandeliers! We are a big fan of crystal chandeliers in the bathroom.  If you want to add a bit of luxury to your bathroom … Continue reading Shiny, Happy Bathrooms.