Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Brass Chandelier

With its signature warm colors and wide range of styles, shapes, and sizes, it's no surprise that many homeowners prefer a brass chandelier for their decorative needs. Not only does brass naturally create a homey, golden glow of its own, but it's also a naturally durable and reliable metal that is sure to last you for years to come.

How can a brass chandelier benefit you? Aesthetically, it's used in everything from antique chandeliers to chic, modern designs. Combine brass with cut crystal, glass, or stained glass fixtures and you have a beautiful focal point that your guests aren't likely to forget. Since they also come in a variety of sizes, you can hang small chandeliers in your foyer or bathroom or indulge in larger ones for your dining room, bedroom, home library, and more.

That aside, there are many other advantages to using brass. Depending on the properties, its color can range from an earthy red to a gorgeous golden yellow. Since it is easy to shape, you'll find a wide assortment of different brass chandelier designs ranging from classic Victorian curves to classy Art Deco lines and angles. Its distinctive color also makes it a beautiful match for practically any type of light fixture or bulb.

Cleaning your brass chandelier, fortunately, isn't a strenuous ordeal. In most cases, simply dusting or wiping down your brass is enough to keep it in great condition for years. However, if your brass chandelier becomes tarnished, you may need to resort to other measures. As with cleaning any chandelier, be sure to unplug or cut off the power to your chandelier before cleaning. If this isn't possible, be sure to cover your bulbs with plastic bags. This will prevent electrocution and protect your light fixtures. That done, simply remove the tarnish with an abrasive sponge or steel wool pad. Since brass naturally turns black with exposed to air, you'll need to add a lacquer spray afterward to prevent this from happening. You can keep your brass chandelier looking bright by polishing it with everything from olive oil to your favorite brand of brass polish. 

With this in mind, it's easy to see how a brass chandelier can truly add warmth and brightness to your home. Whether you use it as a focal point of the room or simply as a subtle source of light, having such a fixture will truly transform the appearance of your room. Learn more today about how these chandeliers can benefit you.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Alabaster Chandelier

Alabaster chandeliers are a unique and beautiful addition to any home. The unique glow that results from light bulbs shining through this gorgeous stone is unlike anything you'll ever see. Perfect for both antique style chandeliers and modern ones, this material is rapidly becoming a very popular stone indeed. Here are a few tips on how to care for alabaster chandeliers.

What is alabaster? Essentially it is a very soft, fragile stone used for everything from vases to statuary. In most cases, a variety of alabaster called gypsum is used, though it's not unheard of to see calcium sulfate alabaster. They are both renowned for their snowy white color and soft texture. While both are very soft stones, calcium sulfate is a bit stronger than gypsum. Depending on the craftsmanship, alabaster can also be a slight yellow or ruddy hue. In some cases, there are even veined patterns that aren't unlike marble. When it comes to alabaster chandeliers, this stone is usually used as lamp covers. Available in thousands of different shapes and styles, this stone is perfect for softening the glare of a light bulb into a pale glow.

However, as alabaster chandeliers are notorious for being very fragile, cleaning them can be somewhat difficult. What makes alabaster so easy to carve into different shapes is also its downfall; even a human fingernail can create faint scratches against its surface. As you can imagine, using an abrasive cloth or a harsh detergent when cleaning alabaster chandeliers would have disastrous effects. Even using gentle soaps that are overburdened with dyes will result in your alabaster being tainted as it absorbs the color. Even simple water can alter its appearance.

So how do you clean alabaster chandeliers? In most cases, simple dusting or vacuuming is enough to keep the worst at bay. If you have a particularly dirty chandelier, polishing it gently with a small amount of borax and a damp cloth should be enough to keep it clean. As with any chandelier, be sure to unplug it before performing any cleaning duties to prevent electrocution, as even though you're not using liquid, the damp cloth can still be a risk. If you have any doubts, try gently removing the alabaster portions, polishing them, and then putting them back after they're clean.

While delicate and relatively high maintenance, alabaster chandeliers are more than worth the time and effort. With proper care, you can keep your alabaster looking bright and beautiful. Learn more today!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Candle Chandeliers

Whether you want to create an antique look or put a modern twist on an old look, decorating with candle chandeliers truly allows you to expand your creative potential. Available in thousands of different styles, sizes, and materials, these chandeliers are great for almost any room. Here are a few ways candle chandeliers can spruce up your home.

