Friday, September 12, 2008
Perhaps because it’s the end of the week, I feel like discussing chandelier finishes, the last decision to be made when you choose a Schonbek crystal chandelier. (Excuse the conceptual pun.)

There’s no question that the crystal is what you care about most in a crystal chandelier. And of course the overall styling. But choosing a finish for a Schonbek chandelier is surprisingly engaging, because Schonbek takes a more artistic approach to finishes than anyone else, and offers so many options.

Schonbek finishes are achieved by means of proprietary processes and formulas. The subtle complexity of these finishes is unique in the industry. A lot of handwork goes into the finishes, and so there are natural variations from chandelier to chandelier. Nothing really obvious, but the richness and individual personality of the finish is somehow palpable.

Schonbek offers designer finish options that apply to most Schonbek chandeliers, and then another set of options for cast chandeliers.

Let’s look at Heirloom Bronze. This finish illustrates the amazing illusion of age that Schonbek is able to achieve with silken texture and variegated color effects. The darkness of this finish offers a spectacular contrast to highly prismatic crystal.

Then look at Antique Silver. This is my favorite example to illustrate subtlety of color. Antique Silver seems to exude a golden aura, as well as being clearly silver. There’s a gentle warmth about this finish that is something you really want in your home. In some inexplicable way, Schonbek chandelier finishes contribute greatly to atmosphere.

The cast finishes for the most part look as if they’ve been exposed to wear and weather for several centuries – then coaxed back to glorious life by a gifted antiques restorer. They are perfectly suited to Schonbek’s revival of the classic cast chandelier.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I wonder if most people know about left-right-oriented crystal wall sconces? I never did before I encountered Schonbek.

We have an example on this website, namely Versailles.

You position one sconce on either side of a mirror or a painting for a supremely elegant look. Just keep in mind that each sconce is 14 inches wide and over 22 inches long. In other words, these sconces take a lot of wall space – which contributes to the dramatic effect, of course.

Because of the staggered configuration of these sconces, you can also display a series on a wall along a staircase. They appear to follow the ascent. You choose the appropriate orientation of sconce to work with the geography of the staircase. The result is a truly spectacular stairway. You’ll feel like a movie star every time you climb the steps. Guests will be enchanted; you may catch them striking poses on the way up.

This particular look is not for the cottage with narrow stairs. It goes better with a somewhat palatial home.

But cottage dwellers should not be discouraged. Schonbek makes a plethora of charming one-light wall sconces that can fit into tight spaces, such as the one we show for The Rose. This delightful sconce may inspire you to plant more roses in the yard.

A lighting consultant at any authorized Schonbek dealer can help you choose sconces of the proper dimensions.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I’m imagining a workday in the life of a crystal lover, whom I’ll designate as you...

7 AM: Looking in the mirror at daybreak holds no fears for you. Your bathroom mirror is flanked by Schonbek crystal wall sconces, and a Schonbek crystal chandelier glimmers above your head. The light dancing off the faceted crystal is gently flattering. (I’m picturing a small Milano here, with matching sconces.)

8AM: Coffee and toast under a crystal chandelier, let’s say a Versailles, in your eclectic kitchen. King Louis XIV used to strut around in silk and lace outfits under chandeliers like this. And yet the airiness of this seventeenth-century style chandelier feels strangely contemporary. Fueled by calories, caffeine and crystal light, you head for the office in high spirits.

9AM-5PM: At the office, a place awash in fluorescent glare and challenging interactions, your thoughts wander home occasionally to refresh your energy. Having a beautiful environment awaiting you makes everything at work more manageable.

6PM: you arrive home with a shopping bag full of gourmet take-out. Heated up and served on fine china, it will present an impressive feast, especially if illuminated by a Schonbek chandelier. Let’s imagine Sophia in this context. Ornate flatware would go beautifully with the rococo castings of this crystal chandelier.

8PM: You’ve rented a movie for you and yours. Perhaps your home entertainment center is a high-tech enclave within a generally traditionally furnished home. You turn off all the lights except for a Plaza crystal chandelier that looks a little like a flying saucer. You dim your Plaza to create just the right cinematic atmosphere.

10PM: Early to bed. A Schonbek crystal chandelier presides over your slumbers. Its alluring presence in the bedroom encourages you to keep sensible hours. If this chandelier happens to be The Rose, it might lead to dreams of secret gardens...