For many years I had a ceiling fan in my attic. Very useful, because the attic gets terribly hot. Then one day I starting thinking how nice a crystal chandelier would look at the center of the soaring ceiling.

A crystal chandelier, although it does many things, does not provide a gentle breeze. So before I chose the chandelier, I went shopping for fans. Finally I found some very cool looking portable black fans. I got four of them, one for each wall. The chandelier I chose was Timbrel. Its minimalism went well with the black fans and the weight training equipment I keep in the attic.

I’m recalling this little decorating experience to make a point: that when the desire for a crystal chandelier arises, a way can, and should, be found to satisfy it. Even if it means doing something wildly impractical, like giving up your ceiling fan.

The fact is, the black fans I found are better looking than my old ceiling fan, and I can move them around as needed. The atmosphere in my attic is accordingly much improved. And the crystal chandelier is a delight. Let’s face it, in the world of decorating change is almost always good.

If you’re having trouble incorporating a crystal chandelier into a room, consider a free design consultation from Schonbek.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

We see a lot of photos of beautiful rooms, and certain themes emerge. One popular look is to present a room with a crystal chandelier through a frame of classic columns.

Crystal chandeliers and columns have a lot in common. They’re dramatic, extravagant and fun.

In this tiny foyer, the ornate archway with integral columns makes a big statement in a small space. The Scheherazade crystal chandelier becomes the focal point in a pleasingly symmetrical design.

Columns and chandelier have a similar mission in this dining room, but here the spaciousness of the room is no illusion. It’s very real. Fat columns like these suggest (whether true or not) that the room is so large, it needs extra support. Sparse furnishings and the wide open feeling demand an oversized crystal chandelier. Anything less would be overwhelmed. Olde World is ideal. This chandelier can be ordered in sizes large and small. Every visible part of Olde World is crystal: arms, pendants, column parts, crown. So it’s highly prismatic, filling the air with a brilliant dance of light. The more air, the wilder the drama.

In this bathroom, by contrast, the elaborate columns are obviously not there for support. Rather they create a grand entrance to the bath. There’s no way you can take a quick bath in this room. Full enjoyment requires that you move slowly up the marble stairs and soak long under the crystal chandelier, an empire-style La Scala.

This crystal chandelier is empire by virtue of its crystal basket and cascading octagon chains. But the cast arms and scrolls are rococo. So you have a combination of two magnificent styles in one chandelier, a magnificence much needed to compliment the lavish setting.

So the moral is, if you have a craving for columns, you should consider a crystal chandelier as well. This holds true no matter what the size of the room.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Vermeer loved to paint scenes through a half opened doorway. There is such a feeling of intimacy, like looking in on someone’s life as they really live it, before company comes.

This room with a Kirov crystal chandelier by Schonbek reminds of that type of Vermeer.

Through the partially opened doors, we can see that the table is set for a very impressive dinner, and that lots of guests are expected for the size of the room. It will be cozy, the chairs close together, the somewhat old-fashioned furnishings welcoming.

The crystal chandelier also sends a message: this is a home where traditions are respected and enjoyed.

I have a crystal chandelier in my office, and I keep the double glass doors to the room half opened. It’s extremely satisfying to see just parts of the chandelier through the glass panes as I move down the hallway.

A crystal chandelier can call to you from another room as no other light can. The liveliness of the crystal always catches your eye. So it’s fun to play with these visual effects.