Craig Chambers asked:


The correct size rawhide lamp shade can make your lamp look perfect. However the wrong size lampshade can make a great looking lamp look out of balance. And ordering the wrong size lampshade is inconvenient and expensive. Make the right choice the first time.

Our specialty is rustic lighting and southwestern rawhide lamp shades but the technique we use will work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. Give it a try to help choose the right shade for your lamp even before you order. Follow this simple procedure to help make the right choice the first time.

First, we need to understand how lampshades are measured. You will need three measurements, bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The height of a shade should be measured straight up and down vertically…not along the slant.

Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height up and down, “vertically” is that the height measurement of you lamp from bulb socket base to top of harp is probably the minimum vertical height you will want to cover with your shade.

Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able to use a standard shade rather than ordering a custom lampshade in many cases.

Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. You probably have an idea of the approximate size, so simply consult a list of rawhide lamp shades and select the one you are considering. Each shade’s measurements should be listed as described above.

Next, make a simple two-dimensional “flat” pattern the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. For example, use the lower edge of the cardboard for the base line. Measure up the height of the shade and draw a horizontal line parallel to the base line which will represent the top edge of the shade. Now draw a vertical line straight up and down from base line or to the top edge line. If you imagine the base line, vertical line and top edge line as the capital letter “I” you are on the right track.

The next thing to do is to mark the top and bottom dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that you get the correct slant for the edge of the shade. From the center line measure and mark the top diameter of the shade.

For example, if the top diameter is 5″ then measure to the left and right of the center line along the top edge line 2.5″ on both sides and make a mark. Those points are the top corners of your pattern. Repeat along the baseline using the shade’s bottom diameter. If it seems confusing, it’s really not, but very simple and quick. See our full color shade measuring diagram for a visual aid.

Then, cut out the pattern and have someone hold it in place over the lamp, while you step back and look. Even though it is flat, you will be able to get a feel for how the shade will look on your lamp and order with confidence.

It is a quick and easy method to make sure that you are on the right track in your shade size selection. This simple idea has helped our clients save a lot of aggravation and money over the years and we trust it will help you too.

Craig Chambers asked:


Antler lamps are wonderful for enhancing western home decor. Much more than a lighting fixture, antler lamps bring charm to your environment. If you have a mountain cabin or western style home, the elegant character of antlers with their beautiful shapes and variations in natural color will give your home the distinctive rustic style you are hoping to create.

For decades, ranch style home owners as well as those building more sophisticated cabins have used antler lamps as beautiful rustic lighting to complete their western or southwestern home decor. Because of the natural shape of antler lamps and chandeliers there is a rustic charm inherent within the antlers that wonderfully enhances any type of rustic furniture. There is something distinctive about antler lamps that combines all the elements and gives off a sophisticated western feel in the area. Antler lamps have a quality about them that easily enhances balance and focus in any environment.

Antler lamps also accompany many other western elements in home decor. In the Northwestern states or “north woods” antlers may be attached to snow shoes and complimented with rawhide lamp shades to make beautiful wall sconces. The light wood and rawhide lacing on the snow shoe, together with the leather binding and pleasant glow of the hand stitched shade, make it a wonderful harmony. Weather you choose to adorn your antler lamp with rustic light rawhide shades or country style dark rawhide lampshades, the choice is yours and the effect will be fabulous.

Smaller antler chandeliers are made from whitetail deer antlers while large chandeliers sometimes have many tiers of huge elk antlers. Weather your area is large or small an antler chandelier will bring the spirit of the old west alive in your home.

In Jackson Hole, WY the town’s square is decorated with arches made from Elk antlers. It is certainly unique, and you can create the same look with antler lamps. Small lamps are made from whitetail deer antlers while large light fixtures such as chandeliers may have tiers of elk antlers with rawhide lampshades. One of the most popular lamps is created using moose antlers, unmistakable with their great dark palms and beautiful dark rawhide lamp shades.