A distinct advantage to using candle chandeliers is that they are suitable for a multitude of different styles. Unlike days of old, you can choose between using real candles or using imitation ones. This allows you a significantly larger amount of combination than if you were limited to real candles. Not only can you invest in imitation candles that are in a variety of different shapes and styles, but you can invest in different wattages as well, resulting in everything from a soft, intimate glow to a blazing, gorgeous focal point.

There are advantages to using real candles for your candle chandeliers as well. Unlike imitation candles, there is no extra wiring or circuitry to worry about. They do wonders for saving on power bills as well. It also creates a softer, flickering glow against the walls that is quite charming. However, when installing your candle chandeliers, it's important to make absolutely sure that there are no fire hazards around, as one dropped candle can result in a sudden fire emergency if you're not careful. Similarly, try to invest in non-drip candles if you can. If you prefer normal candles, try adding a drip pan beneath it to ensure that no wax drips onto the floor. It's also a good idea not to hang your chandelier too high, as this may scorch your ceiling.

There are many different ways to make sure your candle chandeliers glow beautifully while still keeping your candles safe. Installing candles is as simple as spearing them on a point to ensure that they don't fall off. Some prefer a natural, homemade look and create containers using decorated jars or brightly colored light fixtures, while others use antique glass fixtures for a homey feel or simply leave the candles bare for a simple, modern look.

Regardless of whether you choose to use real candles or imitation ones, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are doing your part to create a truly intimate, classy atmosphere, perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, and more. Learn more today about how candle chandeliers can transform any room!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Cheap Chandelier

Contrary to popular belief, it's not impossible to find cheap chandeliers. It's actually quite surprising just how much you can find simply by studying the materials the chandeliers are crafted from and watching your favorite stores for clearance and surplus sales. Here are a few tips on how you can have a stylish, durable chandelier in your home without having to strain your wallet.

The material the chandelier is crafted from often plays a role in determining its price. For example, wrought iron chandeliers are often more affordable than many other metals due to its relative abundance. It's also easy to shape and easy to clean. Brass and glass chandeliers, on the other hand, are more difficult to craft and have a high maintenance level, which often raises their price somewhat. The type of glass used in expensive chandeliers is also makes a considerable difference. For example, chandeliers made with Tiffany glass, Murano glass, or Swarovski crystals will cost much more than those made with simpler glass.

You can also find a variety of cheap chandeliers for used or new online. Sites such as Ebay, Craigslist, and even Amazon have thousands of affordable, beautiful chandeliers at a diverse set of prices. However, it's important that you research each dealer or seller thoroughly before buying. A seller has an obligation to tell you as much as he or she knows about the chandelier—to do anything less is simply poor conduct. Ideally, there should be pictures as well as a detailed description of the materials used to create the chandelier as well as how and where it's been stored. Feel free to email the seller if you have any specific questions.

Finally, your favorite local light fixture store may very well have a variety of cheap chandeliers for sale. Sometimes this is due to a surplus or the need for a clearance sale. In other cases, a small manufacturing error will result in the need for those chandeliers to be sold as quickly as possible. Most of the time these have no effect on the quality of the chandelier. Some examples of such errors include a wrong size or wrong color.

These are only a few ways to find cheap chandeliers. By paying attention and knowing exactly what you're looking for, you can find the perfect chandelier for your home. Learn more today about how to find cheap chandeliers and how they can benefit you!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Chandelier Prisms

One of the most glamorous things about crystal chandeliers is the sheer amount of chandelier prisms. These are the signature faceted drops that dangle from the bottoms and arms of the chandelier. Depending on your personal tastes, you may enjoy a few tasteful drops or you may want an enormous, lavish chandelier that's festooned with crystals of all shapes and sizes. Either way, you'll make quite a statement. Here are a few ways to decorate with chandelier prisms.

What many homeowners don't know about chandelier prisms is that they're not really crafted out of crystal. In reality, they're actually created from cut glass that has been treated with lead oxide to give it its unique glitter and shine. The higher then percentage of lead in the glass, the better quality the cut glass will be.

Chandelier prisms come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the design of the chandelier. These can range from enormous teardrop shaped prisms, triangular prisms, or small circular faceted beads. These prisms are perfect for creating an elegant, timeless look or simply having something to reflect the light and glitter. Eye catching and dramatic, chandelier prisms are perfect for households who want a fancier look.

Of course, prisms aren't limited to expensive cut glass. There are thousands of prisms available that are cut from regular glass or imitation jewels that are affordable and beautiful alternatives to lead oxidized glass. Whether you want to dazzle your daughter with a pink tinted glass chandelier for her bedroom or you want a quirky, arty rainbow of different prisms for your kitchen or foyer, there are thousands of designs to consider that won't strain your wallet.

