Light Conversation — Room Photos

Just Gorgeous! 0

The Alexandria (one of my favorites) in the newly restored Mildred Grant House in Mason Texas.  Stay tuned for news about this historic home and inn, The Mildred Inn.

Get to Know Our 8+4 Crystal Chandelier Series 0

One of our most popular chandeliers is the 8+4 Medium. It looks lovely in just about any setting.

It is ideal for what we call a "medium sized" dining room - a room that is 12' x 15' or 13' x 14'.  However, this is a very full chandelier with abundant trimmings, so it looks a bit larger than its 26" diameter and can enhance even a larger space, including a foyer.

In an 8' ceiling, using 1' of chain, this chandelier will hang about 29" off the table which is a tiny bit closer than our guidelines indicate, but no one will be the wiser!  (One link of chain really looks like more because there will be a screw loop protruding from the canopy.  Don't be afraid of one link!)

In the photo above, you can see how well it works in an uncomplicated space.  It also fits a more decorative space.  

This truly is the perfect chandelier!  But, just in case you want a smaller, or larger, bit of 8+4 perfection, check out the 8+4 Small or the 8+4 EXL (the 8+4 Large was lost in history).  

All of our Signature sconces are a perfect fit for this chandelier.

Victorian Lighting in Double Parlors 0

If you are a follower of our blog, then you know I've been using it to catalog and preserve some of the articles and press that have included our crystal chandeliers over the years.  The photos are fading, which is particularly a shame in regards to these grandly decorated Victorian homes. I truly love the wallpapers and fabrics used in these interiors.

(Speaking of wallpaper... we frequently share the stage with Bradbury and Bradbury - check them out if you aren't familiar.)

Double parlors were common in Grand Victoriana, and those spaces just beg for fantastic, show stopping chandeliers. There is just something luxurious about twin crystal chandeliers and these photos are true examples of that lavish decor.

Our lovely Richmond 6 is lighting the space shown below, a historic home in the Algiers Point neighborhood of New Orleans. 

Victorian Splendor in New Orleans... written by R. Stephanie Bruno and Photography by Eugenia Uhl.  Victorian Homes October 2011. 

Our Charleston 6 is doing a fine job of adding to the historic feel of this Brooklyn Brownstone's double parlor.  

Decorating a Brooklyn Brownstone ... written by Frances Gay and photography by Rob Kern.  Victorian Homes issue Winter of 1994.  

Stay tuned for more pretty photos and archives!  

New Photos... 0

Here are some beautiful photos from a customer in Virginia. Thank you, Mary, for the photos!

Above is the popular 8+4 Medium.  

Above is the Chesapeake.

And, lastly, the Rosalie. 

What Size Chandelier is Best for a Bedroom 0

What Size Chandelier is Best for a Bedroom?

My best answer to the question above is any size.  Seriously.  I think you can use any size you want.

Proper sizing:  Room width + room length = chandelier width in inches... 10'x12' room takes a 22" wide chandelier. HOWEVER, in a bedroom, a chandelier is really an accent piece, so it is more about the decor.  And, the ceiling height.

Ceiling height is the first consideration in a bedroom.  You have to walk under the light, so standard height off the floor is 6 1/2 feet off the floor.  Most people aren't taller than that (and if they are, they are used to ducking).  If everyone in your house is short, good!  That leaves more room for a chandelier.  (Remember to account for ceiling hardware which can take up to 4" additional beyond the chandelier height.)

If you only have 8', you will do best to use a small chandelier, regardless of how large the room is. An 18" tall chandelier (maximum height for 8' ceiling) starts to look odd when it gets wider than 26".

If you are lucky, you will have tall ceilings and can use anything you want.  But, unless you live in a palace, you don't want a huge chandelier in your bedroom.  This is one room where less is more.

The History of the Baron Chandelier 0

We have great pride in our original designs, but we also find joy in creating reproductions.  There is something satisfying about being able to recreate things of beauty from our past.

Over the many, many years we have been building crystal chandeliers, we have been called upon to work on any reproduction projects.  One of our favorites was for Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida.

The building itself is impressive!  Originally built in 1888 by Henry Flagler as the Alcazar Hotel, it has been through a few variations and purposes over the years, but is now, most spectacularly, the Lightner Museum. (You can read more about the building at visitstaug.com  and at https://lightnermuseum.org/history.)

Also in 1888, Mr. Flagler built the Ponce de Leon Hotel, across the street from the Alcazar Hotel. The Ponce de Leon Hotel is currently the heart of Flagler College and home of these beauties, the inspiration for our Baron chandelier:

Compare the instagram capture above to this great old photo:

And the history in this photo!

In the early 1990's we were approached by Lightner Museum about reproducing these chandeliers for the current phase of their amazing restoration journey.  

With a few little changes and the blessing of all involved, we decided to keep the chandelier in our line of crystal reproductions and named it, fittingly, the Baron.  It remains one of my favorite chandeliers.

If you haven't visited The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, you are really missing out on a fascinating collection of artwork and antiques.  You will find updated exhibits along with learning experiences and an awesome staff of knowledgeable volunteers.  Tell them the folks at King's Chandelier sent you!