Throughout the year, organizations like the Boy Scouts will search for the prized sheds. If you ever find antler sheds outdoors, it is an amazing occurrence. Antler lamps enhance that same style in your home and can change your setting’s ambiance in a most exciting way.

Antlers are found in different qualities that are categorized like rare coins. The best quality is awarded an “A” grade. The grading system, indirectly, has to do with the length of time the sheds lie outdoors before found. The more time they are left in the wild, the more they break down. New antler sheds are a darker brown color. Sheds that are not found quickly will start to bleach in the sun until they become a chalky white. Another factor they loose their quality is because of chew marks from small animals and stains from wet ground or moss.

There are also different ways of making the antler lamps themselves. Some lamp makers use glue to hold the antlers together. Others may fasten them together with a rawhide thong for a rustic Indian look. And some of the most attractive antler lamps may use a combination of being glued, drilled and screwed together, with the holes closed up for a natural look. High end lamps will almost always include rawhide lamp shades.

Each antler is somewhat varied than any other, so each antler lamp is a unique treasure and is great for rustic lighting. Enhance western decor in your home and compliment your rustic home furnishings with the beautiful, rustic antler lamps.

maruti asked:


Bringing Home The Romance Of Italy

They come in a huge range of colors, shapes and designs; you can even customize them in order to meet your specific requirements. You can place these types of chandeliers in your living rooms, hallways, dining rooms, foyer or in any other room to make an impressive fashion statement. Usually chandeliers made of Italian glass may include lamp shades that come in huge range of colors and textures such as silver, gold, marbleized and frosted. The glass that is used for these kinds of chandeliers is either colored or partly opaque giving a brilliant look and radiance. You may also find glass that is finely shaped into flowers.

Types of Italian glass chandeliers:

Multi Light Italian Glass Chandeliers: These are a stunning range of Italian glass chandeliers that add a touch of magic to your interior décor. The arms and stem are made of blown glass with an antique finish. The number of lights may vary from six to twenty eight or even more depending on your personal choice. You can also get customized silk shades that produce soften and diffused light.

Classic Style Italian Glass Chandelier: These are fabulous classic styled basket chandelier that come in nickel or gold framed. These types of chandeliers are available from nine to fifteen light versions and you can even get lead crystal droplets in them. Depending on your preference some of these Italian glass chandeliers also offer classic candle shaped fittings finish.

Tips while assembling Italian glass chandeliers:

1    If the chandelier you bought were hanging in an Italian shop, take a photo as it will help you while assembling the fixture.

2    Order an Italian glass chandelier that is already made so that the arms and sockets are wired beforehand.

3    Always ask the shop about the voltage and type of sockets the chandelier is wired for.

4    While unpacking your Italian glass chandelier, select a place that has good lighting and nothing to trip on.

5    First look for the metal center post and other tubular shaped pieces, while setting the arms, flowers and cups aside.

6    Wash the intricate pieces before assembling your Italian glass chandeliers.

Charles Maverick asked:


What are pendant lights? A lot of people are not aware of the fact that these types of decorative lighting fixtures have been around for years. In fact, they were very common during the 1940s. They were designed perhaps because people then would love lighting pieces that are subtler than chandeliers but definitely still elegant and highly functional. It took time before these lights are being adapted into homes. There are more people who are conscious of how their houses looked. Moreover, they don’t only have high ceilings, but to add more beauty in the small space, pendant lighting is being used.

How to Differentiate Pendant Lights with Other Decorative Lighting

It’s actually very easy for you to spot the pendant lights. They are far different from chandeliers since pendant lighting pieces don’t have crystals attached to them. They also appear less flamboyant than the shining chandeliers. Nevertheless, they still look like one, which means you need to hang them from the ceiling. These decorative lighting fixtures may need the use of a metal rod or a chain, something that can support them or attach them to the ceiling. Another well-known difference is that pendant lights no longer need lamp shades, unlike chandeliers, though you can always hang some.

