Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Decorating With Antique Crystal Sconces



We all know that a sure bet for creating French flair in your home is the addition of a crystal chandelier. Crystal sconces are another important element that can add a tremendous amount of style and European charm to your interiors. The great thing about crystal sconces is that they fit everywhere. It's amazing how a very small item can make such a big statement in every room in your home, from the powder room, to the dining room, to the bedroom. 

 Classic sconces dripping with crystals, bring life to a room in a way no other lighting fixture can by bouncing a rainbow of colors throughout a room during the day in accordance to the changing of the sun. 

Beautiful crystal sconces, to accessorize your walls, with can be found at reasonable prices, but you have to get out there and look for them. Check out antique and collectible malls as well as thrift shops and estate sales for treasures that will bring a chic touch of Paris to your interiors. 


Jacques Grange

In 1767, Louis XV gave Münzthal the prestigious name of Verrerie Royale de Saint-Louis (Saint-Louis Royal Glassworks). Fifteen years later, the formula for producing crystal was discovered by François de Beaufort. French architects and decorators designing for Louis XIV were responsible for the crystal chandelier, girandole, and sconce becoming the proper method of illumination.


French Rock Crystal Maison Bagues beaded vintage brass antique sconces recently sold for $6875.00

Rock crystal was rare, brittle, hard to work with, and very expensive so pressed glass pieces entered into use. The glass was brittle and could not be cut and shaped like rock crystal. Plus they were found to be dull and lifeless because they lacked qualities of refraction. It became evident that a substitute was needed. Lead oxide was added to the glass during its manufacture, and this made the material soft and highly refractive. This new material was easier to cut and was even more refractive than rock crystal. The newly created Lead Glass had what was called “FIRE”. When used in chandeliers with candles, it was absolutely brilliant!


In 1989 Hermès bought Saint-Louis which is among the greatest players of the world in terms of French crystal. Crystal sconces bring beauty and history to a space as well as instant glamour.


I love how simple but elegant crystal sconces can add gentle grandeur and sophistication to an area.

Lisa Luby Ryan via Veranda Magazine

Most of the available lighting out there today just doesn't catch your eye and hold your gaze quite like a beautiful antique brass and crystal sconce does.


A rich and detailed study in elegance.The old crystal and brass and bronze fixtures have a time-worn patina that immediately gives your room the look of history.

I love the look of crystal sconces mounted on mirrors and how beautifully it bounces the light around.

Ruthie Sommers via veranda.com

Any competent glass and mirror contractor has the skill to drill the holes in the mirror to allow for the lights to be installed. Yes it's a bit harder than mounting to the wall but the look and benefits are well worth the extra time and precision required.

William R Eubanks

Crystal lighting fixtures add the perfect touch to a room decorated with French furniture styles. Frame a mirror or piece of art with a candle sconce on either side.


I recently purchased these antique crystal sconces to use in my bathroom.


It is hard to tell from this camera picture, but there is a round mirror, etched in diamond design, behind the arms that reflects the light in such a pretty way.


Finding these crystal sconces prompted this blog post.

Someone recently gave me this lovely mantle. I had no where to put it but wasn't about to turn it down. I finally decided to put it on the bathroom wall behind the tub. Right now I have a piece of fabric with French script on the inside but am looking for something else to go there, just don't know what it is yet.

haute.decoration.over-blog.com

via pinterest

Look at the impact of a crystal chandelier combined with the magnificence of a pair of crystal sconces.


The dining room is the most traditional place for using crystal chandeliers and sconces. Above a buffet or sideboard is ideal positioning or on the wall like in this stunning space.


Whatever your budget there is a crystal sconce waiting to adorn a wall in your home. A pair of lighted or candle crystal sconces is a great investment.

There is literally no space in the interior or exterior of the home where sconces can't do magic.



A crystal sconce with rosettes, beading, interesting brass arms, or carefully etched mirrors will get a lot more attention. Always look for something unique.

via Pinterest

You want your guests be drawn to the crystal sconce and then take time to to study its details for a few seconds before looking away. They should capture your gaze.

Chateau de Digoine, France

Crystal sconces, girandoles, and I think that is a chandelier reflected in the mirror. What a fabulous statement!


French crystal beaded laurel wreath wall sconces. This style of crystal sconce is stunning!



An outstanding pair of French beaded and dore bronze basket form crystal wall sconces. Cascading strands of crystal beads create such visual texture in this style sconce.

source unknown

Crystal sconces and chandeliers are perennial elements of the Paris apartment.


Crystal sconces and chandeliers are also perfection for the French or Swedish style interior. Don't be afraid to use crystal alongside rustic antiques. The two just somehow seem to go together.

My favorite way to see crystal sconces used is for decoration in a small spaces........for atmosphere. 


Since sconces are limited in their ability to produce much light they are at their best when paired with a crystal chandelier.


Whatever your decorating style, whatever your budget, a pair of lighted or even candle sconces can add a tremendous amount of style and charm to your home.


Add one or more crystal sconces to the bedroom to create a romantic glow.

myneworleans.com


Or even put one in the bathroom to allow for relaxing baths by candlelight.


