Artisan Crafted Lighting: Blog Blog https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:42:28 GMT urn:store:2:blog:post:31 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/unique-table-lamps-touch-elegance Unique Table Lamps – a Touch of Elegance <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-table-lamps-1.png" alt="Unique Table Lamps" width="546" height="254" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I love the early morning. Waking up slowly, the house is silent and still for another precious hour or so. I enjoy allowing myself time for reflection and study before the rush of the day is established. As the sun has not yet fully risen, this quiet time is always aided by the light of unique table lamps I’ve collected in my home. It’s an arresting moment when I break the dim morning light with the turn of a lamp switch. Another second of silence, now illuminated, and I begin my day.</p> <p>Presumably, those cherished morning moments would still occur in the light of less remarkable lighting art, but the charm and character of strategically placed unique table lamps can certainly enrich the sitting experience. <span id="more-212"></span>Here are several artisan models that we imagine stealing your first moments of each day with their beauty and light:</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-table-lamps-2.png" alt="Gartner Blade Glass Table Lamp" width="317" height="424" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/table-lamps/hand-blown-glass-table-lamp-flattened-opal" target="_blank">The Gartner Blade - Flatten Opal</a></p> <p><a href="/table-lamps/hand-blown-glass-table-lamp-flattened-opal" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/hand-blown-glass-table-lamp-flattened-opal.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>This Hand Blown Glass Table Lamp - Flattened Opal has a flattened shape of this lamp is the perfect background to accentuate the marbling effect that bands around the middle.</p> <p><strong>Best placement:</strong> Living room, home library.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-table-lamps-3.png" alt="Designer Table Lamp" width="570" height="377" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/table-lamps/arc-lamp" target="_blank"><strong>The Arc Lamp</strong></a></p> <p><a href="/table-lamps/arc-lamp" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/arc-lamp.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>For a sophisticated or edgy room, visualize working diligently under the light of this crane-inspired piece. The vertical steel piece creates contrast with horizontal polished Bubinga wood crossbar for a striking, masculine look.</p> <p><strong> Best placement:</strong> modern architectural office, home workspace.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-table-lamps-4.png" alt="Hand Painted Table Lamp" width="471" height="637" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/le-jardin-reverse-hand-painted-glass-table-lamp" target="_blank"><strong>Le Jardin Reverse Hand Painted Glass Table Lamp</strong></a></p> <p><a href="/le-jardin-reverse-hand-painted-glass-table-lamp" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/le-jardin-reverse-hand-painted-glass-table-lamp.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>No need for the maintenance of fresh flowers when you have a permanent, illuminated bouquet. Talk about unique table lamps! These beautiful, hand painted masterpieces are signed and numbered and include certificates of authenticity as original artwork.</p> <p><strong>Best placement:</strong> sitting room, bedroom.</p> <p> </p> <p>Regardless of what style you’re trying to follow throughout your home, there’s always a few unique table lamps that could add a nice touch to the look of each room. Take a look at the wide variety of handcrafted table lamps we offer at <a href="/lamps-2" target="_blank">Artisan Crafted Lighting</a>, and if you have any questions, please remember – we are here to help!</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:32 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/hammerton-studio-lighting Hammerton Studio <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-hammerton-studio-1.png" alt="Hammerton Lighting Studio" width="567" height="211" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Out of all brands of unique lighting products we feature on ArtisanCraftedLighting.com, one brand particularly stands out. <strong><a target="_blank">Hammerton</a></strong>, based in Salt Lake City, UT, is known for its contemporary light fixtures, many of which feature various forms of artisan glass. Since its founding in 1995, the company has been creating impressive works of artisan lighting for discerning homeowners and luxury hospitality brands around the globe. Today, the company includes three brands – Hammerton, Hammerton Studio and Lightspann. Custom designs make up a large part of their projects.</p> <p>We recently had a chance to talk with <strong>Levi Wilson</strong>, one of the original founders of <a href="http://www.hammerton.com/" target="_blank">Hammerton </a>who, as the Vice President of Design, overviews all design and new product development at the company. Here’s what Levi shared with us about his creative process.