Versatility of Pendant Lights

Besides the fact that they are cheaper and sleeker alternatives than chandeliers, there is also one good reason why home owners would want them. They are highly versatile. For example, when these decorative lights were first introduced, they were usually found in the kitchen. Later on, however, they have become useful in almost any part of the house, such as in dining rooms, bathrooms, reading rooms, libraries, dens, stairs and hallways, pool and games tables, and bedrooms. They are even made to be substitutes of track lights, which are mainly used to illuminate works of art such as paintings.

Though the look of pendant lights is becoming the same, there are still several designs that you can pick. Commonly, it will depend on the body of the entire decorative lighting fixture. There are those that are made of iron, which are excellent for modernist or minimalist homes. They are also perfect for industrial-themed houses. The bronze pendant lighting pieces are more ideal for houses that are vintage inspired or antiquated. Some of them do have arched irons that are located just above the shell.

Pendant lighting pieces are readily available these days. You can find them being sold in home depots and home improvement centers. But if you don’t like to tire yourself or make it a lot easier for you to buy one, you can log on to the Internet and search through sites like Butler Lighting. They have their own catalog of pendant lights and other decorative lighting pieces that you can use in your own home or office. They are made of well-known brands such as Capital Lighting, so you are assured of their quality. Most of the choices are bowl pendants and foyer pendants.

Julia Ritzenthaler asked:


The dining room light fixture serves two purposes. First, it provides light by which to dine by, but more importantly, it sets the tone for the homeowner’s personal style. A grand dining room light fixture is the first thing noticed when you enter the room.

The current trend is candle style chandeliers. They are usually made of hand forged wrought iron, and can be found in single, double and even triple tiers complemented by candle style shades. Candle style shades can vary across designers. Options include resin candle shades that have the look of dripping wax. Onyx style candle shades are unique because of the beauty of natural stone mixed with wrought iron. There is also a line of shades made from real paraffin wax. These shades have the look and feel of real candle wax, but are specially formulated to accept low voltage light bulbs for the convenience of electricity using a light switch.

Some chandeliers are designed to use with real candles. Though they can be very beautiful, they are difficult to use as you need to hand light each candle and be sure to blow out when not in use. For most people, this is not very convenient.

When choosing a chandelier, you need to choose a finish that complements the other fixtures in the room. In example, you would not mix silver and brass in the same room. It is also important to match finish with the colors of the room. Cool tones are complimented by black or silver finishes. Warm tones are complimented by brass or gold finishes.

What is your dining room style? Are you more traditional or contemporary? Or are you going for an elegant look? Wrought iron chandeliers can compliment either a traditional or contemporary style, depending on the chandelier design. A more simple wrought iron piece would go well with the contemporary style, whereas a grand multi tiered chandelier would be considered a more traditional look. An elegant look would be a glass or crystal chandelier.

Though a chandelier is used as a light source, putting the fixture on a dimmer switch allows you to choose a fixture on looks first, while providing the flexibility of how much light the chandelier provides with the dimmer switch.

Lastly, be sure to determine if the chandelier you choose requires any special light bulbs, as they can be expensive and difficult to find. Ideally, the chandelier will come with the appropriate bulbs.

Clint Jhonson asked:


Lighting is essential to help us see things more clearly. But, it is more than an aid to help us see, it is also an accessory that makes our home décor stand out. There are many top companies that sell quality products ranging from commercial lights such as the wall packs to specialty lighting including chandeliers.

Along the line of outdoor lighting are the home address, outdoor fixtures, and the ambiance landscape. You also have a choice of different types of lights for residential use such as the close to ceiling, recessed, bathroom and vanity, wall sconces, hall and foyer, linear fluorescent, cabinet lights, chandeliers, ceiling fixtures, pendants, and much more.

You can find portables and other types of lighting products designed by Progress, Capital, Minka, and other companies over the Internet. Ceiling fans, quality fans, and a variety of other fixtures are always available and new styles are being created each day. Schonbek also has a nice line of crystal chandeliers designed to fit any home décor.

