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Wall Sconces: History and Installation Guide

Saturday, March 23rd, 2019

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Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Wall Sconce, Floral Decor 8112-19

Ever since man discovered fire and its many uses, he has been doing everything to harness it for heat and light provision. With the advent of newer technologies, fire became candles and candles became bulbs, and pretty soon, fire has become mobile. With it came hazards and some unpredictability, though.

 

So, is there really a way to catch fire and have it safely contained?

 

Candle sconces were the first to have it contained. Monks in dark monasteries lit their hallways with these. Pretty soon, elaborate structures had darker hallways so more light was needed. Candle wall scones then came in different styles and materials.

 

Light display is often linked to religious activities. Every place of worship seems to have its own sets of candles or other sources of light. The Jewish menorah, for instance, is placed on the southern side of the temple, with each of the seven branches representing human knowledge. The central lamp is the representation of God.

 

The predecessors of wall sconces have had different forms, colors and materials. They also often come in pairs so that they can satisfy the needed symmetry in space.

 

More often than not, wall sconces are circular and they come with brackets for arms. At least this was the case during the 17th till the 18th centuries. Those wall sconces come with drip pans on their arms are also used to provide light to mirrors like those in a dressing room.

 

Oval sconces came at around the late 1700s. The rectangular ones followed during the early part of the 19th century. It’s amazing to remember the evolution of these sconces. They also came with heat shields and reflectors and they soon accommodated candles that burned longer.

 

Wrought nails were also used to hang the wall sconces or these lights were simply hung on a wall bracket.

 

Modern Wall Sconces

 

These modern lighting fixtures are now made with different sorts of materials. They can be used as an accent art or as ambient lighting. The history of the candle sconce is pretty rich and its modern alternatives are now being used to contribute to the moods and auras in a home.

 

The wall sconces are flexible when it comes to decorative uses. They are a good source of illumination while they also offer an aesthetic beauty to the walls. They are an effective means of getting attention to areas that are often ignored.

 

There are now many designs options plus you can already use them with dimmers so that you can adjust the light according to the mood that you want to evoke at a particular moment.

 

Wall Sconce Installation

 

Now that you’re ready to install wall sconces in your home, then you have to follow some simple rules.

 

First, pick the location of your wall sconces. Now make sure that the power to that room is turned off while you’re working on the installation. To be safe, have an electrician take care of this activity for you.

 

Remember that the ideal height for wall sconces is about 72” off the floor. Mark the spot with a pencil. Pick also your light switch location or at least point that out to your electrician. If there’s already an existing outlet that you can use, then do so.

 

Draw the locations for the sconces as well as the light switch. Use the drywall to saw cut those portions out. You could cut initially at the draw lines but you will have to trim some more so you can insert cut-in boxes.

 

The third step is to drill the holes inside the wall. Be sure to locate this as the same stud bay as that of the light box.

 

Step 4 is to run a 12×2 wire to the second sconce. Use a fishing tape. Run the wires till you reach the last sconce. You can then run the electrical wire from the last sconce to the location of the light switch.

 

Lastly, run a 12×2 electrical wire from your switch to your electrical outlet, the cut-in boxes, and then insert the boxes to the wall.

 

You are now ready to mount the sconces.

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Posted in Accents, Decorative Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Lighting, Wall Design | Comments Off on Wall Sconces: History and Installation Guide

5 Renovation Mistakes That You Must Never Make

Monday, March 11th, 2019

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Davinia Candle Sconce: Lighting has the power to make or break the mood and overall appeal of a room so choose well.

Taking on any home renovation project is a good move for any homeowner. This is a cost-effective choice compared to constructing from the ground up. This is also a good way to get a house in an awesome neighborhood without investing a huge fortune. Pick a home that you could give all the TLC to and then customize it.

 

If you’re interested in investment properties, too, then this is something that you could get into. There are many homeowners who have resorted to this kind of investment which they eventually rent out. This then becomes a source of regular income for them.

 

There are also those who just want to find a home, fix it a bit, and then flip it to eventually be handed over to a new owner. Whichever case you’re into, just make sure that you steer clear of the common mistakes that homeowners do when renovating.

 

Use of Cheap Materials

 

Using cheap materials is like signing up for a disaster. Just like everything else in your life, you only get what you paid for. So either you spend enough so that you get the superior things that you expected or be ready to get inferior materials and substandard look and quality in the process.

