One enjoyable activity that is part and parcel of home decorating is chandelier shopping. Shopping for a chandelier will give you the opportunity to find that perfect lighting fixture, which will not only provide a unique source of light, but will also add to the overall aesthetic value of your home. There are certain factors, however, that you would need to take into consideration when making that important purchase of a chandelier.
One important factor that you should always keep in mind is the materials that have been used in manufacturing the chandelier that you are planning to buy. Not only will these materials have a direct influence on your chandelier’s overall appearance, it will also affect the chandelier’s price tag as well as its maintenance schedule. To give you a better idea of how materials impact on the chandelier, let us take a look at two examples.
Arguably, the most popular material for manufacturing chandeliers is wrought iron because of its durability and versatility. Out of this common metal, you can create chandeliers of varying styles, ranging from timeless antiques styles to trendy ultra-modern designs, all of which are within the reach of an average homeowner’s budget. Very little maintenance is required to keep your wrought iron chandelier in tip top shape. Regular dusting will usually suffice. However, you must consider the place where you will install it. If your home is situated near bodies of water or you live in a region with high temperatures and humidity, these environmental factors may make your chandelier prone to rusting and corrosion. Do not install your chandelier in warm, damp places and occasionally treat it with anti-rust polish.
On the other hand, brass chandeliers will require more meticulous upkeep than wrought iron chandeliers. This is because brass has a tendency to tarnish with exposure to air over long periods of time. In order to preserve the warm glow of the chandelier, you will need to dust it frequently. Regular polishing is also necessary to prevent tarnishing. You may use commercial brass polish or go for natural alternatives, like vinegar, lemon juice, or olive oil. Just don’t forget to take the precautions against electrocution, including unplugging your chandelier or switching off the power and cover each light bulb with plastic bags.
Shopping for a chandelier is sure to delight every homeowner, considering the many sizes, designs and styles that are available. If you have a larger budget set for a chandelier, you might want to consider investing in either a Tiffany lamp or a Murano chandelier. Both of these chandeliers create a unique, colorful light that will improve the ambience of your home. If you are in the market for expensive, branded chandeliers, however, make sure that you do your research first. These chandeliers are usually being sold through exclusive distributors. You can find directories of these reputable retailers on the Internet. By doing research, you can be assured that you will be buying the genuine item and not an exorbitantly priced fake or imitation.