Schonbek has created the spectacular crystal light products that are used in the White House and the Buckingham Palace. Fine Art, Murray Feiss, Minka Aire, and other companies created a variety of high quality lighting fixtures as well. Murray-Feiss, Minka Aire, Progress Lighting, Fine Art, and various other companies make some fine chandeliers designed for any home décor. You will also find the crystal lighting chandelier created by Schonbek and other top companies on the Internet.

Schonbek’s super elegant line of crystal lighting products will make quite an impact. People that walk in the room will think you are a rich person who can enjoy luxury, still Schonbek make crystal chandeliers at the price most people can afford, so not only rich people can enjoy luxury lighting products.

Some of the common lighting fixtures include the Hunter Stratford II, which has bronze finishing with five reversible dark cherry and medium oak blades. There is also the exclusive Hampton Bay 52 inch Clarington with remote control. It has the tumbled marble finishing with five reversible chestnut and elm blades. If you like the lighter color lights then the exclusive Hampton Bay 52 inch SIBLEY is amazingly designed with white finish, five reversible white and light maple blades. There is also the Vintage brass finish.

Other choices include the Hunter 46 inch STONINGTON with innovative bronze finish and reversible medium oak and walnut blades. Hampton Bay made the San Marino series, which is made of brushed steel finish, five reversible rosewood and black blades. You also have the Landmark III series with white finish, and reversible white and bleached oak blades.

If you want lighting for small rooms and to dress up your room with a ceiling fan, then the Hunter 44 inch Annabelle is a good choice. This lighting fixture is colorful pink and white with reversible pink on pink floral blades. It is the latest “HandsFree mounting system” designed for the flush, standard, or angled installation.

Julia Ritzenthaler asked:


Wrought iron chandeliers are classic pieces that do not come and go with the latest trends. Wrought Iron has been around for a long time because of its durability, and can be mixed with many design styles.

A chandelier greatly enhances the appearance of any room. A few things you should take into consideration before choosing the best fixture includes the following:

Size

What is the size of the room where the chandelier will hang? The bigger is usually the better option, but not so large that it will over power the room. You want the perfect balance. The fixture needs to be hung at least 4 feet away from the walls.

If you are hanging the chandelier over a table in a dining room, the rule of thumb is to choose a fixture that is 12 inches smaller than the width or diameter of the table. You want to hang the chandelier between 30″-36″ above the table, so that it is not in the line of site of the people sitting at the table.

Wrought iron is heavier than most fixture material. Take this into consideration when choosing a fixture, as the ceiling electrical box will need to support the added weight.

Style

What is the style of the room where the wrought iron chandelier will hang? One of the benefits of wrought iron is its versatility. A simpler style chandelier, such as a square or rectangular base with candle style lamp shades is best combined with a contemporary or transitional look; while a grander fixture with heavy scrolls or multi-tiers is best in a more traditional look. Wrought iron is a timeless fixture material that will stay in style for years to come.

Maintenance

Wrought iron is an ideal fixture material because of its hassle free maintenance. For weekly cleaning, dust with a clean, soft cloth or the dusting tool on your vacuum. For a more thorough cleaning, clean with a cloth soaked in a mild detergent and water solution, baking soda and water (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart of water), or an all-purpose cleaner solution; rinse and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

For added protection to wrought iron, apply a thin coat of paste or liquid wax with a clean cloth. Do not hang in a damp area or wrought iron can rust over time.

Janey Yang asked:


Majority of beautiful homes and mansions is consisting of great crystal chandeliers. It is a necessary décor to make a home beautiful as it is. Initially, this may be attributed to its characteristic of being a well-known sophisticated and attractive lighting that can help improve the overall quality and aesthetic look of any room. Crystal chandeliers can help make a room appear more elegant and more beautiful while still making it functional in terms of lighting.

A lot of people are attracted to crystal chandeliers mainly because of its exquisiteness and majesty that can be associated with royalty or wealth, which is why a lot of people choose to use this type of chandelier in decorating their homes. Although there are a lot of different kinds of chandeliers out there, crystal chandeliers are considered to be one of the most expensive and most popular types of chandeliers in the market.