 

Inability to Work within a Budget

 

A lot of people also make the mistake of creating a budget but are unable to work with the amount that they have set. Remember that setting a budget and not keeping it will let your finances bleed dry. And without a budget to spend before the project completion, then you’re sure to have a huge problem to face.

 

So before you set out to begin a renovation project, ask yourself these five important questions –

 

How much money can I spare for this project?

What do I want to spend on?

What could possibly go wrong?

Which do I value more, quality or quantity?

What’s the realistic total cost going to be?

 

Incorrect Measurements

 

Even more wrong than not having a budget is having ample money to spend on the project but ending up with incorrect measurements anyways.

 

Have you heard of the saying measure twice but cut once? There is absolute truth for this saying and following it will save you from time consuming and costly mistakes.

 

Neglect of Lighting

 

Natural lighting is a beautiful feature that you would not want to be taken for granted. This, of course, disappears the moment the sun goes down. A lot of homeowners do not remember to account for the dark hours that follow the sunset.

 

You have probably heard it before, that lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design. This is the very feature that can help set the mood and tone for your interiors. Since this is so, you have to spend enough time to create the right lighting setup inside every room.

 

Remember to use accent lighting in areas that need to be relaxing, as this would give the room a soft glow. This sort of light will also provide an environment that’s perfect for people to unwind in. such lighting include table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces.

 

For a more focused theme, you can undertake a different lighting approach. Task lamps and spotlights are there to give emphasis to a certain theme.

 

Too Trendy

 

Trends tend to get boring quickly so you wouldn’t want to base every interior design decision on something that’s going to pass. While there’s nothing wrong with being trendy, the idea here is to not make hasty decisions like tearing down walls or anything else that costs a fortune for a look that will only last a few months.

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What Is the Best Lighting Plan?

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Fine Furniture Runway Collection: How many lighting fixtures do you think this dining room has?

Indoor and outdoor lighting design must be focused on energy efficiency. If you’re about to construct your dream home, then you should take ample time designing the lighting fixtures that you will install.

 

Designing the Indoor Lights

 

When you’re designing the indoor lighting and you want to optimize energy efficiency, you should consider adding more light. The quantity that you bring in also counts just as much as light quality.

 

Install LED or fluorescent lighting on the ceilings and walls. Take time design the light in key areas such as the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, the hallway and other high-traffic areas.

 

You can also use portable LEDs and CFLs that are going to be used for two hours each day. Be sure to find the Energy Star labeled lights. Invest also in occupancy sensors that would automatically turn your lights on or off.

 

Consider the light walls because these will minimize the need to use artificial lights. If you’re thinking of using recessed lights on your ceilings, use UL or Underwriters Lab approved fixtures only. These are airtight so they meet all ASTM (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) requirements.

 

Measure the ceiling height so you will know how to properly hang the lighting fixtures. There are lights that already come with adjustable rods or cables but there are also those that don’t so be sure to do your measurements.

 

The rule of thumb is, the bottom of your lighting fixtures must hang at about 12-20 inches below an eight-foot ceiling.

 

When you’re hanging a light over a kitchen island or a dining table, take note that the recommended distance is 28-34 inches from the lighting fixture’s bottom to the table surface. Note the size of your lighting fixture, though.

 

A smaller light may be hung lower while a bigger one can be placed higher.

 

When adding new pendant lights, consider if you can use cord swags. These can provide an industrial feel to the kitchen.

 

Light the stair risers so that no one would trip when he or she goes up or down the stairs.

 

Play with colors. A bright, colorful light in a neutral room will surely be interesting to see. Decorative lighting can also help in adding mood to the space.

 

Design for Outdoor Lighting

 

When you’re designing outdoor lights, you should consider aesthetics, utility and security.

 

For aesthetic lighting, make sure that the exteriors of your home are properly illuminated giving emphasis to areas such as a plot of garden or a beautiful landscape.

 

As for utility, be sure to put ample lighting on the driveway and the porch. These lights will help the people navigate around the house. Security-wise, the grounds must also be illuminated whether on the driveway or all around the house.

 

Energy efficient outdoor lighting needn’t be bright. Use fluorescent or LED lighting for energy efficiency. Think if you can have a few floodlights installed. Combine these with motion and photo sensors.

