Antique
Lighting
Lighting is something that can make
any occasion look even more beautiful and special whatever
the eve may be Christmas or Thanksgiving. For those who want
to give their home a different look can bank upon an appropriate
lighting system. Giving an antique look requires some serious
thought process.
The fixtures, lamps and sconces that
you may want to use are based on examples from the 19th and
20th century. Some changes have to be made, however, to meet
the standards of Underwriters Laboratories. Quality is of
utmost importance for everybody these days.
Product categories:
Antique lighting can be done using lights of different categories
as follows:
1. Medallions
2. Classical English style hall lightings
3. Classical English style lighting
4. Gas style fixtures
5. Electric style fixtures
6. Kerosene fixtures
7. Crystal fixtures
8. Pendants- chain
9. Pendants- pole
10. Pendants- double
11. Flush mount fixtures
12. Table lamps
13. Exterior fixtures
Tips for selecting fixtures for your
period home:
1. The first thing to do is to choose
a time period. If, for example, your house was built in 1860,
not all the fixtures in the house have to be from that year.
2. Size and length are an important
consideration. Period fixtures were hung lower than fixtures
are today, because each gaslight or early electric light
only produced about 10 watts.
3. Dining rooms-
it is frequently asked what the proper size and length
is for a fixture in a dining room. Fixtures should be hung
30" to 42" off
the top of the table, depending on the fixture and personal
preference. Keep in mind that the lower a fixture is hung
the larger it will appear. The fixture should be sized to
the table, not the room; for a 60" table, a fixture
24" or 25" wide is suitable. For a very large table,
consider a fixture up to 30" wide. If your table is
12" long or longer, you may want to use two smaller
fixtures. Avoid trying to light a large room with one fixture;
using high wattage bulbs will not only ruin a period look
but may also blind your dinner guests. Instead, use secondary
lighting, such as wall sconces, or select a ceiling fixture
with multiple arms. The more authentic the lighting system
is the better a look it gives to your house.
There are many
more fixture articles in our fixture
section. There
is more specific information in the links at the beginning
of this article. They can guide you where you need
to go.
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