I think it is a good sign to have a good ole Crystal chandelier on your ceilings, because as much as it promotes the brightness of your home, it also gives you the advantage of having a great and beautiful interior to your home.

A lot has to be in thought when including a Crystal chandelier in your home construction & decoration plan, factors has to be considered in having one. If you are going to spend money on it might as well know where it will be best suited. In your home you have to consider where your Crystal chandelier have to be designated, it is not just a case of living room/dining room scene. You need to consider a lot of things regarding that. First you have to determine of you have a wide ceiling or a high one, so you’ll know how you will put your Crystal Chandelier.

Blending it with the colors of your walls and ceiling and also making it adjust to the decors you have or will be having at home. Let alone on how it will be easier to take notice on. I think the basic understanding on chandeliers is that it is just for lighting; well I beg to differ because it symbolizes a lot when it comes to your home and yourself as well. Giving it the necessary attention as well as care will make it standout. In your home it’ll be the best asset you can have design-wise. Its elegance, style and design should keep your guests admiring how beautiful your home with it. It is really one of the things that you have to take note of.

Not Just a Lighting Decoration, But also a Piece of Art

One aspect of crystal chandeliers that sets them apart from the other kinds of chandeliers is that it adds glamour to your home, just like fashion ornaments which have the same effect.

Keep in mind that chandeliers are mostly bought for decorative purposes, so crystal chandeliers already have an edge over the normal chandeliers in the sense that they are made of crystals. This is more appealing to look at and is more pleasing to the eyes, making it more aesthetically beautiful as compared to the other types of chandeliers.

Aside from the fact that crystal chandeliers look better, they also are more appealing to people since they exude certain qualities that revolves around wealth, power and status. Since people associate these qualities to crystal chandeliers, they naturally look at crystal chandeliers with certain zeal and awe, as supposed to just ordinary chandeliers.

You also need to remember that crystal chandeliers are not only a decorative element to your home, but it is also a piece of art. People usually pick crystal chandeliers for their beauty and not for their function, but what people sometimes overlook are the fact that these crystal chandeliers not only look beautiful, but they make the whole room beautiful as well. It serves both as decoration, and as a tool to make the whole room aesthetically appealing.

Styles that Fits Your Temperament

For interior designers they say that the chandelier is like the centerpiece for your dining table it gives the home the necessary boom to a guest’s attention. It is always a necessity for new homes to attract buyers; it is known to be a main attraction because it draws attention.

There are different designs for the crystal chandelier, which gives the buyers some options and choices in considering their pick for crystal chandeliers. Most homes that bear these magnificent decors have different approach to it, thus giving it the right flavor on how the owner wants it. Some says that it personifies what kind of personality the owner has; it gives it an added style plus elegance. For example, Vertigo crystal chandelier; this design gives a modern twist to the chandelier as laser lights are added to the crystal panels which gives it the great modern look. Then there is the Science Fiction chandelier it is influenced by Marie-Therese chandelier dedicated to the Empress of Austria. Its ornate candle arms with about 111 crystals seem to lure like the arms of the empress herself. Over all there are different types of chandelier, which gives people choice depending on their style and personality. The crystal chandelier line has now grown and there are many to choose from. It is up to you to make the choice and get the style that is unique and fits the real you.

Craig Chambers asked:


Deciding to use rawhide and leather chandelier lamp shades for your wrought iron lamps is definitely the best way to get that fantastic western design you see in designer homes. Because they are an easy way to incorporate western style that combines well with wooden furniture and southwestern style accessories, many designers are choosing to use them in their home’s decor.

It is also very common to see these kinds of lamp shades used on large lamps in hunting lodges, western homes, and restaurants where a western or rustic design theme is used. You will probably be amazed at how easy it is to incorporate western design into your home by simply placing leather lamp shades on your chandelier lighting fixtures or other small lamps, or on lamps that require a smaller size western style lamp shade.