 

Check also that the outdoor lighting fixtures come with reflectors, covers or deflectors. Any of these will help reduce light pollution outdoors. Make good use of controls and timers so that decorative lighting can also be turned on and off.

 

Some of the lights that are commonly used to improve the outdoor setting are –

 

  • Flush mount sconce
  • Wall lantern
  • Semi flush mounts
  • Bulkhead light
  • Spotlights
  • Barn lights

 

Lighting, as cliché as it may sound, can make or break the design of your home. Lighting can increase the ambiance as well as the mood of any space whether you’re illuminating outdoors or indoors. If you get it correctly, you get the assurance that your home will look at its best.

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How to Take On Your First Dining Room Chandelier Installation Project

Friday, February 22nd, 2019

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Marinot, 12Lt. Chandelier 21298

The dining room is a place of socialization. This is where family or friends gather to enjoy a good meal while conversing and being updated on each other’s lives. Compared to kitchens, the dining room is a place that’s meant for relaxation. This is why the décor in this area is also a lot different from the area where cooking is done.

 

One of the age-old ways to effectively decorate the dining room is to hang a chandelier. This is a lighting fixture that’s highly valued for its function and aesthetic appeal. This is a decorative element that can effectively enhance any space.

 

If you’re currently shopping for a piece that will beautify your dining room then read on for a few tips –

 

Know the Cost

 

Chandeliers will always be hot when it comes to what’s fashionable inside a home. So, if you’re updating the dining room, then know that you don’t have to spend a lot just to replace the current lighting fixture there.

 

If you’re changing the lighting fixture, then be sure to hire a licensed electrician. Never install an overhead light all on your own. Not only is it dangerous because it involves electrical know-how, you might also end up doing the task all over again because the wiring system might not have been placed properly.

 

The lighting fixture installation cost, on average, is around $418 USD. Majority of homeowners spend anywhere from $176 to $375.

 

Know the Different Styles

 

Linear. Dining rooms come in many different designs. You would want to match your lighting with the current design elements that are already in place. The simplest solution is to have a rectangular or a linear chandelier.

 

This kind of chandelier has a horizontal span that’s great to install over a long dining table. You can use this when your home is designed with a farmhouse look or a Mid-century modern style.

 

Lantern. If you want an even more traditional look for the dining room, then your chandelier style should be that of a lantern. This hangs beautifully on a vertical position, as does a traditional chandelier.

 

This often comes in a metal frame. You can choose from a wide array of sizes from tiny to the gargantuan. The lantern chandelier is also the best lighting fixture for a tiny dining room.

 

Modern. The modern style is probably the one style that stands out because it can come in interesting geometric shapes.

 

Find those that have metallic finishes. Chrome is one exciting finish that will give your modern home its unique look. If you’re inviting a lot of guests over, then this is the right kind of chandelier that will start conversations.

 

Rustic. If you’re opting for the cozy and homey feeling, then a rustic chandelier is the best choice for your dining room light. Cast iron and dark wood are common materials and are also worth investing in.

 

This decorative element looks great when hung over a wooden table. While most of the rustic chandeliers are linear, there are also globe varieties as well as vertical chandeliers.

 

Traditional. The traditional style is the safest yet still stylish choice for any unsure homeowner. Traditional chandeliers, therefore, make use of a few bulbs and some glass pieces.

 

Elegance is easily achieved through the traditional dining room chandelier. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, then be sure to replace the dining room overhead lighting with this timeless choice.

 

Small. For people who have small dining rooms, then the lighting fixture of choice should be one that will not crowd out the rest of the design elements. Know the measurements of your dining room so that you will be able to buy the right chandelier size.

 

Linear chandeliers could be your best choice at this point.

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5 Year of the Earth Pig Lighting Trends

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019

 

The Maitland-Smith Lamps and Lighting Base Only 8114-18 has a super stylish metallic finish that’s ‘in’ this Year of the Earth Pig.

Have you ever come to a point in your interior designing efforts when you changed the lighting fixture and you ended up revitalizing the overall look of your home? If you have yet to try this, then why procrastinate?

 

The year 2019 is the Year of the Earth Pig and it is an awesome year to do a lot of auspicious things in your home. An easy lighting update could just be the update that your tired-looking home needs.

 

In the past few years, you have probably seen some common themes of statements and sustainability that are being embraced in many lighting choices. These trends are continuing through to 2019 and they will even be elevated to the most innovative designs.