<span id="more-225"></span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-hammerton-studio-2.png" alt="Levi Wilson - Hammerton Studio" width="571" height="821" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/Levi-Wilson-Hammerton-Glass.png" alt="" /></p> <p><strong>ACL: Why did you choose glass as one of the primary materials you use in your craft?</strong></p> <p>LW: Hammerton is known for pushing the boundaries of lighting design, and that requires continuously broadening our palette of design elements — materials, shape, form, composition, space, texture, etc.  As you know, glass is the ultimate artistic canvas — it incorporates light, color, texture, and form in a single medium that captivates the senses like no other. It’s a very broad platform for design innovation.</p> <p><strong> ACL: </strong><strong>How long have you been working with glass?</strong></p> <p>LW: Glass has always played a role in many of our designs, but in 2011 we jumped into the medium with both feet when we bought the Lightspann brand, which is best known for its sculptural light fixtures in all forms of artisan glass. Today, we work in blown, kiln-fired, fused and cast glass with a broad selection of options – different shapes, wraps, edge details, textures, etc.</p> <p><strong>ACL: Where do you draw your inspiration?</strong></p> <p>LW: Art, architecture, fashion, culture and the natural world. We’re unmistakably an American brand, but our sphere of inspirational influence is global. I travel a lot! We also listen to our customers and pay close attention to trends in a number of industries.</p> <p><strong>ACL: What percentage of your work is custom designed? How involved is the client?</strong></p> <p>LW: Well over half of our volume involves some element of custom work. That includes everything from modified catalog product (i.e. catalog fixtures that are scaled to a custom size or that incorporate customer specified materials) to complete custom. The “client” (which often includes multiple project team members – homeowner, interior and/or lighting designer, architect, contractor, owner’s representative, etc.)  is always very involved – it’s a requirement. Clients regularly fly into Salt Lake City to work with our design team and tour our facility, which helps them fully understand the breadth of our capabilities and stimulates ideas.</p> <p><strong>ACL: How do you maintain the quality consistency?</strong></p> <p>LW: I evaluate the quality of our work based on 3 considerations:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Perfect scale and proportion.</strong> It’s an inherently critical, yet often overlooked element of design. Not only does it apply to the design of a fixture, but also to how a fixture fits in its intended space.</li> <li><strong>Balancing aesthetics and function.</strong> Why sacrifice one for the other? This principle was a key motivator behind the development of our Hammerton Studio brand – promoting functional solutions that can extend beautiful design and materials throughout the home without breaking the budget.</li> <li><strong>Having an element of surprise or delight</strong>, however bold or subtle it may be.</li> </ol> <p>And, of course, all of our creations must conform to the ‘Hammerton 10 Inch Rule’ – they have to satisfy a discerning eye from virtually any distance, even from less than a foot away.</p> <p><strong><em>Thank you, Levi, for talking to us about your creative process and inspiration! We hope that Hammerton will continue to impress us with new beautiful handcrafted lighting products.<br /></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>In the future, we plan to share more interviews with other talented glass artisans that ArtisanCraftedLighting.com works with, so stay tuned!</em></strong></p> urn:store:2:blog:post:33 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/stealing-the-show-designer-light-fixtures Stealing the Show: Designer Light Fixtures <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-light-fixtures-1.png" alt="designer light fixtures" width="569" height="340" /></p> <p><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/red fern chandelier.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Sometimes a lighting fixture is meant to take center stage. No really, check out our Red Fern Glass Chandelier making its Broadway debut on the set of “It’s Only a Play.”Alas, not all of our artisan lighting fixtures are lucky enough to star alongside Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Stockard Channing, Rupert Grint, F. Murray Abraham, and Megan Mullally… but with the Red Fern as inspiration, we thought we’d highlight some of our other show-stopping designer lighting fixtures.<br /><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-light-fixtures-2.png" alt="Casino Soffit Light Fixture" width="569" height="449" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="/casino-soffit" target="_blank">Casino Soffit</a></h2> <p><a href="/casino-soffit" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/casino-soffit.