You can count on a pair of crystal sconces to add instant glamour to a space.

These wonderful antique glass sconce are in the parrot motif with flowers, foliage and gilded arms. Maison Bagues makes these same sconces today and are available to order through Andrea Fisher Fine Art.

Pair of Italian Antique Maria Theresa Crystal Wall Sconces w Fortuny Lamp Shades
oggettiveneziani.com

People usually think French when crystal chandeliers and sconces come to mind. However there are gorgeous Italian crystal sconces to choose from like these with Venetian shade clips in Fortuny fabric.

www.1stdibs.com

Or these large hand beaded crystal sconces.

via Pinterest

I love the classic beauty of this style of Italian crystal sconce. Italian beaded crystal sconces can be up to four feet in length.


Some people simply don't like a big crystal chandelier but still want some sparkle in their interiors. Crystal sconces are the perfect solution.



Are you convinced yet? Start treasure hunting for your crystal sconces today!!



Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/06/decorating-with-portieresdrapes-for.html




This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

Monday, June 6, 2016

Decorating With Portieres........Drapes For Your Doorways



A portiere is a hanging curtain placed over the doorless entrance to a room. It's name is derived from the French word for door, porte. The portiere, (rhymes with affair), or door drapery, was a common practice known to have been in use in Europe in the 4th century. The portiere was first used in castles to ward off the drafts between rooms. The practice of using them reached England by way of France and they became quite common in wealthier households during the Victorian era where heavy damasks, velvet or chenille curtains were used for decoration as well as to keep out drafts. In the UK, portieres can still be found in homes as a way of closing off a room from drafts and sealing in the warmth of a fireplace.

The curtain looks stylish whether pulled across the doorway in times of need or tied back when not in use. Since they are simple to make you can easily customize them to match your space. I added one to an open doorway leading from my hall to our family room this past winter so it would stay warmer. I like the charm of it so much that I have decided to leave it up year round.


Designers today see the usefulness of the portiere and consider them as an old tradition well worth reviving.Whether you want to add drama or just lower your heating bill, using curtains in this way is a design element you might reconsider.



No wonder we tend to cringe when the thought of curtained doorways comes to mind.


The Victorians took the idea of French portieres and well, did what Victorians did best......... overdo the look.


Scene from the 70's movie Psych Out.

Then came the 70's and beaded doorway curtains made it nearly impossible for anyone to ever again consider hanging a portiere.


However, time has a way of healing everything and the portiere is once again looked at favorably by designers and homeowners alike.


Beautiful portieres will make an eye-catching welcome into public rooms.


And you can conceal the way to a private room by incorporating a portiere into your interior design.



Elegant portieres separating space in Sidney Poitier's living room.


Portieres are great for closing off a room that might be untidy or you just don't want seen at the moment.



Portieres can be used as problem solvers, particularly in situations such as a master bedroom that lacks a door to the attached bathroom or sitting space.


Portieres have long been used to dress up doorways and other areas. For homes that lack architectural detail, portiere curtains can be hung to add interest and texture around doorways.





A well executed portiere will bring a level of elegance to any interior.

via Pinterest

This beautiful space is further enhanced by the softness the portiere provides.



A portiere made of heavy damasks, velvet, or chenille instantly adds an element of glamour.




Portieres in Château Gabriel,the former home of Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent.


Or if you prefer to keep it contemporary, try a solid silk, or velvet for your portiere and keep it plain and simple. You can also add a pretty ribbon tape border like in this image.


A portiere also can add privacy and intimacy to a room much like the dining room in the bohemian home of musician Lenny Kravitz.

source unknown

Look into specialty drapery hardware. Drapery arms provide a smart solution for hanging your portiere.


Jean-Paul Beaujard's New York City Apartment via architecturaldigest.com

Another advantage to using a portiere that people don't usually think of is how they help dampen sound, especially if you choose a heavy fabric.

via Pinterest

Create an inviting feminine look with lace panels that double for portieres.


A simple bit of fabric in a doorway adds so much to a room by adding softness, color, and pattern to a space.


source unknown

Tie backs are an important element of a portiere. Be sure to include elegant drapery tie backs and hooks to play up the look of your portiere curtains.

houzz.com

You can choose to make your portiere from one panel.............

Jeffrey Bilhuber



.............or a pair of panels can be used. Hang the curtains high to make the walls seem taller.

Jeffrey Bilhuber


I love this gorgeous dining room by designer Barry Dixon and the portiere is such a lovely way to add pattern and texture. When done right they can be so elegant!



A Pennsylvania Farmhouse designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber who creates lovely spaces using portieres. The faux painted doorway trim is stunning!


Another option for a portiere is as an elegant room divider for small home.

Pamela Pierce

Here a portiere is used to soften a library room and make it a bit more feminine.


Whether you use a portiere for its heat conserving qualities or for the romantic look they impart, portieres are worth a second look.

Stefano Scatà

Don't forget your outdoor entertaining space. Create an inviting look on your porch or patio by adding a portiere curtain in one of many weatherproof fabrics.


Traditional porch with portiere by Peachtree City Architects and Designers




Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2016/05/decorating-paris-apartment-stylea-grand.html




This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer





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