 

The Green Design

 

At the very top of the lighting trends are the eco-friendly lighting designs. The huge cut down on the carbon footprint equates to savings for many homeowners. There are now many choices for energy-saving light bulbs. There are also various ways to upcycle the eco-friendly lighting designs.

 

There is no doubt that the climate change has greatly affected every part of the world whether in bush fires or flash floods. One of the easiest eco-friendly ways to begin green living is to choose your lighting properly.

 

And don’t just introduce green lighting but also bring a touch of greenery to stay on the eco-friendly vibe at all times.

 

The Natural Design

 

Apart from the green fixture options, also trending are the natural materials used in lighting such as bamboo, wood, and woven fixtures. These may be simple designs but they remain to be one of the leading staple lighting features for this year.

 

If you have yet to alter the lighting in your home, then this trend will fit you right into the Boho style.

 

The Industrial Design

 

If natural materials don’t make you swoon, then that’s alright. Industrial style is also quite hot this year. It was one of the leading trends from last year which is still hot, hot, hot this year.

 

Don’t be intimidated by the oft-metallic look that industrial style offers. This is actually a fun trend once you get how to use it for your new designs. For instance, what used to be barn lights that were solely used outdoors are now quite stylish when used inside the dining room.

 

Metallic Is Hip

 

Metallic finish is the go-to style for both the minimalist and modern homes. You can add this style for this year. This is especially useful for those who are considering selling their houses the following year.

 

You will never go wrong with the metallic lighting fixtures. Chrome can freshen up a room whereas gold and brass are your sophistication tones.

 

Accent Lighting Is Drama

 

Of course, not every room in your home needs a new ceiling light this year. You can still change the overall look of any space when you know how to pick from the most popular accent lights in the market.

 

The right accent light can effectively guide the eye towards the highlighted object or architectural part of a home. An accent light is indispensible to a home that wants to emphasize a focal point.

 

Away with Old Trends

 

The Year of the Earth Pig begs to have all old trends pushed aside. Built-in bulbs often present a problem – when the LED light fails, the whole fixture tends to become useless. This is far from eco-friendly so it is time to search for those that have replaceable eco bulbs.

 

Cost of Lighting

 

There are many ways to save on the installation of your trendy lighting fixture. Of course, you need to set aside a budget especially for this. The average cost, though, is $421 for a small fixture.

 

You can spend anywhere from this amount to almost $400.

 

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Is It the Correct Pendant Light?

Friday, February 8th, 2019

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Arborea Glass Mini Pendant 22006

Pendant lamps – the animal fat in clay pot with wick types – date all the way back to Ancient Greece. There are a lot of changes since then and in this modern era, starting from the middle of the century, industrial type fixtures have started to appear.

 

Pendant fixtures are now a popular option for lighting many different rooms. You can make them work to your advantage if you learn a few guidelines.

 

Pendant Over a Table

 

The minimum height for the pendant light to dangle beautifully above a table is at 28-32 inches. You can adjust according to your preference but be mindful of the size of the fixture and the height of your ceiling.

 

It’s up to you to assign the role for your pendant light whether it’s going to be ambient or task light.

 

A big drum pendant lighting hanging over the table is able to anchor a vignette. With dimmers, it can also provide brighter lighting for day tasks such as finishing an assignment.

 

You can also hang multiple pendants above your rectangular table so the entire surface can be illuminated and also for aesthetics purpose.

 

Pendant in the Hallway

 

You can also hang pendants on the hallway or in the entryway. These lighting fixtures add drama and charm to those spaces. They cast interesting shadows while also providing illumination.

 

Where you need to light tall ceilings, be sure to hang the pendants at the right height. Hanging them high up could only lead to a confusing room. For lower ceilings, just use flush-mount lighting.

 

As for the hall, you have the choice to hang a series of like fixtures. This is a classic lighting technique that will provide a traditional look to your home. Keep the height at 8 feet so that there is ample clearance from the ceiling down to the floor.

 

Note also the doors and how they are opened. Make sure that there is ample clearance.

 

Pendants on the Stairwell

 

Pendant lights can also be hung in your stairwell. These will serve as a sculptural element in that area while providing the needed illumination.

 

Remember to hang the pendant light at a height that provides sufficient clearance for when you walk up or down the stairs. There must be no less than 18 to 24 inches of clearance. If there are tall family members, then make sure to adjust accordingly.

