Refurbishing Crystal Chandeliers

If your budget doesn’t have room in it for a brand new crystal chandelier, or if you’re looking for an antique piece to add to your home, you can save a significant amount of money by purchasing an older distressed chandelier and refurbishing it yourself.  If the bones of the chandelier are good, you can easily update the light fixture into a beautiful addition to your home.

The first step in finding bargain crystal chandeliers is locating potential dealers.  Antique stores may seem like a good place to find a cheap project light, but usually antique dealers only sell broken or distressed items if they are high end.  Despite their condition, these types of crystal chandeliers can still be quite expensive.  Try looking on craigslist, in your local newspaper classifieds, or at thrift stores for inexpensive chandeliers.

Once you have acquired your new light fixture, look it over to see if any of the crystals are missing.  Take note of the condition of the base, and try to assess the type of metal used.  Check to see if your light works.  A lighting repair specialist can easily fix any broken wires or rewire the entire fixture.  Very old crystal chandeliers may have been made before electricity was available, and in that case you will have to retrofit the fixture to work in your home.

When you have an idea of the repairs that need to be made, you can start your project.  If you need to have the wiring replaced or repaired, do that first.  Make sure you use a reputable repair shop that has experience working with crystal chandeliers.

After any necessary repairs are made, you’re left with aesthetics.  Start by removing all of the crystals from the chandelier and thoroughly cleaning each one.  Next, either polish the base with a cleaner made especially for the type of metal used on the base, or use paint to give it a new finish.  Reattach all the newly cleaned crystals and replace any missing or broken ones.  Now your chandelier should be as good as new!

Refurbishingcrystal chandeliers can be a fun project and will result in a unique, personalized light fixture for your home.  Choosing to update an old chandelier instead of buying a new one will save you a lot of money and will be a beautiful, lasting addition to your home.

Crystal Chandeliers For Your Kitchen

Most people do not think of kitchens as the most elegant rooms of their home.  However, choosing the right crystal chandelier for your kitchen can add elegance, grace, and sophistication to almost any kitchen décor.  The trick is choosing the right crystal chandelier to go with your kitchen's décor and mood.

One of the biggest mistakes that people often make when choosing crystal chandeliers for their kitchen is choosing one that doesn't go with the overall look and feel of their kitchen.  Most of the time those ornate dining room chandeliers look out of place in a kitchen.  The fact is that all crystal chandeliers can add elegance without you going overboard.  For example, for a country style kitchen why not try a small brass and crystal chandelier over that table.  The brass just shouts country while the combination enhances the sophistication of your entire décor.

Or if you have an all modern kitchen complete with those all those brushed stainless steel appliances then why not go for a stainless steel and glass chandelier that looks both modern and chic.  By considering the different styles of crystalchandeliers that will right for your kitchen décor, you can make any style kitchen beautiful and sophisticated by simply changing the light fixture.

Lighting Your Master Bedroom

Lighting plays a key part in making your master bedroom the sanctuary you need and deserve it to be. Lighting helps to set the mood for relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance. It is important that your bedroom be a space all your own, that reflects your likes, comforts and preferences.

Many find that crystal chandeliers add just the right touch of luxury and romance to their bedrooms. With the hundreds of options available, you can find one that reflects your personality and style perfectly.

Some people love for their bedroom to be a little more classic or romantic than other parts of their home, so choosing a traditional crystal chandelier works great. The cascading crystals and sparkles add a touch of fantasy.

Others like crystal chandeliers that have a more modern look, something with cleaner lines, and perhaps a stronger statement. Some love brilliant or bold colors. There really are no rules regarding what kind of crystal chandelier, or lighting fixture you choose, only that you must love it!

Size is one thing to consider, as you want your fixtures to be sized to scale. Big spaces with big fixtures, and small spaces with smaller ones. Shop around and you will surely find the ideal lighting for your space.

Decorative Ceramic Light Fixtures

As the seasons get ready to change, you may be looking to update the decor in your house.  Spring and fall are great times to deep clean your living space and spruce up your decor.  An inexpensive way to dramatically alter the look of a room is by changing the lighting.  Decorative ceramic light fixtures are cheaper than fancier lighting options, such as crystalchandeliers, but they can still deliver a high impact.

There are three basic categories of ceramic light fixtures you can choose from.  Lamps, either floor or table top varieties, are easy to alter with different shades, are movable, and are not permanently attached to walls or ceilings, which makes them an ideal candidate for renters.  Ceramic lamps are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Wall sconces are ideal for accenting small areas or objects.  Use them in a bathroom to illuminate a mirror, next to a door for a dramatic effect, or near the headboard of your bed to provide reading light.  The light weight of ceramic wall sconces make them easy to hang wherever you need a little extra light.  Most varieties are hard wired into your homes electrical grid, although a few battery operated styles are also available.

Ceramic ceiling lights are usually hung flush to the ceiling, unlike crystal chandeliers, which hang.  Ceramic ceiling lights can be very ornate for a detailed, interesting piece.  They are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, as their low profile doesn’t extend into the space as much as other lights do.

No matter how big or small your redecorating project is, decorative ceramic light fixtures will accentuate any space.  They are easier to maintain than crystal chandeliers, but are just as lovely.  You can find a wide variety of ceramic lighting at your local home improvement store.

Keeping your Chandelier Sparkling

The beautiful crystal chandeliers you have in your home add ambiance and beauty, but you have to do a little cleaning from time to time if you want them to continue to sparkle as they should.

Since chandeliers are typically hung from the ceiling, often the highest ceilings in your home, cleaning may be a bit of a project. If you must use a ladder to access your crystal chandeliers, be sure you use caution and do it safely.

On an occasional basis, the cleaning is very involved; remove every crystal, wipe, and place them back in their original spot. This is a big job. Be sure you use a cloth that is appropriate for cleaning glass.

You’ll be happy to know that , if you perform these occasional cleanings, you can usually get away with a very simple cleaning. Mix a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled alcohol and spray your crystal chandeliers. The fast evaporating alcohol will leave your chandeliers sparkling, and the distilled water will not leave streaks.

By keeping your crystal chandeliers clean, you will ensure that your fixtures always have that captivating sparkle that your home deserves. A little effort, a lot of shine!