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How and Where Should You Store a Chandelier 0

The logistics of storing a crystal chandelier are, well, complicated. 

Let's tackle the hows first.

Some folks opt for storing a chandelier, intact, hanging in a crate or from a bar of some type in an out of way place.  This isn't a bad method as long as you have the room, and everyone knows not to touch.  The chandelier should be covered to keep as much dust as possible off of the fixture.  Of course, once it is covered no one will know the fragility of the contents underneath, so a CAUTION sign may be a good idea.  We don't recommend moving a crystal chandelier in a crate, but for stationary storage, it works well.

We frequently recommend storing crystal chandeliers as if they were packed for moving.  That is, each arm taken out of the main stem and wrapped with paper or bubble wrap for cushioning.  Crystal trimmings should be wrapped in tissue paper and labeled carefully.  Including a diagram of where the crystal belongs on the fixture is a must!  

Once everything is wrapped, place the piece in a strong cardboard box with cushioning between the pieces.  You want to make sure that pieces can't knock against each other.  

Where to store it?

We don't like attics..temperatures are too extreme in attics, at least in most parts of the country.  The heat isn't good for the electrical wiring and the candle covers.  Garages are better unless your climate is really extreme.

A more climate controlled area is best - somewhere inside the home is ideal.  But, of course, the best place to store a chandelier is hanging from your ceiling where everyone can enjoy it. 

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!  

Candle Covers for European Chandelier Sockets 0

We have been having quite a few emails in response to our blog about candle covers, and most of these inquiries are asking about covers for European, E14, chandelier sockets (sometimes called International E14).

This photo does a good job of showing the diameter - both inside and outside.  Also, you can see how thick the plastic is. This is a very thick, white matte plastic. 

These covers are cut to order and we have added them to our site!  As always, if you have any questions, email or call us. 

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.