You will no doubt love the warm glow generated by the natural color of the rawhide and the welcoming ambiance it evokes no matter where you choose to place it. Rawhide chandelier lamp shades are without a doubt the best choice when wishing to design an elegant decorating flare without loosing western design.

A major reason these leather lamp shades are so sought-after for Spanish style chandeliers and other home lighting fixtures is because of the many options to choose from. When decorating with a particular color palette, you have the option of choosing a pig-skin shade in one of many colors to match, or the more rustic style rawhide shade.

It doesn’t matter which style of rawhide or leather chandelier lamp shades you need, you will certainly be happy with the style you can create with these shades. The fact that these chandelier shades are made by hand, gives them a certain uniqueness not found in commercially produced lamp shades.

Since they are each fitted with a special bulb clip, you will find it easy to turn even the smallest desk lamp or table lamp into a southwestern style lighting fixture. Try suspending a large wrought iron chandelier with leather chandelier lamp shades above an elegant dining table, or hung as the focal point in the front hall of a rustic style cabin.

You will like how it remarkably enhances your decor, bringing a welcoming environment and giving it a touch of rustic flare. It is the natural leather and rawhide that deepens the look of wood furnishings and rustic decor.

If you have been looking for the right lighting accessories to pair with rustic interior design, you will certainly enjoy the country style you can accomplish with leather shades. Because they are so versatile, chandelier shades will look amazing on lighting fixtures you already own, or on decorative metal chandeliers.

Not only do rustic chandelier shades give you the option of altering the style of your decorating, you will also enjoy how convenient it is to purchase them online. Find the perfect shade size for small lamps in several attractive styles and colors. You won’t come across a simpler way to add to the appeal of western home decorating than with the great style of rustic rawhide and leather chandelier lamp shades.

Britney Simpson asked:


What is a home without the proper lighting? The most obvious comparison for this sort of establishment would be a barn or a prison. Would you like your home to give out such an impression when you have people over for a visit? Or would you like them to think that you have a home that makes them feel like they would never leave, because it is so cozy and warm?

 

Natural light is the best thing for a home, but as we all know, after daytime comes nighttime, and this is when you need other sources of light for your home. There are an infinite number of choices you can make when you want to purchase lighting appliances.

 

First of all you need to think about the central piece of your lighting options - the chandelier. As it lies in the center of your room, it stands as the most important source of light, but it is also one of the pieces that draw the most attention to it.

 

 

Depending on what kind of a feel you choose for your room, the chandelier has to compliment it. One of the most obvious advices I can give you is that you cannot choose a futuristic look for the furniture and wall decorations and slap a chandelier in the center that looks like it belongs in the Tudor dynasty. It doesn’t look very nice and you will look like you have no idea on how to decorate your home.

 

If you choose to go for the classic look, this sort of a chandelier is the perfect option for lighting. Another very important aspect you should keep in mind about decorating and lighting at the same time is that, if you choose a classic chandelier, lamps and all the other additional sources of light should be purchased according to the same style.

 

Another option you have for center sources of light is combining chandeliers with fans. You might think that fans have no place in your home, but no too long ago, these things were the way people expressed their social and financial status.

 

As a common belief, fans are out of place in a home, at least not on the ceiling of one’s living room. This is one of the biggest mistakes someone can make, because a fan can contribute to the air flow in your home, making it healthier and more comfortable.

 

When someone thinks of fans, the first thing that comes to mind is something very big, very noisy and the aspect of which has nothing in common with households. But there are some products that will not only compliment, but also improve the way your home looks and feels.

 

Now I am not saying that you should believe what I say, but let’s make an experiment. Let’s say that you are trying to make your living room like something that belongs at the beginning of the 20th century with wooden pieces and interesting sculptured shapes.

 

Now visit the website butlerlighting.com in order to look at the ceiling fans found here. These are the products that can make your home look better, and they also have a lot of lamps and other accessories that can compliment that style.