Light Conversation — FAQ

Pipe-Mounting a Chandelier 0

Not the most exciting subject? Well, for some it is very exciting - most particularly those that hate the look of a chandelier hanging on chain (more about that later in the week). 

Pipe mounting looks like this:

And, is most frequently used in Victorian Lighting - the pipe would have carried the gas to the fixture.  Gas fixtures did not hang from chain.

For most circumstances, a chandelier hanging on chain is the best mounting.  It is easier for the electrician (or you) to install. A chain also provides a bit of give if you bump into it, or throw something at it, or have an earthquake, or just want to turn it a tiny, tiny bit to change the light bulb. A pipe mount does not allow for any of this. 

Pipe mounts are fixed - the pipe to the ceiling is part of the chandelier.  A slip collar allows the ceiling canopy to slide up and down the pipe for installation and wiring. Pipe mounts allow for no movement whatsoever. 

If you want your Victorian chandelier to be extremely authentic, then you may want to choose to have us make yours with a pipe mount to the ceiling.  Consider the drawbacks that I listed above first, but if you want it fixed, then measure exactly how far you want the entire fixture to hang from the ceiling and we will make it so.  Keep in mind that this length cannot be adjusted once it leaves us, so be sure of your measurements.  We will be happy to talk you through figuring that out.   

Although we have done it, we don't generally recommend using a pipe mount on your all-crystal chandeliers.  

As always, if you have any questions, give us a call or email us! 

Chandelier Cleaning Season is Here! 0

Yep - it comes in between Halloween and Thanksgiving - time to spruce up the house, polish the silver, get out the good china, and of course, clean the chandelier.  The Holidays are coming!

Some may say all of that sounds like a lot of trouble in this fast paced, disposable world.  But, we think a beautiful table, a great meal prepared with love and fellowship, and a house filled with the people that are most important to us, is truly a blessing. 

And, a clean, sparkly chandelier just adds joy to any occasion.  

If you have questions about cleaning your chandelier, contact us or email us at crystal@chandelier.com.  

Our best cleaning advice is here.

How much chain should show? 1

We hear quite a bit of debate about chain around here.  How much chain is too much chain for my chandelier?  Isn't one link of chain too little chain?  General consensus says that there is a happy medium at around 6" of chain.

However, you have to have the amount of chain that you have to have.  There isn't much you can do - it is easier to adjust the chain than the ceiling height.  And, it is better to pick the chandelier that you like instead of adjusting your tastes to accommodate the exact length of chandelier that you feel you need. 

So, if you have to have 6' of chain - so be it.  There is the option to cover it with a fabric sleeve (make sure to get one that has Velcro the entire length). But, at the end of the day, people don't notice the chain. The only have eyes for your gorgeous chandelier.

Conversely, if you have only 1 link of chain - it doesn't look as short as you think it will.  

This photo is from our showroom (the 8+4 Medium) showing 1 link of chain. Because there is always a loop coming from the chandelier and always a loop coming from the canopy, the one link doesn't look so short.  

As always, call us or email us with specific questions that you may have! We are always happy to help.

This photo shows the 8+4 Medium in our showroom - the ceilings in here are 11', but we have this medallion dropped to represent an 8' ceiling. 

More About Candle Covers aka Candle Sleeves 15

Are you searching for new chandelier candle sleeves?

I’m guessing your candle sleeves (aka covers) have become brittle and are breaking.  Or, they have turned an uneven and unsightly yellow.  Or, they’ve burned around the edges.  All of these occurrences are good reason to buy new candle covers.  So, how do you figure out what to buy?

Sizing – How to determine the proper size of your candle cover.

You will need to know how long they are – top to bottom.  Chandelier manufacturers use many different sizes – there is no standard.  Some are easy to cut with scissors or a serrated  knife, but others require a ban saw to cut. We are always happy to cut to size.

Next, you will need to measure the diameter.  Here are the most common diameters:

European Base - 15/16" inside

The European Base (for E14 220 sockets) is almost 1″.  These are not standard in the USA, but if you have imported a chandelier from Europe and are using bulb adapters, the above cover could be what you need.  We do have these available – but not on the web site.  Give us a call.