Don't think you're limited to only chandelier prisms when it comes to decorating your chandelier. A material known as soda glass is great for including small glass sculptures such as blooming flowers, swirls, small animals, and more. They're also available in a variety of different colors as well. Other common glass shapes include spires, icicle shapes, beads, and more.

These are only a few things to consider when looking at chandelier prisms. Fortunately, cleaning almost all types of glass is a simple ordeal—in most cases, just dusting regularly is fine. If you find your glass becoming particularly dirty, washing them in diluted vinegar or lemon juice will be more than enough to keep them sparkling and beautiful. Learn more today!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Discount Chandelier

Believe it or not, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality chandelier. Whether you want a beautiful antiquated chandelier to give your home a vintage look or you want an edgy, modern chandelier for your living room or hallway, there are plenty of ways to get a discount chandelier without sacrificing quality or style. Here are a few things to consider when browsing for a new discount chandelier.

Sometimes what makes the difference between an expensive chandelier and a discount chandelier is the quality of the materials used. In most cases, the materials used rarely affects the appearance or integrity of the chandelier. Some chandeliers are simply expensive for the novelty of being made with genuine Tiffany style glass or Swarovski crystals. In most cases, having imitations of these expensive traits is enough to knock the price down considerably. In other cases, chandeliers with very small, unnoticeable flaws are also available for agreeable prices. These include brands that suffer from some manufacturing error, such as a lamp coming in a different color or size than what was advertised.

Another good way to find a discount chandelier is to purchase them used. Depending on the type of chandelier you want, this can mean saving considerably. For example, in browsing on Ebay, Amazon, or Craigslist, you can find a staggering amount of affordable chandeliers. However, it's important that you know as much as possible about the product before you buy. Don't feel shy about emailing the seller if you have questions. After all, some substances such as alabaster can become discolored if, for example, they are kept in rooms where the occupants smoke. An honest seller will make note of any scrapes, dings, or chips in the chandelier as well as provide you with information regarding its circuitry and other important tidbits. You shouldn't settle for anything less.

Every once and awhile you may even discover a discount chandelier while hunting in your favorite retail or antique stores. In some cases, there is simply a surplus of a type of design, or a certain brand is going out of business and needs to be gotten rid of. Keep an eye on the stores you frequent for clearance sales, holiday sales, price cuts, and other discounts. You can gain insider's information by visiting your retailer's official website and joining their newsletter. You'll be surprised at just how many sales you'll be privy to. Learn more today about how to find quality discount chandeliers!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Chandelier

Buying a new chandelier is a fun part of home decorating. Regardless of the type of chandelier you buy, they are perfect for creating an unforgettable focal piece to your home decorating or simply being a subtle, lovely source of light. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a chandelier.

When it comes to picking out any light fixture, the material used to create them should be foremost in your mind. After all, this not only determines the overall look of your chandelier, but it also plays a significant role in helping you learn how much it will cost and how much maintenance your chandelier will need.

For example, wrought iron chandeliers are notoriously popular due to their wide range of styles. Iron is perfect for creating a gorgeous antiquated look or for creating sleek, minimalist modern lines. Since it is a versatile, common metal, it's also available in a wide range of affordable prices. Unlike many materials, it is also relatively easy to take care of. In most cases, dusting is enough to keep it looking lovely for years to come. However, keep in mind that iron is prone to rust in warm, damp places, so if you live in an area where this is common, you may want to add an anti-rust polish to it every so often.

In sharp contrast, brass chandeliers need regular dusting and polishing to keep their warm glow. This is largely because brass is prone to tarnishing over time. You can remove any unsightly black patches by scrubbing gently with a rough sponge or steel a wool pad. There are many specialized brass polishes on the market today, but you can also use olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar if you prefer earth friendly methods. When polishing, be sure to unplug the chandelier or cut off its circuitry before applying the polish. If you're not sure how to do this, you can also protect yourself by putting plastic baggies over the bulbs. Either method will keep you from accidentally electrocuting yourself.

Part of the fun of buying a chandelier is its wide range of styles, shapes, and sizes. If your budget allows, you can indulge in a genuine Tiffany lamp for a truly unique, colorful glow. Similarly, you can even buy the best in cut glass by investing in a Murano chandelier. When it comes to buying expensive, valued fixtures such as these, however, it's important to research the dealer thoroughly to ensure that what you're buying isn't an overpriced imitation. Learn more about what makes a good chandelier today!