Chandeliers are becoming an explosive trend in home decor and remodeling. Trends in chandeliers are moving away from the highly reflective polished finishes and large sizes. The muted finish of a brushed nickel chandelier provides a warm and ornate appearance, without the glare of the highly polished chandeliers. They are wonderful lighting treatments that can be used in a number of rooms in the home. Chandeliers are quickly becoming an essential part of home renovations because they provide essential lighting and a beautiful focal point. They are no longer the huge fixtures that are imagined in the movies, instead, there are a vast number of designs including a number of small chandeliers.
There are more designs and variations of chandeliers than ever before. Designs come from just about every artistic school. There are modern designs that focus on the simple linear design. There are other designs that focus on the ornate or scrolling of the metal. Classical designs may incorporate beading with chain and crystal accents. Some of the designs will hang from a chain, suspending the chandelier in the room. Other mounting designs will have a long chandelier dip down from a solid ceiling mount. A design that is gaining in popularity does not interfere with the room, but stays close to the ceiling.
The variations on the designs make the decorating possibilities virtually endless. Lighting and glass styles are the most common variation within any design. The type of light that is installed in a chandelier can make a huge difference in the impact it makes. Some favor the softer, candle flame designed lights. Others may prefer a bright white to soft white bulbs. The glass variations are also important. There are chimney globes that are reminiscent of candle lit chandeliers, frosted glass, clear glass, globes and cups. No matter what the design, lighting, or glass options, brushed nickel finishes accent them all.
The style of chandelier that is chosen should depend upon the decor of the room, ceiling height, room size, and desired effect. Shorter rooms should not use designs that hang low from the ceiling. Larger rooms with raised ceilings may want to hang the chandelier further from the ceiling. The lighting and effects of the glass should be dictated not only by the decor, but also by the function of the room. If the chandelier is the only light in the room, then brighter lights would be needed. When the chandelier is used as an accent to the room, the softer lights may be just as useful.
Advantages of Brass Chandeliers
Brass chandeliers are used everywhere. Hotels, restaurants, and offices use them. In homes, brass chandeliers can be found in almost any room. What makes brass chandeliers so popular? Brass chandeliers have a long history. Before electricity, brass chandeliers were used with candles or kerosene. Brass is a sturdy metal with a long life, making it the perfect metal for the brass lanterns that used to be placed in homes and used as street lights.
In addition to being a long-lasting metal, brass has the added advantage of requiring little maintenance. Brass chandeliers are particularly appropriate in coastal areas where corrosion is a problem because by nature it is anti-corrosive.
Two types of finishes are usually available for brass chandeliers: highly polished and antique polished . A highly polished finish, as the name suggests, makes the brass look bright and polished. Antique polishing gives an older appearance that some find very elegant.
Periodically dusting with a soft, dry cloth is the key to maintaining your brass chandelier. If it gets dirty enough to need a more intense cleaning, use a gentle dish soap and warm water to clean it. Don’t forget to dry after washing. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner because this will cause tarnishing.
If your brass chandelier is tarnished and you haven’t used an ammonia-based cleaner, first determine whether or not it’s solid brass. Try sticking a magnet on it; if the magnet stays on, your chandelier is made of steel-plated brass. In that case, the tarnish you are seeing is likely rust and can be removed with steel wool. After removing the rust, your next decision is whether to have it re-plated. If you don’t want to have it re-plated, you can choose to paint it.
A solid brass chandelier which has tarnished is relatively easy to clean. First use a brass cleaner to get the tarnish off. Once it has been removed, follow up with clear lacquer spray paint.
When purchasing a brass chandelier, remember that it is not intended as a main light source. Chandeliers are hung for the elegance and grace they add to almost any room. Brass chandeliers come in many sizes, so they are appropriate anywhere.
There are many types of chandeliers available to add grace to your home or business. If you are in the market for one, remember the long life and easy maintenance of brass chandeliers. You’ll be glad you did.
Chandeliers 101 – Guides in Buying Chandeliers
Have you been thinking of giving your boring living room, dining room, bedroom, hallway or foyer a face lift? Rather than spend thousands of dollars on renovations, why not invest in chandeliers. For centuries, chandeliers have been used to provide a touch of class and elegance to every home. There is no shortage of styles to choose from, ranging from timeless antiques to sleek ultra-modern pieces.
Your choice of a chandelier will depend upon certain factors, including the motif of the room/s where the chandelier will be installed, how much maintenance would be required and your budget. Let us first take a look at wrought iron chandeliers. Wrought iron chandeliers are one of the most affordable types of chandeliers mainly because its primary material is the very common metal, iron.
A versatile metal, iron can be molded into various styles, ranging from medieval to classic Baroque to the sleek minimalist designs that characterize modern furnishings. Iron is one of the most durable metals, requiring very little maintenance. Even if it is prone to rust and occasion, occasional applications of anti-rust solution will help preserve the pristine condition of your chandelier.
Chandeliers made from metals other than iron will require more effort when it comes to maintenance. A good example is the brass chandelier. Brass is a malleable metal which, like iron, can be transformed into a variety of shapes. Its main appeal lies in its warm honey yellow color, resembling gold. It is to preserve the polished finish of brass that regular upkeep is necessary.
In order to prevent brass from tarnishing, you will need to dust your chandelier regularly and polish it with natural polishing solutions, like vinegar, lemon juice or olive oil, or commercial brass polish. Another example is the alabaster chandelier. Although alabaster chandeliers are noted for their subdued glow, the stone it is made from is very soft, fragile and porous, so that you might end up altering or even damaging the alabaster with regular cleaning methods. Instead of using detergents and soaps, alabaster chandeliers are best polished with borax.
For those who want a touch of glamor to their homes, crystal chandeliers are the perfect choice. Aside from being elegant light sources, it is a beautiful, glittering showpiece that will immediately draw the eye of your guests and visitors. What most people don’t know is that the “crystals” on majority of crystal chandeliers being sold in lighting shops are not genuine crystals. They are pieces of glass specially cut into designs and facets, and then treated with lead oxide. The amount of lead determines the intensity of the glass’ shine. Crystal chandeliers are also very easy to maintain. It only needs daily dusting and cleaning the crystals with mild detergents or diluted vinegar solutions.
No matter what your choice of a chandelier will be, you will be assured that this lighting fixture will add to the uniqueness and beauty of your home. Learn more about how the various styles of chandeliers can meet the aesthetic requirements of your home. Jack Flagg is a literary master and have written tons of books on love and romance. He is also passionate about designer toilet seats as well as the Eljer Toilet Seats!