Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Is your Dining Room Table ready for the Holidays?

The lighting in your Dining Room sets the scene for your holiday festivities.
Is your Dining Room Lighting ready for your holiday entertaining?
How to choose a Chandelier for your Dining Room:
1) Decide on the theme or period of your Dining Room Decor. Is your Dining Room Traditional? Contemporary? Modern? Transitional?










2) Decide on the metal or finish that complements the furnishings in your Dining Room.
Metals or finishes don't need to match, but they should complement each other. Silver finishes compliment silver based finishes such as nickel and stainless steel, it also compliments neutral finishes like iron. Silver finishes can give traditional rooms an updated or more modern look. Brass is limited to yellow based finishes and iron. Brass is used in very traditional rooms, and can make rooms feel dated if not used correctly. Iron or black finishes compliments almost every finish: Silver, Brass, Oiled Bronze, etc. Iron finishes can be used in traditional, transitional, modern and contemporary rooms.
3) Consider the size and shape of your Dining Room Table when picking out your chandelier.
Size:
If hanging a single Chandelier, your Chandelier should be approx. 1/2 of the width of your Dining Room Table. If you have a 48'' x 72" rectangular table, your Chandelier should be approx 24" in diameter. If you have a 72" diameter circular table, your Chandelier should be approx 36" in diameter.
If hanging two Chandeliers over a long Dining Room table, your Chandeliers should be approx. 1/3 of the width of your table. A 60" x 120" table would take two (2) 20" diameter Chandeliers.
Shape:
A Round or Square Table can accept any shape of Chandelier, they look especially regal with a classic, round Chandelier.
An Oval or Rectangular Table can take wider Chandeliers, or Chandeliers with more tiers.
4) When determining the Height of the Chandelier, the Height of the room dictates.
The golden rule of thumb is to multiply the height of the room in feet by 2.5 or 3. A room that is 14' high will take a Chandelier that is 35" - 42" in height.
5) When hanging the Chandelier, hang it between 30" and 36" above the table. Also hang the Chandelier centered over the table, not centered over the room. (This is a common mistake)
6) Always install a dimmer for your Chandelier. This will allow the room to be used for more than just dining and holiday dinners.
Once your Chandelier is installed, set your table and let the celebrating begin under the lights!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Trend Alert! Sunburst Wall Clocks


Sunburst Shaped Wall Clocks are going strong in Home Decor!

The Sunburst trend in wall clocks have come into style along with mid century modern and retro decorating themes in home decor. These clocks fit every decorating theme in metal, silver, wood, and plastic models.


The clock on the left was inspired by George Nelson's Design and closely follows the original design of this wooden sunburst crown clock. Triangular Wooden spindles plus metal radiating "protons" capture a transitional and mid century modern style.











This Silver clock showcases the Sunburst trend as a modern wall clock. This contemporary wall clock is perfect with modern decor or as a modern office wall clock. This clock is a conversation showstopper.














This Antique Copper and Gold Wall clock is an example of a traditional of the sunburst trend. This Unique Iron Wall Clock with a Sunburst Design would be perfect as a living room wall clock, dining room wall clock, or wall clock for any traditionally decorated room.


As you can see, there is a Sunburst Wall Clock for every type of home decor. This trend will be here for a long time. Timeless and simple.