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>This ornate ceiling display of individual hand-blown glass platters, bowls and vases makes for a stunning walk through any room, especially a grand hall or boardroom. Originally commissioned for a casino, this incredible piece can be customized to complement the color scheme or size of any room that needs an attraction.<br /><br /></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-light-fixtures-3.png" alt="Petite Satsuma Light Fixture" width="569" height="507" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="/petite-satsuma" target="_blank">Petite Satsuma</a></h2> <p><a href="/petite-satsuma" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/petite-satsuma.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>This talented glass artist put a unique spin on the idea of a chandelier. With its subtle and elegant fruit-basket characteristics, these designer lighting fixtures will stop your guests in their tracks to ask about its brilliant arrangement.<br /><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-light-fixtures-4.png" alt="Double Parachute Light Fixture" width="569" height="494" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="/double-parachute" target="_blank">Double Parachute</a></h2> <p><a href="/double-parachute" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/double-parachute.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>A thrill-seeking adventure enthusiast’s dream, the Double Parachute is an exquisite piece of functional art that captures so much personality in its fun, creative design. Each “parachute” is a hand painted plate of glass that has been kiln fired for texture and shape. The “cords” are handcrafted stainless steel with a beautiful patina finish.<br /><br /></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-light-fixtures-5.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Tori" width="569" height="448" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="/kinzig-table-lamp-tori" target="_blank">Tori Table Lamp</a></h2> <p><a href="/kinzig-table-lamp-tori" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/kinzig-table-lamp-tori.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>Not all table lamps are created equally. With its off-kilter, designer dupioni silk shade, beaded finial, and hand-blown purple ribbed glass base, the Tori is a light that you’ll take note of. Even with the light off.</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:34 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/complete-room-country-chandelier Complete your Room with a Country Chandelier <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-country-chandelier-1.png" alt="country chandelier" width="569" height="295" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Country design can run the gamut from American, French, and English styles, but typically will have these three characteristics in common: relaxed, purposeful, and somewhat rustic. A designer aiming for a country interior design might incorporate materials such as leather, thin forged metals, natural or aged woods, and fabrics in natural and outdoor-inspired colors and textures.</p> <p>Complementing these materials can be really creative and fun, as a country collector can accessorize with pieces such as antique cast iron cookware, lanterns or oil lamps, antlers or furs, chalkboards, vintage glass, aged palettes, crates, ladders and more! If you’re in the market for elements to complete your country-themed style, consider installing a country chandelier for a stunning pièce de résistance. <span id="more-252"></span></p> <p>Take a look below for the range of our country chandelier models that could complement any country design:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/blown-glass-chandelier-multi-iris" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/blown-glass-chandelier-multi-iris.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-country-chandelier-2.png" alt="blown glass chandelier" width="495" height="425" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <center><a href="/multi-iris-chandelier" target="_blank"><strong>The Multi Iris Chandelier</strong></a></center> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/blown-glass-chandelier-island-girl" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/blown-glass-chandelier-island-girl.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-country-chandelier-3.png" alt="hand blown glass chandelier" width="495" height="476" /></a></p> <center><a href="/island-girl-chandelier" target="_blank"><strong>Island Girl Chandelier</strong></a></center> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/birch-chandelier" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/birch-fused-glass-and-forged-iron-chandelier.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-country-chandelier-4.png" alt="blown glass pendant chandelier" width="471" height="553" /></a></p> <center><a href="/birch-chandelier" target="_blank"><strong>The Birch Chandelier</strong></a></center><center><br /><br /> <p>A well-placed chandelier can have a strong visual presence. Keep in mind that chandelier placement is dependent on wiring because their installation not only involves electrical work, but often times requires carpentry, plasterwork, and painting. If the lighting piece you’re considering has custom sizing available, take a look at our illustrated three-step guide on “<a href="/Blog/post/how-to-size-a-chandelier" target="_blank">How to Size a Chandelier</a>” for a better idea of what specifications to choose.