 

Pendant Above the Island

 

When you’re considering installing pendant light in the kitchen, then the best spot to put it is right above your beautiful kitchen island. This is an awesome way to provide ample task light while also enhancing your kitchen’s style.

 

The typical height for pendants is at 28 to 34 inches right above the countertop. Coming from the floor, there should be 72 inches, at the very least.

 

Yet another tip in hanging pendants above the peninsula or island is to hang them high enough so that you won’t be staring at lights when you’re standing.

 

Pendants at the Center and the Side

 

Pendant lighting is also beautiful when placed in the middle of a room such as in the case of the light above the coffee table. This will create drama while also being functional. Make sure that people won’t have to stoop just to walk under the pendant light.

 

Pendant lights can also be used by the side of a bed; instead of the usual bedside lamps, try these for a change. This is an effective way to illuminate the area especially in a room where there’s limited lighting.

 

Pendant in the Bathroom

 

The pendant light can also be used inside this room where it can replace the traditional sconces. Remember the basic rule which is to keep the lighting high enough so that you won’t hit it when you’re standing.

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Chandelier Cleanup 101

Saturday, October 6th, 2018

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Marinot, 12Lt. Chandelier 21298

If you’ve recently redecorated your home and the project involved stripping the walls of old wallpaper, then the dirt and dust might have found their way to your chandelier. So how do you clean those plaster dust and wallpaper particles? ‘Time to give your lighting fixture a lot of lovin’.

There are two known methods of chandelier cleanup. The first one is the Glass Off and the other is Glass On.

Glass On is a method that makes use of a damp cloth to wipe down the decorative elements while the fixture is still attached to the frame. The Glass Off type requires that the hanging elements are taken off of the fixture and then cleaned piece by piece. Each of the cleaned pieces is then reattached after they have been polished.

If you’re thinking of spraying some solutions directly to the chandelier, hold your horses. There are cleaning solutions that can easily damage the non-crystal parts of your lighting fixture.

For now, let’s learn about the two types of cleaning methods.

The Glass Off Method

If you choose to clean your chandelier using the glass off method, then you will be better able to clean the parts. It can get difficult to clean a swinging chandelier for those who clean it with the Glass On method. This is especially dangerous when you’re cleaning a chandelier that’s installed high up on a very high ceiling.

If you’re cleaning up to resurrect a vintage or an antique fixture, then it is best to work with a ladder. As soon as you acquire this, turn the circuit breaker off. If this is not possible at the moment, then turn off the switch to the chandelier. Use a large tape to cover the switch just as an added precaution.

Check the chandelier since you will be removing many hanging elements and you will also replace them after the cleanup. Remove every section that you see and make a mental note (if not a physical note) on how to put them all back. You might also want to take a photo of the chandelier from different angles. This is for reference later on.

A grimy or dusty chandelier will not be as brilliant or sparkly as a new one. You can recapture the shine by taking the time to clean the lighting fixture, step by step.

The Glass On Method

This chandelier cleaning method is best in removing light dust and dirt. This can be done every two to six months, also depending on the room conditions where the chandelier has been placed.

Here, there is no need to remove the crystals. Switch off the power to the lighting fixture, though. Just make sure that all the bulbs are screwed on tightly to their sockets.

Protect the fixture from any water by covering them with sandwich bags. You can also use rubber bands to tie all around the bases. Next, place one towel on the floor right below the fixture. This should help absorb the drips coming from the cleaning spray.

There are cleaning solutions that you can buy from shops or you can just go ahead and make the cleaner. One part of ammonia should be mixed with three parts of distilled water. This solution won’t leave water marks as compared to just using tap water.

An alternative to this is a hot soapy water solution. Others use one part of isopropyl alcohol together with three parts of distilled water.

Whatever solution you end up using, make sure that you spray all the surfaces except the wire and electrical parts. let the solution drip off then rinse off using distilled water. You can also just wipe them off with cotton cloth if you don’t want to wait for the solution to drip.

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The Inseparable Dining and Lighting

Monday, August 27th, 2018

Did you say intimate? Featured here is the Uttermost Accessories Garvin Twist Sconce With Candle 19476.

