Forum
« 695k in Jan 05 - 899k today? Deal/Offer Sheet »
March 13, 2008
opinions on lighting fixtures wanted
okay -- so i'm obsessing over lighting fixtures right now and i'm *hoping* i can get some opinions on brownstoner on how these two would work together. They would be installed on the parlor floor and you would be able to see them at the same time when the pocket doors are opened -- and I'd like to know what people think about how these two fixtures would look together.
I was thinking putting the ornate one in front of the plainer one would work but i have NO experience in this process -- hence my search for opinions.
if you absolutely hate the fixtures, don't hold back. but i don't care as much about that as i do about how the two would work together...
http://tinyurl.com/2wopgk (front room)
http://tinyurl.com/yvw2bq (back room)
Comments
The chandelier is ugly, ugly. What look are you going for?
While not a fan of the round modern one, it would look ok in a very modern setting (meaning both home's internal trim AND furniture.) But the other one wouldn't - it would only look ok in a tacky setting.
Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 5:36 PM
Yeah, I too am hating that ornate one, but it's up to you. As far as the fixtures going together, I'd say just try and match the finish of the metal (chrome with chrome or antique bronze with antique bronze, etc.)
Is the rear one for over a dining table? It's a little hard to understand the scale, but it seems like more of a table lamp shade than a dining table pendant shade.
Posted by: huh at March 13, 2008 5:52 PM
Better get a dimmer for the 360W of light from the chandelier! I suppose you could use 25w bulbs.
I don't think the two go together at all, if you can see them both. Why not get a similar, smaller fixture instead of that plain modern one?
Posted by: cmu at March 13, 2008 5:53 PM
One tip on the scale issue: I once read that it helps to make a cardboard cutout of a light fixture according to the dimensions and hang it with string. Buying on the internet or in a big warehouse store can make it difficult to select the right size. I look out my window into my neighbors place and always think their chandelier looks too big for the room.
Posted by: huh at March 13, 2008 6:07 PM
They do not work together, but the RH one with two shades could look very nice over the dining table. Please visit this web site and you can find at least few well priced fixtures which will work in any interior
http://www.circalighting.com/index.htm
So if you thinking of hanging RH fixture in dining rm that is fine, just try to find something simpler for the front parlor.
Posted by: guest at March 13, 2008 6:16 PM
i'm not sure of the look i'm going for. i think more arts & crafts/transitional... the house doesn't have a lot of original detail so it's sort of a blank slate.
i don't know why this chandelier is appealing to me. i don't think i'm a tacky person, i am just trying to be a little more creative with the house... and i really don't like the more traditional chandeliers.
hmmm.
Posted by: 5onsackett at March 14, 2008 7:07 AM
If you like something more transitional check Justice Design Lighting and Hubbardton Forge.
http://www.vtforge.com/Products/CatalogPages07/Page156_157.htm
http://www.justicedesigngroup.net/chandeliers
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 8:57 AM
I do think the two fixtures are too different. The chandelier is a tough call; it's easy to say it's not my taste but it might be nice in person.
You might think this is too boring, but I think it can be really effective visually and help unite the space: buy two identical fixtures.
Light fixtures can be very hard. I think I tried five pairs of sconces in my dining room before I got the right ones. Take your time, and don't be afraid to take anything back (if you order online, make sure they have a very good return policy--not store credit only.)
Good luck!
Posted by: tinarina at March 14, 2008 10:16 AM
The drum-shade chandeliers are a bit overdone and starting to go out of fashion. But I really like the chandelier with the leafiness. It's fresh. It's not ugly or ornate - I don't get that. That "toleware" look with metal leaves and stems is great and it adds an organic element to the shapes in a room. It references art nouveau and arts & crafts like you wanted. Yet it has an edgy industrial aspect to it too.
Maybe people's tastes here are different. I'm a huge fan of putting modern light fixtures in a brownstone. It's the best way to liven it up and have an offbeat element in your design. Light fixtures are pricey to purchase but are easily installed and easily switched out, so there's no need and no reason to be uptight about the light fixtures you choose. Have fun and be playful.
You might have better luck OP, posting on Gardenweb on the interior design forums.
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 12:52 PM
THey definitely don't go together and I agree that the round one is a look that may go out of style. I like the idea of an organic look in a fixture, maybe not that one but the idea of something welded and sort of industrial with a branchy vibe seems cool.
You might try to see if any metal working shops can do a fixture. There's a store I went to in Williamsburg that seems to have welders working with them. Sorry I can't remember the name but I think it's on Metropolitan off of Bedford.
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 1:10 PM
Good idea, 1:10 about getting a custom chandelier made. But I would use an artist who specializes in light fixtures. I had some cool modern sconces custom designed and made for my old house in CA to echo the shape of the 20's french normandy style fireplace the sconces flanked, and it was so special to have those. The buyer took them out though and installed some generic stuff. The dopes.
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 2:09 PM
I am facing exactly the same problem--I am wrapping up a gut renovation and I don't have a lot of details. I chose to sister crystal chandeliers for the two main parlor lights (where, like you said, both can be seen when the pocket door is open.) I got my fixtures in the Lighting District (along Bowery, south of Delancey). Try Oggi Lighting, 166 Bowery, they are very helpful and have good prices. Remember to bargain!
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 3:32 PM
is the drum one for a dining area? if so, i think they will look fine together. i like the style you are going for with the more ornate one - it is original and probably won't ever look dated. and i think the drum shaded one will basically blend into the background. it doesn't have much personality, but i think that can be a good thing, particularly as a dining room light or particularly where you want attention drawn to that first light.
Posted by: i disagree at March 14, 2008 4:03 PM
They don't need to match. Just work in harmony. Don't match them, that'd be too...well too matchy!
Posted by: guest at March 14, 2008 5:06 PM
thanks to everyone on your thoughts. the rear room is actually going to be our master bedroom and i don't think i'm going to go with the drum... i haven't ruled out the branchy chandelier and i really love the fixtures in hubbardton forge (thanks 8:57!) so i'm going to look at them closely for the entrance foyer and rear room.
thanks again for your opinions!
Posted by: 5onsackett at March 15, 2008 8:25 AM
It really depends on the style of furniture and style of house. Think of lighting like accessories to your clothing. You can't pick out your accessories without considering what you and your clothing looks like.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at March 15, 2008 10:37 AM
I like a very modern light fixture combined with antique furniture. Or vice versa. So think about your furniture but you don't have to match it all up by era or style.
Posted by: guest at March 15, 2008 7:41 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.