</p> </center> urn:store:2:blog:post:35 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/switching-to-led-bulbs 5 Things to Know About Switching to LED Bulbs <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-switching-to-led-bulbs-1.png" alt="switching to LED light bulbs" width="570" height="247" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Shopping for light bulbs used to be straightforward. It seemed we were all on the same page when talking about incandescent wattage, and could easily predict how bright a single 60W would be in that trusty old office lamp. But the tides have turned, and the overwhelming energy benefits of LED bulbs have shoved incandescent models off the shelves for good. If you’re about to make the switch, here is some helpful information you’ll want to know about switching to LED bulbs.</p> <h2>Energy Efficiency</h2> <p>The most prominent benefit is that LED bulbs are incredibly energy efficient. The acronym LED stands for “light-emitting diode,” and the technology behind them results in 95 percent of the incoming energy converting to light, and only 5 percent wasted as heat. Although Thomas Edison’s invention literally enlightened the world from the late 1800s through now, his old incandescent technology loses upwards of 90 percent to heat loss and only 10 percent goes to the useful light. LED bulbs are actually more energy efficient than even CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lights) which contain toxic mercury.</p> <h2>Quality</h2> <p>LED light bulb brands can range in quality and efficiency and should be vetted by independent third parties who are able to provide rigorous testing. Energy Star, a voluntary program established by the EPA, is a well-trusted and recognizable rating provider. Choosing a product with an Energy Star sticker may help you save money and protect the environment in the long run.</p> <h2>Light Direction and Dimming</h2> <p>Incandescent bulbs disperse light in all directions, whereas LED bulbs produce a more efficient focused light. This makes LEDs an ideal fit for applications like under-cabinet lighting, recessed fixtures, and pendants. But because they are flexible, LEDs can also be used for multi-directional ambient lighting as well.</p> <p>Although dimmable LED bulbs are available, they are not always compatible with every dimmer switch. You should be prepared to try several options until you find the right combination. During your tests, check for buzzing, or the inability to dim at low light levels.</p> <h2>Life Expectancy</h2> <p>LED lights are durable and long-lasting. Most LED bulbs have a life expectancy of roughly 100,000 hours, approximately 50x longer than other bulb options. That is typically an average of 20 years with typical use! Since they don’t have filaments that are vulnerable to electric fluctuations, they do not need time to warm up, they are more physically robust, and they light instantly, LED lights are definitely the right choice for low maintenance lighting.</p> <h2>Light Color</h2> <p>LED bulbs provide a crisp, bright color unlike any other form of artificial light. We first saw them as indicator lamps in electronic devices, replacing small incandescents. As the technology improved, LEDs have been included in applications as diverse as aviation and automotive lighting, advertising, traffic signals, camera flashes, and task lighting. Look for a “Color Rendering Index” or CRI number on your LED bulbs. Bulbs with a higher CRI number (between 80-100) show color more accurately and naturally.</p> <p>At Artisan Crafted Lighting, all of our beautiful lighting pieces are suitable for LED bulb use. Take a look at example <a href="/downtowh-semi-flush" target="_blank">Downtown Mesh Semi-Flush Ceiling Light</a> for examples of modern lighting fixtures that accommodate LED bulbs and can bring you additional cost savings in energy efficiency over its lifetime.</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:36 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/designer-chandeliers-3 Designer Chandeliers <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-chandeliers-1.png" alt="designer chandeliers" width="573" height="282" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I cannot speak for everyone, but normally when I hear the word <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandelier" target="_blank">chandelier</a>, I will immediately visualize those large, Crystal style designs that seem to take over a room.  This type of chandelier has been featured in many films, and of course, the chandelier plays a key role in the stage show, “The Phantom of the Opera.