One of the critical elements that you should consider in every dining room is correct lighting. Take note, it’s not just lighting but the right kind of lighting so that you’re able to create an equally correct atmosphere. There are some lighting tips that are meant just for your kind of dining room –

The Supper Zone

If you happen to spend most of your nights rather than your daytime in the dining room, then you should look for lighting that is dramatic. Low-level lighting is what you should be looking for so that you’d create an intimate space.

There are special bulbs and lighting fixtures that cast a romantic shadow. Look for those. An elegant lantern can give your dining room the level of sophistication that it needs. A multi-arm chandelier would be best for ornate designs. While the starburst is perfect for that roundtable that you fell in love with.

For the modernist romantic, you can go for crystal lighting or just about any shape that speaks to you.

Begin at the Top

Think of the dining room lighting as the centerpiece of that space. Since this is so, you have to take every opportunity to make a statement. When you have a rectangular table, find a linear chandelier or several pendants which should run the entire table’s length.

A roundtable, on the other hand, should have a group of mini chandeliers or pendants. Pick LED-lit chandelier if you want a white light to be cast throughout the room.

Or linear and modernized? Here’s the straightforward beauty offered by the Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Tuxedo, 6-Lt Single Shade Chandelier 21130

The Table Is the Anchor

Another crucial thing to remember is that you have to consider the table as the basis for your lighting decisions. You have to do this because people gather around this one piece of furniture while the rest of the space recedes when a meal is served.

This means you can go for an interesting pendant, the traditional chandelier or a series of pendants. Just make sure, each time, that the bottom of the lighting fixture must be 36 inches from the dining table surface.

Large Pendant, Small Dining Table

Work with scaling especially around the dining table. The bigger the lighting fixture, most designers agree, the better. If you have a small, round table, match it with a pendant light that catches attention. Alternatively, you can also invest in multiple pendants that are asymmetrically numbered.

As for your rectangular table, look for a chandelier or, yet again, a series of pendant lights. The longer the table, the more that you need to create a row of lights that would run its length. It is always best to go for odd numbering rather than the matching look of even-numbered lights.

Zone Demarcation

Be sure to use a large pendant when you signed up for an open space layout. This one piece of lighting fixture can help you create zones in your home. This huge pendant would help focus eyes even during the day.

Use Dimmers

Light controls can effortlessly increase the level of comfort in your dining room. Dimmed lights do not just use less energy but they also create the perfect, intimate ambiance that you would want at night. Sure, go ahead and flood the dining room with daylight but, come night, be sure to achieve the right atmosphere by having just the low-level kind of warm light.

Plus, dimmed lighting looks pretty, too, so just go for it.

Don’t Forget to Layer

Just a single source of light would be too intimate while having a lot at the wrong spots could also be glaring. Having more than one lighting source gives you more options in terms of creating moods. So go ahead and have a table lamp for that sideboard or some wall sconces to match that large pendant.

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The Candelabra: Creating An Intimate Setting

Friday, August 24th, 2018

The linear candelabra paired just right with the beauty of these Humphrey Bogart dining room collection.

That pair of candlesticks that has multiple arms is what’s referred to as candelabrum (with the plural form of candelabra, although, it has become acceptable to call it as candelabra as a singular thing with candelabras as its plural form).

Candelabrum refers to candle-tree. This is a Latin word that was so-named because of its arms or branches. The candelabrum became a need before the advent of electrical light. At the time, it was imperative to have more than one candle in a room in order to brighten up space especially when the homeowners needed to do some reading or writing during the evening.

Originally, the candelabrum comes with one supporting column that holds 2-4 branches or arms. The arms could be removed as desired and the column was then just able to hold one candlestick.

Many homes used the candelabra and displayed them prominently in their homes. To some, these even became a status symbol of sorts. With greater illumination provided by this one element, it became apparent for craftsmen to stylize it.

The candelabrum became even more popular in the 1800s when silver was already used as the leading material in creating this lovely lighting piece. By that time, the candelabra have all become a substantial part of homes’ décor especially in the dining room and the living room. With seated guests all around, the candelabra allowed for people to have conversations when there used to be just darkness.

While candles have been around since 3000 BC, the display of light has become sort of a necessity. In 400 BC, there has been evidence of clay candelabra. Today, these can be practically made from any material including gold, silver, copper, brass, crystal, and iron.

The use of the candelabrum as a lighting piece died in the 1870s when the light bulb was already invented. By then, it has just become a decorative piece, one that evoked romance and intimacy.

