Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Decorating With Crystal Chandeliers



We are so enamored with the beauty of crystal chandeliers we tend to forget that the dazzling shine and light-reflecting qualities originally were used to enhance and distribute the soft light of the candles that once were used as the light source. Those crystals that we love to see sparkle actually served a utilitarian purpose.

I believe placing a crystal chandelier in any room can turn it into a breathtaking space. In the powder room, entryway, or in your romantic bedroom or dressing room, the delicate nature of a crystal chandelier adds a bit of romance to your life.

I have gathered some images that will excite some of you who already are under the spell of the crystal chandelier and hopefully inspire those of you who have never given them much thought....... to think again.


Crystal chandeliers are especially stunning when used in a French interior. If you will use mirrors in the same room you will get even more beautiful sparkle.

via pinterest

Whether they are ornate and multi-armed or simply feature a large-scale bowl,  crystal chandeliers need a dimmer so homeowners can control the intensity of light. Usually the lighting capability of a chandelier is more than is actually necessary to light the space so they should always be controlled by a dimmer to add to the aesthetic appeal.


Oh my what a lovely space....made all the more divine by the presence of crystal.



Crystal chandeliers and weathered interiors....tres chic.

thelinenrose.tumblr.com

"Chandelettes," or mini crystal chandeliers, add a new sense of intimacy to small rooms and to corner spaces and alcoves of larger ones. "Minis are even being used as wall sconces in some instances -- and they look fantastic," says lighting and furniture designer Sergio Orozco. 


These compact crystal chandeliers are nine-12 inches in diameter to slip easily into tight spaces. For added impact, consider grouping them. 

via pinterest

If you love the glamour of a crystal chandelier, you might also want to consider adding a touch of color. Also prisms can be ordered to match the decor of your room, giving you different lighting hues.


Muted colors are a nice addition but stay away from brightly colored prisms or you will lose the elegant antique look of your crystal chandelier.

vibekedesign.blogspot.com

Crystal chandeliers are so beautiful when used alongside rustic accessories.


I like the way this crystal chandelier has been dropped through the canopy!


Loaded with crystals and beads these chandeliers can be dressed up further by the addition of ribbons, lamp shades...... 

via tumblr

via pinterest

and porcelain flowers and leaves to complete the vintage look. The small crystal chandeliers are less expensive yet they still are statement pieces.

postcardfromparis.com

There are so many lovely styles of crystal chandeliers it is hard to choose one. Maybe you are lucky and can afford several!

agedandgilded.typepad.com

To me the crystal chandelier is even more elegant when used with stone in a rustic setting.

source unknown

A common feature seen on 18th-century chandeliers are daisy-shaped glass buttons.


Crystal chandeliers are one of the hallmark decorating pieces of the shabby chic decorating style. Chandeliers are common in the French cottage decorating style and shabby chic takes inspiration from this style.


DO use chandeliers in a variety of rooms. They look great in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and even home offices.


DON'T limit yourself to just one crystal chandelier. Instead opt for two slightly smaller fixtures.

belclairehouse.blogspot.com

This crystal chandelier relies more on beading than on hanging prisms.

Jane Hall

Crystal chandeliers can easily cross that fine line into garish territory.  Juxtaposed against a crisp and neutral palette, however, these ornate fixtures make a room utterly magnificent.

arcitecturaldigest.com

There is something about the all white background that brings the crystal chandelier to life.

Jacques Garcia

Chateau de Deulin, Luxembourg, via Pinterest


Don't let a crystal chandelier stand alone in a room. Like a star, they need a supporting cast of characters to help them do their job. A chandelier needs supplemental lighting around it in the form of sconces and lamps.
via tumblr


When adding a crystal chandelier remember that higher ceilings demand larger fixtures.
via pinterest

I like it when a crystal chandelier seems to float in a room.


It doesn't matter whether a room is casually elegant or opulent, the delicate nature of a crystal chandelier looks wonderful.


I think two crystal chandeliers instead of one is more interesting and a prettier effect.



DO go large rather than small in a dining room. If the crystal fixture seems too large hang it a bit closer to the ceiling so it doesn't feel so overwhelming.



I don't live and die by the rules so I say lower your crystal chandelier to where it just hovers above the table for a lovely effect.

via pinterest

Hundreds of hand-cut crystal pieces make antique crystal chandeliers a work of art.




Sizing A Chandelier To Your Room

Again I don't usually live and die by the rules....just go by what my eye tells me. But here is a general rule of thumb to determine the proper size chandelier for the foyer add the dimensions together: For example if your foyer is 12’ by 16’, add the 12 plus 16 to get 28. The proper size chandelier would then be 28” diameter. This works for any room. Make sure the bottom of the fixture does not hang more than 7’ from the floor. If windows are present, center the fixture in the window so it can be seen from outside.