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today, there are many options for <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/lighting-ideas-great-chandeliers" target="_blank">designer chandeliers</a>, and you can definitely find one that will enhance the beauty of your home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are four types of chandeliers that you may want to consider:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">         </span></span><!--[endif]-->Cluster Chandeliers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">         </span></span><!--[endif]-->Downlight Chandeliers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">         </span></span><!--[endif]-->Pendant Chandeliers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><!-- [if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">         </span></span><!--[endif]-->Uplight Chandeliers</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Cluster Chandeliers</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="width: 232.5px; height: 161.297px; float: right; margin: 0 0 0 10px;" src="blob:https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/4357f8e6-de6e-4c39-b43d-4c6eff568b0f" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-chandeliers-2.png" alt="cluster chandeliers" width="230" height="158" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are looking for colorful works of art, then the cluster chandelier may be what you need.  Each piece has its own personality, such as the vibrant Joyous Chandelier, the <a href="/flower-ball-chandelier" target="_blank">Flower Ball Chandelier</a> with it’s individual blown flower shapes, or even the <a href="/vegas-chandelier" target="_blank">Vegas Chandelier</a>, where you get the look and feel of the sun. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Cluster Chandelier is definitely meant to be a conversation piece.<br /><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Downlight Chandeliers</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-chandeliers-3.png" alt="downlight chandeliers" width="230" height="158" /></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="width: 232.5px; height: 174.375px; float: right; margin: 0 0 0 10px;" src="blob:https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/87aacf0a-dd7b-4e96-8af3-294311627469" alt="" />If you prefer a more contemporary style, the Downlight Chandelier might fit the bill.  This is a design where the lights shine downward, a perfect solution if you want to illuminate a specific area in the room.  You just need to choose your favorite material.  The Downtown Mesh Drum Chandelier showcases the mesh style lamps.  The drum usually covers the white-lighted shade.  If you are fond of glass, there are several options, such as the Textured Glass Square Chandelier.  You can select from various glass color options to fit the color scheme of your room.  The Skyline Chandelier would be a great option if you prefer an outer shell made of metal.  Similar to the mesh option, the metal design also covers a white-lighted shade.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Pendant Chandeliers</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-chandeliers-4.png" alt="pendant chandeliers" width="230" height="158" /></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pendant Chandeliers offer pieces that showcase individual lights that are bound together.  Choices include the <a href="/alpine-pendant-chandelier" target="_blank">Alpine Pendant Chandelier</a>, with its white onyx stone panels and black hardware finish, or the <a href="/tempest-round-pendant-chandelier" target="_blank">Tempest Round Waterfall Chandelier</a>, with its three pendants and steel-banded shades.  Most of these offer individually adjustable pendant hanging heights.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Uplight Chandeliers</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-designer-chandeliers-5.png" alt="uplight chandeliers" width="230" height="158" /></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img style="width: 232.5px; height: 177.281px; float: right; margin: 0 0 0 10px;" src="blob:https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/7e9b06e8-1586-4be6-84f3-0f88abc266a4" alt="" />As the name indicates, the Uplight Chandeliers are designed so that the lights are facing upward.  Traditionally, this type of light is seen to be more formal than the other three styles we reviewed.  I just want to make it clear that formal does not mean boring.  The choices available are colorful and artistic, such as the <a href="/hali-reverse-hand-painted-glass-chandelier" target="_blank">Hali Reverse Hand-Painted Glass Chandelier</a>.  Take a look at some of the other uplight offerings that are available.  If you want to go bold, one of these options might be for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> If you are looking for a new piece of art to light up an area of your home, look no further than Artisan Crafted Lighting.   With the largest selection of premium designer chandeliers, you can find that perfect piece that will enhance any room.  </p> urn:store:2:blog:post:37 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/possibilities-unique-designer-lighting The Unlimited Possibilities of Unique Designer Lighting <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-lighting-design-1.png" alt="unique lighting desing" width="523" height="237" /></p> <p> </p> <p>A variety of unique lighting options can be discovered online to fit any home design project. If you’re trying to get away from the look of traditional lighting fixtures, you can certainly find ones that will literally light up the room.</p> <p>Today we would like to introduce you to our favorite pendants and sconce lights in a variety of shapes:</p> <ul> <li>Sphere</li> <li>Cylinder</li> <li>Half-Cylinder</li> <li>Rectangle</li> </ul> <h3><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sphere</span></span></h3> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-lighting-design-2.png" alt="blown glass sphere pendant light" width="314" height="323" /></p> <p>If you prefer a spherical lighting shape, the pendant style would be a no-brainer here. At Artisan Crafted Lighting, we offer a variety of spherical pendant lights, including the <a href="/coppa-glass-pendant" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2a6496;">Coppa Blown Glass Pendant</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> shown to the left</span>. This pendant has a minimalist design, and it offers three distinct glass colors: Optic Bronze, Optic Clear, and Optic Smoke Glass. You also have different options for the hardware. These would look great over a dining room table, or in a game room.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cylinder</strong></p> <p><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-unique-lighting-design-3.png" alt="blown glass wall sconce" width="314" height="299" /></strong></p> <p>There are plenty of options if you are interested in the cylindrical shape of your lighting accents. Depending on your needs, you can find cylindrical pendant lights, wall sconces or even lamps. Our <a href="/textured-granite-glass-sconce-18" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2a6496;">Textured Granite Glass Wall Sconce</span></a> is an example of a gorgeous cylindrical glass sconce that would look great in a contemporary home. Four different glass colors are offered in this style to help you create the right visual impact.</p> <p><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Half-Cylinder</strong></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/a19-ceramic-wall-sconce-twigs.jpeg" alt="ceramic wall sconce" width="306" height="306" /></p> <p>The half-cylinder shape of lighting accents is ideal for a variety of wall sconces. The lighting cover is attached to the lighting hardware, creating a beautiful yet functional piece of wall art. An example of this is the <a href="/a19-wall-sconce-twigs" target="_blank">A19 Ceramic Wall Sconce | Twigs</a>. The hand-textured art glass is accentuated by the unique look of the chain-link hardware. This sconce will likely wow all of your guests!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rectangle</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/wall-sconce-downtown-mesh-i.jpeg" alt="" width="315" height="236" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Artisan Crafted Lighting offers plenty of options if you fancy the rectangle shape for your lighting needs. Some of our glass wall sconces can create a unique play of light and shadows on your walls thanks to the unique net-like construction of their walls. If you like a modern style, the <a href="/wall-sconce-downtown-mesh-1">Downtown Mesh 1</a> sconce  will complement any room. It is offered in several colors, and you can feel better about the lighter environmental impact of your lighting fixture as each Empire wall sconce contains recycled window glass elements. Style and substance… You cannot go wrong with that!</p> <p>If you’re looking to make a visual impact with colorful custom-crafted glass panels, look no further than the <a href="/search?Q=Fused+Glass+wall+Sconce&amp;As=false&amp;SearchType=2&amp;Cid=0&amp;Isc=false&amp;Pf=&amp;Pt=" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2a6496;">Fused Glass Sconce</span></a>. Several color and style options are available in this style. These items are beautiful pieces of art, and they create unique visual effects when they are illuminated.</p> <p> </p> <p>Who says that you have to go with traditional lighting? With all of the choices offered by Artisan Crafted Lighting, you have many unique lighting options that will enhance the look and feel of any area in and around your home.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="/contactus" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2a6496;">Contact us</span></a> today if you have any questions.</span></p> urn:store:2:blog:post:28 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/blown-glass-pendant-lights-unique-kitchens Blown Glass Pendant Lights for Unique Kitchens <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-pendant-lights-1.png" alt="Blown Glass Pendant Lights" width="570" height="255" /></p> <p> </p> <p>If you are considering remodeling your kitchen and ready to try something completely new, using blown glass pendant lights will transform your ordinary kitchen into extraordinary and unique.