Light Conversation — Room Ideas

Using Crystal Sconces in Your Bathroom 0

Have you wanted to put a pair (or two) of gorgeous crystal sconces in your bathroom? A local customer did.  She had been pondering the idea for a while, and finally thought, why not?!

In this bath, there were 2 separate vanities and each one has a set of 2-arm sconces, our Sconce 2, on either side of the mirror.

She is very happy with the result, and we think it is beautiful.  

Adding Crystal to Your Plain Chandelier 0

Do you have a plain chandelier that you would like to dress up a bit?  Add some fun crystal to it?  We love that idea!  Below are two metal chandeliers to which crystal pendants and strands were added for a lovely look.  

Of course, the big question is how do I do this?  How do I add crystal to my light fixture?

Some fixtures are manufactured with holes in the stampings or metal parts, but the added crystals are not included in the design of the fixture.  In that case, it is easy to add.  

If your fixture does not have any holes, you will need to create some.  Our favorite way to do this is with a punch plier:

Depending upon the material, you may be able to use other tools.  If you can't seem to make holes with any tools, then you can use a thin piece of wire to wind around different parts of the chandelier.  Leave the wire loose enough for a hook to slip through.

We think it is fun to vary the size of the pendants you are adding, but we recommend having the same size on one level.  In other words, the pendants hanging from the front of each arm should be the same, but they can be a different size or shape from the pendants hanging on the top of the chandelier. And, the ones on the top should be all the same (or alternating with another style).  A pattern should emerge rather than every thing being random.

This customer was able to unscrew the candle holders from the body of this beautiful silver candelabra in order to add bobeches and prisms.  

Shop our collection of chandelier pendants for ideas on what might look best on your chandeliers.  Or, feel free to email us a photo, and we will make suggestions. 

Crystal Chandeliers for Any Decor 0

Are crystal chandeliers too fancy for the average home?

If you have never considered a crystal chandelier for a room, you may think of it as a luxury, but we consider it a natural choice.  What better way to brighten a room?  Crystals and light go together like peanut butter and jelly, wood and marble, soap and water…

Imagine sunlight reflecting and refracting from the center of your room throughout the day. Bright, clean, happy light bouncing around your room.  Whether the crystals are on an iron fixture or hanging from even more crystal, the cheery warmth from a sparkly light is invigorating and inviting.  So, while they look magnificent, a crystal chandelier doesn’t have to make a room opulent. 

We hear over and over “my house doesn’t warrant a crystal chandelier”, and we respond with “why not?” Crystal chandeliers have been the preferred choice for hundreds of years and their time is not done. 

Our customers place chandeliers in every type of home – from manufactured homes to literal palaces.  Décor choices range from rustic log cabin to Colonial-American to traditional and they all look fabulous. 

Using Crystal Chandeliers to Make Your Kitchen Glorious! 0

Who says crystal chandeliers are too formal for a kitchen?  Not us!  Nor our customers.

Above is a slightly customized Mabel in a very sophisticated, yet small, kitchen.  It looks perfect with the open shelves and Carrara marble.  

With modern exhaust fans and cooking methods, you don't have to worry so much about the amount of grime that will accumulate on a chandelier.  (Though, we say never worry about it at all!  A dirty chandelier is better than no chandelier.) 

Choosing a chandelier like the Mabel, above, makes cleaning an easier task. With a lack of crystal strands/festoons and bobeches that lift straight off the candle, this chandelier can be cleaned in an hour.

Above are our 3-R-6 chandeliers offering plenty of light for this island work space.  A little bit more off a chandelier to clean, but totally worth it! 

Check out our Houzz idea board or our Pinterest board for more crystal chandeliers looking beautiful in your kitchens.

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.