To determine the proper size chandelier for a dining table, choose a chandelier with a diameter 12" less than width of table. This assumes the table is sized appropriate for room. It should be hung with the bottom of the fixture 30” above the tabletop for an 8’ ceiling. Go up 3” for each additional foot of ceiling. For ceilings nine feet or higher, consider a two-tier style chandelier to fill the space from the fixture's top to the ceiling.

To size a chandelier for your dining room, or to be the focal point of your space, measure the length and width of the room and add those figures together. The sum, converted to inches, will equal the diameter of the correct-sized chandelier.In most cases, the bottom of your chandelier should sit approximately 30"-32" above the table top.


For more home lighting you might enjoy   Lanterns....An Elegant Way To Light Your Home






Click here to see the previous post!


This blog post was published by

Lisa Farmer







Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , ,

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Decorating Traditional, Old World Style Powder Rooms



The powder room got it's name from the fact that they originally did not include plumbing, but were used to provide a place for servants to add talcum powder to the white wigs of respectable men. 

 Today females in need of emergency makeup checks know the importance of a powder room. 



Furnished with only a sink, toilet and mirror, it normally serves the purpose of guest bathroom and is generally located on the first floor the house, so as not to invade the privacy of the host. Since this room is regularly in use, it should look more like a decorated room than a utilitarian after thought.

I love decorating powder rooms because I believe you can turn them into little jewel boxes that can make quite a statement. They are small projects that can have you guests saying "WOW"

Below are some pictures to inspire you and tips to make your "small project" a success. This post features my favorite styles which are more old world and classic. Just stay tuned for a future post on more modern and chic styles.




via pinterest

In older homes you can count on character such as pretty moldings, doors, and sometimes a bit more space. You can however make a new powder room have that same old world style by incorporating some patina via your vanity, mirror, lighting  (mix it up like this with lanterns and crystal) and other furniture.You don't have to buy a new vanity. I have made sinks out of antique washstands, buffets, sideboards. Find a piece that may be in need on some TLC and be creative. They can be refinished, painted, stenciled, mirrored....the possibilities are endless. And they are unique so you don't have that cookie cutter look.



These small rooms are perfect for that  hand painted design you have always wanted.  It won't cost you a fortune. Or try your own hand with stencils.


Of course all powder rooms need a fabulous mirror but you should also consider mirrored panels on the walls to create an illusion of space.


Pretty wallpaper and the warm glow of brass make this a lovely powder room. Remember brass is back.....just stay away from the plastic looking finish and you will be OK.

via pinterest

I adore a powder room that is tucked under a staircase. Small but charming!


French toile de jouy is a splendid choice for the walls of a  powder room.


Try Chinoiserie for an exotic look in your powder room. The ideal powder room vanity allows guests to maneuver easily without sacrificing storage or counter space.

via pinterest

ww1.prweb.com

You might think that a large or colorful pattern might not work in a small space......but it does!!

mabdesigns.net

If you really want to make a statement somewhere in your house, this is where you can do it!

Norman Askins

The sink should be the centerpiece of the room. Choose a sink that perfectly defines the style of your bathroom

via pinterest

Add lighting through lamps or decorative wall sconces if natural light isn't available.  Also the powder room is a place where you should do something interesting with the flooring as it won't cost much since it is a small space.


Perfect example of how a small powder room can look like a jewel box with the right paper, moldings, and accessories

via pinterest

I love this powder room. It is very small but SO  interesting. The treatment of the door makes the space seem larger. When it comes to the powder room....think outside the box!!!


What makes this room so pretty is the mix of pattern in the paper, window treatment and flooring. Mosaic tiles make lovely classic floors for a small room like this and the Greek Key motif is timeless as is the pedestal sink.

hgtvremodels.com

Make your powder room interesting and charming but avoid over decorating which will make the room feel cluttered.

Miles Redd

A powder room in which the homeowner has made great classic choices.....the color black, marble topped vanity, timeless sconces and a wonderful mirror. And look at that ceiling!!


Unique shaped rooms make wonderful powder rooms. This vintage one and the one below have lots of charm. 


Don't overlook your powder room because it is small......remember big things come in small packages. Think of the small details when designing a powder room.

conspicuousstyle.com

Look what pretty moldings do for a small space. This is something easy to do to make your room look classic and refined. Imagine this room without the millwork......just a cream box. Don't forget that sinks can be placed in corners too!!


Get a muralist to give you a spectacular view in a small powder room.


We know about mirrored walls, but mirrors on the ceiling is another way to make your room seem larger.

Eloise Kubli

The gorgeous wallpaper and the vanity style give this powder room it's opulent appeal.


Decorating small spaces seems like a task, but really they are quite fun. The powder room is he perfect place to experiment with drama and style. Red walls are perfect.


I had to add this tiny space to show you that no matter how small your powder room is it can still pack a decorating punch!!

via pinterest


Also check out Decorating With Claw Foot Tubs and
 Decorate Your Bathroom With Old World Charm





Click here to see the previous post!


This blog post was published by

Lisa Farmer


Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Follow Me On Facebook Follow Me On Pinterest Subscribe to my RSS Feed Send Me An Email