How to Decorate with Crystal Lamps
Although there are many different types of crystal lamps, their common denominator is star quality. Before buying crystal lamps, consider that their faceted brilliance will take center stage in any room. Traditional or contemporary, subtle or spectacular, crystal lamps should complement the personal taste and lifestyle of the people who share living space with these shining stars. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Research, Budget, Plan, Purchase, Decorate
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Research the vast crystal lamps marketplace in terms of personal taste and prices. Shop online and in stores to explore what looks just right and, more importantly, what does not and to compare prices. Identify styles and patterns to enhance the home, the room(s) and the lifestyle. Have a budget in mind, because decorating with crystal can get expensive. If in doubt, seek informed advice or request more product information, but never rush to buy.
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Make one or more lamp choices after deciding what to spend. Chandeliers range in size from mini to mammoth and come in numerous styles. Lighting experts like Schonbek, Swarovski and Waterford are the foremost crystal chandelier retailers (see Resources). Their websites provide extensive decorating information. The Schonbek website invites visitors to "Play the decorating game" by virtually placing chandeliers into a selection of room settings for effect (see Resources).
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Consider carefully where to place crystal lamps for the best effect, because they add drama to any space. For example, an ornate, hanging crystal lamp placed in a relatively dark corner of a room breathes new life into that area and adds visual appeal.
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Decide on a room theme, then find a crystal lamp to fulfill it. Or, choose a lamp and decorate around it. Etched crystal lamps create interesting room or area themes. The floral theme of the crystal lamp in the photograph partners with the floral stained glass window of the display cabinet on which it sits.
The reflection of lighted crystal in a glass mirror makes a brilliant statement. A dining room is an ideal location for a mirrored backdrop. Bathroom counters and hallways work, too. Mirrored surfaces, including mirrored stands, are also effective display backdrops for crystal table lamps.
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Select contemporary crystal lamps to match up with light-colored furniture. Generally, traditional crystal table lamps enhance warm-colored surfaces and furniture like rosewood or cherry wood desks or bureaus. Crystal sparkling on dark surfaces creates a more formal look, while crystal on lighter surfaces brightens up the room.
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Place small crystal lamps in hallways outside bedroom doors or at the head of staircases where they will light the way but not disturb anyone's sleep. There are also purpose-made, plug-in crystal night lights available in numerous designs and shapes, like flowers, animals and landmarks.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not fill a room with too many lamps--with crystal, less is more. Limit a room to one or two crystal lamps strategically placed to reflect natural light. More than two crystal lamps in an average-sized room is overkill. Never feel pressured to decorate every room in the house with crystal lamps in one go. By all means, decorate room by room or in stages or settle on just one room to decorate. Crystal lamps are like divas who demand full attention, one at a time. Antique shops are obvious sources of crystal lamps, but don't discount garage sales. There are often gems to be had at a premium.
Resources
- Photo Credit Maureen Katemopoulos
