Chandeliers
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Once
rather simple lighting devices,
chandeliers have evolved into a statement
of taste. Nowadays, they are often the
pieces de resistance of a well decorated
dining room or kitchen.
Wood-turned balusters supported
thin iron arms, octopus fashion, on the
ends of which perched the candles and
bobeches. From primitive to elaborate
settings, it was not long before they were
the most decorative feature of the
room.
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Proper
Size
The concern most often expressed when
selecting the proper chandelier is size. A general
rule is not to be afraid of a fixture being too
large for a room; our chandeliers all have an open,
airy design. More often than not, too small is the
problem. The proper size should relate to the scale
of the room and the size of the table or counter
over which it is to hang. In rooms of average size
(about 12 x 14 feet), we suggest chandeliers in the
range of 12-24" in diameter. In larger rooms (14 x
16 feet or more), we recommend chandeliers at least
24-30" in diameter. You may wish to consider our
double or triple-tiered chandeliers, depending on
the desired effect.
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Proper
Height
How high or low should a chandelier hang?
The bobeches, or drip pans, at the base of the
candle should be about 37-39 " above the table,
depending on whether your preference is for
coziness or formality. The bulbs should appear at
about eye level when entering the room. If walking
beneath the fixture is planned, calculate a minimum
of 78" of clearance. Remember that our ceiling
canopies project downward 2 1/2".
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Proper Light
Levels
When electrified, all chandeliers and
sconces are wired with candelabra base sockets.
These sockets are concealed by our hand-dipped wax
covers. Commercial bulbs range from 7 1/2 to 60
watts. Most people achieve adequate illumination
and atmospheric low ambient light with bulbs of 25 watt or
less. There is little glare from the larger
bulbs, but low wattage bulbs are physically smaller
and more pleasing to the eye. We recommend clear
bulbs and offer only the 7 1/2, 10, 15, 25, and 40
watt sizes. The lower wattages are usually
sufficient when the total wattage is calculated
from the number of candle arms present. For task
lighting in kitchens, bathrooms, and work areas,
you may wish to complement our lighting fixture
with modern recessed lighting. We also recommend a
dimmer switch to achieve the desired level of
atmospheric lighting.
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Product Catalog
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