Lighting the Victorian Home 0

The lovely Victorian Homes magazine was kind enough to use us as an expert reference in a recent editorial.  If you love Victorian decor, make sure to check  out the Fall 2017 issue for helpful tips from us and other lighting experts. 

Given that Victorian decor can be on the heavier, more ornate side, the right kind of lighting is important.

Here are some of our suggestions:

1. Layer your lighting. A multi-light center chandelier gives gorgeous ambient lighting and accentuates your period decor at the same time.  Continue with as many floor and table lamps as your Victorian room can handle.  Add a small accent lamps in the Tiffany style to bookshelves and desks to brighten corners. Use an electric candle stick or candelabra to add more lamp, yet look different than a lamp. 

2. Look for white fabric on the interior of lamp shades. Because so many Victorian style lamp shades are made of heavy, layered, or printed fabrics, a light colored lining will help brighten the effect.

3. Add wall sconces. Not only are wall sconces an additional layer of light, but a gas reproduction adds authenticity to the Victorian decor. 

For more Victorian decorating ideas, follow Victorian Homes.

How to keep your chandelier from falling out of the ceiling! 3

 

Can you imagine coming home to this? Or waking up to the sound of this happening? If not horrifying, then it is downright disconcerting. It doesn't happen often, and with the following information, it should never happen to you.

What are some of the best practices for keeping your chandelier safely in the ceiling?

1. Always ensure that your mounting location can support the weight of your chandelier.  Is your electrical box properly mounted and secure within your ceiling?

2. The cross bar, pipe, and screw collar of your mounting hardware should be a tight fit, with a locknut fitted against both the cross bar and the screw collar. 

3. The above mentioned cross bar should be securely mounted within your electrical box with the long screws that were included with the box.  

Those 3 steps are what holds your chandelier in the ceiling, so always make sure that they are performed carefully, correctly, and securely. 

4. Never (ever) spin a chandelier on its chain. Actually, don't even turn it. This sounds logical, but believe it or not, it is the number one reason for fallen chandelier. A chandelier revolving on a chain is very mesmerizing - until it unscrews from the ceiling and falls onto your table.  The locknuts are designed to help prevent this from occurring, but they need a little help from you. Best practice - you move around the chandelier doing what needs to be done instead of moving it to you. 

5. Make sure that the top loop on the chandelier itself is secure and tight.  This loop that attaches to the chain is the one thing that is holding your fixture.

6.  Finally, make sure that you are using the proper chain weight.  Heavy, solid chain that is split on the side (never on the bottom) is the best choice. 

Each time you have your chandelier cleaned, the screw loop connection and the top loop on the chandelier should be checked.  Are they tight against the locknuts? 

By following the above practices, you and your chandelier should have a long, healthy life together!

Reply to comment on 5/31/2018:  I'm so sorry that happened to you!  If the pipe came down with the screw loop, the pipe will need to be screwed back into the cross bar and make sure to use nuts to lock it in place.  If the pipe didn't come down, then the screw loop must be screwed into the pipe.  Again, make sure to use nuts.  The proper way to accomplish all of this is to disconnect the wires and start the installation from scratch.  Good luck!  -Nancy

 

Reply to comment on 7/28/2018 - I sent you a private message.  Let me know if you need further information. - Nancy

 

How to Choose the Right Medallion 0

We hear frequent questions regarding ceiling medallions.  What size? What style? Should I paint? What about the center hole?  Let's see if we can help!

What size ceiling medallion should you choose?

There are many different opinions and a formula or two to help you pick the right size medallion.  Here is what we have to say about the subject:  A ceiling medallion is an architectural element - just like your crown molding (moulding) or your chair rails. Choose a medallion that suits the style of your room.  

If the ceilings are tall and the molding ornate, then choose something that fits into the decor - an ornate, big medallion larger than your chandelier.  If the room is simple and has 8' ceilings, then choose a plainer medallion that is smaller than your chandelier. Don't worry about the exact size of the medallion.

What style of medallion is right for your chandelier?

Any style is right - again, choose something that suits your room and your home. You can consider matching motifs (Egg and Dart, Greek Key) to your molding. 

Should you paint your medallion?

Yes!  But, how is up to you.  You can match your trim using a nice glossy paint. Or, you can paint it an accent color.  Most medallions are purchased primed and ready for paint.  Victorians would paint the various elements of a medallion in color schemes.  Beautiful if it fits your room. 

Why are the center holes in medallions different?

You will see medallions with center holes that are of varying sizes.  When choosing, keep in mind how your chandelier mounts.

Some medallions have center holes that are smaller than the ceiling box (frequently under 2"). In this case, an electrician will need to install the mounting hardware before the medallion is installed. You can then choose whether to use a canopy or simply use the screw loop without the canopy.  Other medallions have holes that are larger than the canopy you intend to use.  This is okay, as long as your canopy covers the hole in the ceiling.  The bit of the ceiling that peaks through between your canopy and the medallion can be painted the same color as the medallion and will blend in.   

A fancy medallion may protrude some at the very center. For extreme extension, you may need what is called a bee-hive canopy or another type of deep canopy.  

Whatever you do, it will be beautiful! And, if you don't want a medallion, that is perfectly fine. Without a medallion, you may see the gorgeous play of light on your ceiling.  

New Lighting Magazine 0

Looking for inspiration? Or, perhaps you need some technical advice? If so, we have some great news for you: the annual Lighting magazine from the good folks at Better Homes and Gardens (in conjunction with the American Lighting Association) is on the stands! But, even better news, you can stop by a member showroom (like … Continue reading New Lighting Magazine

Is That a Breeze or a Fan? 0

Summer is here… well, not officially, but in Eden, North Carolina the temp will reach the mid-80’s today and we call that Summer.  Time to dust off those ceiling fans. I love my ceiling fans.  Yes, ceiling fans can be ugly and even uglier with a light on them, but I have them in five rooms of my … Continue reading Is That a Breeze or a Fan?