You've decided you want to add a chandelier to your bedroom but you're getting frustrated with the overwhelming, large, and formal designs. You're looking for a chandelier that's more natural, connects with nature but where? Why not try a shell chandelier?
There's no question about it. The crystal chandeliers are exquisite, and the wrought iron chandeliers impressive, and the Venetian glass breathtaking, but they aren't for every room or every personality. For the grounded individual that likes to stay close to nature they are often too much show. Shell chandeliers are what you should be looking at.
There are many different styles of shell chandeliers - capriz shells, cowrie shells, nerita shells, cebu, limpets, and marginellas are all small shells that are frequently used.
Cowrie, murex virqenues, haition tree snails, sundials, nautica lineata, and cebu are medium shells frequently used. Occasionally you'll even see some of the larger shells such as the Nautilus, Cornuta, Spider, and the Ramosus are also used.
Because there are so many different types of shells available the style choices are endless and if you are at all crafty you might even consider making your own chandelier. What a project! But so rewarding!
Chandeliers provide a light source to a room while adding to the décor. They have been used in theaters, churches, and homes for centuries. In fact large brass chandeliers were popular during the 1600s in both England and the Netherlands because they could hold so many candles. By the 1700s they had also become popular in colonial homes in North America.
With the invention of electricity came the first electric chandelier created by none other than Thomas Edison himself. It hung in the Presbyterian Church in Roselle New Jersey. Waterford the largest crystal manufacturer in the world was quick begin to develop and market exquisite crystal chandeliers.
Of the many styles of chandeliers crystal chandeliers are by far the most popular. Crystal chandeliers can be hand cut so they sparkle and shimmer like a diamond or they can be machine crafted still producing a lovely array of lighting but much more affordable. The number of tiers to your chandelier will determine how much light it is capable of producing.
Gold, silver, brass, nickel, pewter, chrome, and stainless are common metals for the fixtures. Shell chandeliers often use silver or chrome. Wrought iron has been popular through the centuries and remains so today adding elegance and drama to a room. Very European! Wood was also popular throughout the years producing a rustic colonial look and feel.
Your chandelier is meant to enhance the mood in the room. There's no rule about how many chandeliers or how you should match them. The only rule is that the chandelier needs to meet the needs of the mood and your personality!
And that's why shell chandeliers can be such a great choice. Picture two of them hanging over your bed, or one large one in the center. Capiz shells are transparent and a great choice for a romantic mood. Cowrie shell are perfect if you're looking for a fun atmosphere with a little bit of a Polynesian flare. Any of the shells work great in a nautical themed room. And all of them have one thing in common - they connect you with nature!
So if you've decided you want to add a chandelier to one of your rooms but aren't thrilled with the more traditional styles be sure to consider a shell chandelier. You'll love it!