Candelabra Base is 7/8″ inside

The Candelabra Base, above, is most common.  These are for the small, E12 sockets, and the covers are 7/8″ diameter.

Medium Base is 1 3/8″ inside

The Medium Base socket cover is 1 3/8″.  This size is more commonly used on lamps these days, but prior to the 1950’s, it was quite common to see these on a chandelier.

Safety

For safety sake, don’t put higher than the recommended wattage in any socket, but most especially if you don’t want to ruin your candle sleeve.  A high wattage bulb will turn the edges dark or can even create a fire hazard.

Make sure that the cardboard insulator is slightly above the edge of the cover – this protects the cover from the heat of the light bulb.

Quick Tip

If the edges of your cover are brown, simply remove your light bulb, slip the covers off and turn them upside down.  Slip them right back on the socket so that the burnt edges are on the bottom and hidden.

Material

Candle covers are made of so many materials, but the most common is plastic.  Some plastic is heavy walled and opaque.  Some is not – so make sure to purchase quality plastic. Polymers are also common and frequently used to create the covers that look like wax drip candles. Cardboard is also available – a bit more like the old styles.  And, there are wax covers – which is beautiful, but make sure to follow the recommended wattage maximums so that they don’t melt.  Some more modern fixtures have metal covers, but these don’t generally need to be replaced.

Color

This is a matter of preference – there is no advantage in choosing one color over another.

As always, if we have missed any piece of information that you are curious about, send us an email or ask us here!

UPDATE to answer Elizabeth's question in our comment section:  

To extend a socket, you will have to change the socket out to a taller one or raise the existing one with a pipe under the socket. Either of these methods will require the wire to be longer to reach the higher contact points.  Sometimes there is enough slack in the wire to meet a higher point, but most likely the arms will need to have new wire pulled through. 

If you are lucky, your existing socket will be adjustable and set at the lowest point.  If so, you can loosen the screw holding the socket at the level it is and then slide it taller. Carefully.  Remember, the existing wire may not be long enough. 

Always turn your electricity off when working with your chandelier sockets! 

FAQ - How high to hang a chandelier in a dining room. 0

This is by far the most common question that we get: How far from the table should my chandelier hang? You see various answers to this question.The best answer: anywhere from 30" to 40" off the table is "best" - it just depends upon your room and furniture as to exactly what the number should be. 

(The "number" is the bottom of the lowest point of the chandelier - most frequently the bottom of the crystal ball.)

Most commonly, people hang chandeliers 30" to 35" off the table top. The biggest reason to alter this is either a really tall ceiling or a longer chandelier. My grandmother had hers less than 28" off the table and she was perfectly happy with it, so there really is no "right" answer.  

Generally, the higher the ceiling and the larger the room, the further from the table the chandelier should be. This concept keeps a large room flowing - and helps contribute to a grander feel.  On the other hand, bringing the chandelier lower may help a larger dining room seem more intimate.

In a ceiling that is 8' tall, most people hover around 30 or 32" off the table. 

Keep in mind that this is your room, and you can hang your chandelier wherever you think it looks best!

When in doubt about exactly where you want yours to hang, consider installing the chandelier at the lowest point that you may want it to hang. Then, carefully (very, very carefully) raise it up, link by link, until you get it where you want it.  If you like, you can do this before adding all of the hanging crystal so that the chandelier won't be quite as heavy.  But, do hang the ball on the bottom so that you can see where the lowest point will be. It is easier to take away chain and wire than it is to add it. Once you cut the wire, the entire length needs to be replaced to make it longer.

One last note: Don't let your dislike of chain limit you in this decision.  Once your light is up, you won't notice chain as much as you think you will.  It is a perfectly normal part of the light. If you really don't like the look of the chain, there are many variations of chain covers, including here, that can be purchased.  Get one that you can remove and clean as necessary.  

If you have more specific questions or want to get our opinions on your room, you can email us at crystal@chandelier.com or leave a comment for us. 

How to Measure a Chandelier – Easy Guidelines 0