Candelabra Types

The arms of the candelabra made the huge difference on how each piece would look. There are those that have as many as eight arms and even the grander ones that display a lot more than this. The more elaborate candelabra are now typically found in museums.

The ones that have more arms have been given wider bases in order to support the more numerous branches. The styles and types of the candelabra were different based on the era when they were created. So, for instance, if the prevailing fashion for dining at a certain time was silver, then the candelabra were patterned to these pieces.

As years passed, the designs became more refined and as the modern and contemporary eras came, the look of these lighting pieces also changed with the times. Going back to the simplistic design of the George I candelabra which was linear and angular, it was highly contrasted by the George II style which had a lot of embellishments and decorative parts.

This constant evolution paved the way for finer pieces being produced in the latter years. Probably the most renowned candelabrum is the Menorah which has seven branches. This is a symbol of Jewish faith and, in fact, is so old that it was even mentioned in the Bible.

Candelabra are now considered synonymous with opulence. Buyers should just know how to invest in the best ones and to maintain them so that they can last for many years.

The Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Rudra Antiqued Silver Candelabra 18909 has a modern flair that sits just right in a modern home.

Candelabra: Damage Prevention

Of course, you should be careful with the types of candles that you would use. To prevent stains and drips, use quality, non-petroleum based ones.

As soon as the drips harden, be sure to remove them as fresh wax is more pliable. Wear gloves as you touch the candelabrum.

Never use water to clean the candelabra.

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Pendant Lighting: Classic or Contemporary?

Monday, June 4th, 2018

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Fumant 4 Light Industrial Pendant 22075

Pendant lighting fixtures have been around for many years but to think that they are just decorative elements is limiting them to just one role. There are many ways that you can spice up your home using this type of lighting fixture. And more often than not, the results are far too astounding to imagine.

Pendant lamps have been around since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Animal fats together with perfumes had wicks and then placed inside clay pots.

Pendant Light in the Kitchen

People are naturally drawn to light. And it is in layering, the drama that makes lighting more interesting to the human vision.

There isn’t one kind of light that can serve as the correct light for the entire kitchen. The different kinds of light have their own roles to play. The task light, for instance, can be used to illuminate the work areas such as the kitchen island as well as the pantry closet.

Decorative lighting, on the other hand, is your kitchen lighting eye candy. This is the one that adds visual interest to the kitchen. It can be the chandelier or the wall sconces that look like candelabra, or it can be your beautiful pendant lighting fixture.

Kitchen accent lighting can give depth. These are those recessed lights that you can add to create a visual drama even for a busy place such as the kitchen.

Pendant Lighting in the Bedroom

Picking the right bedroom lighting can be both challenging and fun. There is also a wide range of bedroom lighting which all have their own advantages. It’s up to you to get the style and the type of illumination that would make your bedroom more restful.

The size of the pendant lighting matters. You might be tempted to lead the light away from the bed – don’t. You can hang the pendant lighting – that is proportional to the size of the room, of course – right on the ceiling directly on the middle of the bed.

Make sure that your pendant light also enhances the theme that you have chosen for the bedroom. ‘Want a cascading chandelier for this room? That’s fine, too.

Pendant Fixture in the Living Room

It is crucial to properly light the living room because it is a hub of family activities. So what happens in your living room? You can use all three types – general, task, and accent.

General lighting could be as simple as natural light during the day. Overhead lighting is also important during the night. If you like watching TV in the living room, then use surrounding lights that won’t cause glare.

Accent lighting in the living room could be low-level lamps and floor lamps. Cozy it up with some pendant lights that match the theme of that space.

Uttermost Lamps and Lighting Onduler, 4Lt. Pendant 22098

Pendant Lighting in the Dining Room

Just like the kitchen and the living room, the dining room is also a busy part of a home. And this is also one of the most interesting rooms that you can decorate. Here, you can definitely play with the different shapes of pendant lighting.

You can hang round pendants in place of the usual crystal chandeliers. You see, pendant lighting is as flexible as dining room lighting could go. Multiple pendants could even provide this room the needful complementary element for the rest of the design.

In picking your pendant light for this room, make sure that it is no less than 12 inches smaller than the dining table that you have set. The linear suspension should be about 1/3 to 2/3 of the table’s length and about 30 inches from its surface.

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