Monday, February 27, 2012

Painting Ceramic Light Fixtures


Most ceramic light fixtures available in home improvement stores only come in one or two neutral colors.  However, you can easily paint plain white ceramic light fixtures to turn them into something unique that coordinates with your home decor.  Painting ceramic light fixtures is easy, and the effect will be well worth your efforts.

When you go shopping for paint to color your ceramic light fixtures, make sure you choose something that will bind strongly to the ceramic material and will not peel off.  Oil based paints are usually your best bet for this type of project.  Choose either a semi-gloss or a high-gloss finish for the best final product.  These types of finishes will make your ceramic light fixtures easy to clean and dust.  You can have the paint tinted in whatever color you like.

When you’ve selected a paint, the next step is to prep your ceramic light fixtures.  Carefully clean the surface so there is no dust or packing material left on the fixture.  You want to start with a smooth, clean surface so the paint goes on smoothly and evenly.  If you have chosen a ceramic light fixture with a smooth exterior, you will need to texture it by gently rubbing it with fine grit sandpaper.  This will provide a rough surface for paint to stick to.

Now you’re ready to paint.  Use an appropriately sized paintbrush that you will be able to get into all the nooks and crannies with.  You will want to apply as thin of a coat of paint as possible.  You may need to apply several coats of paint before you get the correct coverage.  When you’re done applying paint and you’ve given the ceramic light fixtures plenty of time to dry, seal the paint with clear polyurethane.

When your ceramic light fixtures are dry, you are ready to hang it and enjoy your handiwork.  Custom painted ceramic light fixtures are lovely additions to any room and will add style and interest to your home.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mini Crystal Chandeliers


In the past, the word chandelier brought visions of huge ornate hanging light fixtures to mind.  Crystal chandeliers used to be opulent displays of wealth reserved for the privileged few to hang in their homes as a symbol of their status.  Only the largest, most wealthy estates housed crystal chandeliers, and they announced to all who entered that the people who lived there were important members of society.

Today, mini crystal chandeliers are making their way into modern home design.  Less expensive materials, synthetic crystals, and improved manufacturing techniques have made these beautiful works of art affordable for everyone to enjoy.  Even modest homes have places for crystal chandeliers.  Foyers, dining rooms, and even living rooms are ideal places to hang a mini crystal chandelier.

Smaller crystal chandeliers require less maintenance and upkeep than their larger, more expensive counterparts.  Because they have less individual crystals, owners of mini crystal chandeliers spend less time cleaning their light fixture and more time enjoying it.

In order to maximize the reflection of light, mini crystal chandeliers utilize the newest cutting technologies to create the maximum number of light reflecting surfaces on each crystal.  Man made crystals can be created in a nearly flawless fashion to further reduce the chances of hindering light.  Man made materials are also cheaper than naturally occurring crystal, which helps to keep the cost of the crystal chandeliers down.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Crystal Chandeliers For Small Foyers


The foyer of your home is the first place guests see.  For that reason you want these rooms to be inviting and welcoming, drawing your guests into your the warmth of your family.  One important way to make your foyer more inviting is by having the right size crystal chandelier for your that small foyer.

It use to be that almost all crystal chandeliers were large ungainly but, beautiful artistic forms of lighting.  While today's chandeliers are still artistic many are much smaller in order to fit the trend in more modern homes.

When choosing a crystal chandelier for your small foyer make sure that you don't choose one that dwarfs the room making it look even small.  A small well designed chandelier that adds a soft welcoming glow to your foyer is far more impressive than a large chandelier that dwarfs the room and looks out of place.  Finding the right size chandelier may take a little time and effort but, it can be done and your home will look more beautiful for it.

You can find crystal chandeliers at most lighting stores or online so, finding the right chandelier to welcome your guests to your home is easier than ever before.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Crystal Chandeliers For The Master Bedroom


You work hard all day long so you want your bedroom to be a place of comfort, relaxation, or romantic bliss and choosing the right crystal chandelier for the master bedroom will help you create just the right atmosphere you are looking for.

Crystal chandeliers for the bedroom in come in a host of wonderful styles from those that will fit in and provide the perfect lighting for that modern style relaxing room where you can go at the end of the day to watch television, read or sleep in comfort, to those wonderful country style chandeliers that will make you bedroom feel homey and safe, to those fantastic crystal chandeliers that will help turn even an average looking room into a romantic paradise.

No matter what mood you are looking to set there is a crystal chandelier that is perfect for helping you to create the exact mood you want.  Many of these chandeliers come with light dimmers so that you can get just as much or as little light as you want at any given time.  And best of all, the will increase the beauty and the enjoyment of your bedroom without fail.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Lighting Combination Ideas


When it comes to your lighting options for a space, you have literally thousands of choices. The first factors are probably your style and budget, after that there are things like function, color, texture and performance to consider. Technology has come a long way, and the lighting in your home can be used to achieve many different looks and atmospheres, depending on how it’s hung, what angle the light is cast at, and much more.
 When it comes to infusing a space with sparkle and style, crystal chandeliers are always going to be a top choice. But, some designers are recreating the look of a chandelier by clustering several pendant lights together. With this approach you can create a “chandelier” that is totally your own handiwork.
Traditional crystal chandeliers are still popular choices for dining rooms, entryways and many other spaces in a home. Often a combination of light fixtures is what creates the best lighting and vibe in a space. A crystal chandelier, along with some recessed lights and wall sconces can add both functional lighting, as well as dramatic and decorative lighting to a space.
Play around with ideas until you find the lighting combination that best works for your space.