</p> <p>One reason blown glass pendant lights add a unique flair to your kitchen is the different visual effect when it is lit compared to unlit. In most pendant lights, colors in the glass transform from what looks like dark, opaque tones when unlit. Then when you flip the light switch, the pendant’s colors seem lighter and reveal a unique and multi-dimensional eye-catching glow. This <a href="blown-glass-pendant-light-canale-13" target="_blank">Canale Winter Dusk Glass Canister Pendant</a> is a perfect example, in this case, of blues and blacks mystically convert to yellows, oranges, and reds when lit.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-pendant-lights-2.png" alt="Blown Glass Pendant Lights for Kitchen" width="572" height="440" /></p> <p><a href="/blown-glass-pendant-light-2/canale-winter-dusk-glass-pendant-canister" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/canale-winter-dusk-glass-pendant-canister.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The artist attains these magnificent color combinations through knowing their design and chemistry, as well as using very rich and consistent colored glass rods that have been specially developed for glass blowers. A very reliable and trustworthy source such as <a href="http://www.glasscolor.com/default">Olympic Color Rods</a> in Seattle, Washington, has thousands of colors for artists to make their selections from, to create that perfect color recipe shown here.</p> <p>Another inspiring blown glass pendant lights illustration is the <a href="/blown-glass-pendant-light-cobalt-iris">Blown Glass Pendant Light | Cobalt Iris</a>. It features a firery yellow glow that stays hidden until the light is on, adding drama and a bit of mystery. You can’t help but stop and appreciate the craftsmanship and wonder what it took to make such a unique piece of functional art. </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="undefined" src="/images/uploaded/blown-glass-pendant-light-cobalt-iris.jpeg" alt="blown glass pendant light" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="/pendant-lights/blown-glass-pendant-light-steel-blue-tiny-bubbles" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/blown-glass-pendant-light-steel-blue-tiny-bubbles.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <p>Adding to the uniqueness is how every pendant is never exactly alike in the pattern – slight variations occur during the hand blowing process.</p> <p>For placement, hang pendants in a set of two or three over your kitchen island or bar counter, or a single pendant over the sink. Position the pendant high enough to be out of your way, but low enough to be able to admire the artisan work that went into creating your unique piece. You’ll be delighted with what beauty the pendant light brings to your kitchen space.</p> <p>Browse our fascinating <a href="/blown-glass-pendant-light-2" target="_blank">collection</a> of blown glass pendant lights and find that dazzling one that grabs your attention, to make your kitchen unique.</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:29 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/artistic-lighting-in-unexpected-places Artistic Lighting in Unexpected Places <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-artistic-lighting-1.png" alt="artistic lighting" width="446" height="264" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Some spots are obvious locations for lighting in your home – above the dining table, over a kitchen island, on your nightstands – you’ve got those places covered. The trick is finding ways to incorporate artistic lighting into unpredictable places to really make a statement. To keep up with the trend, use the following design ideas which open up vast opportunities to creatively use lighting in and around your home.</p> <p> </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">A Vaulted Bathroom Ceiling</h2> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-artistic-lighting-2.png" alt="artistic lighting in bathroom" width="569" height="570" /></p> <p><a href="/a19-lighting/a19-ceramic-pendant-light-amphora" target="_blank"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; display: block;" src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/a19-ceramic-pendant-amphora.jpg" alt="" /></a></p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Amphora Ceramic Pendant by A19</h3> <p>Take advantage of your high ceilings and ample natural light by installing glass artistic lighting in addition to a skylight or all on its own. A Murrini blown glass pendant light, shown below, results in a beautiful blend of glass colors and mini windows of beaming light. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">As Wall Art</h2> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/lighting-2/sconces-2/multicolor-wall-sconce" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/multicolor-wall-sconce.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-artistic-lighting-3.png" alt="artistic lighting on wall" width="359" height="479" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 25.2px; min-height: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="/lighting-2/sconces-2/multicolor-wall-sconce" target="_blank"><em style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25.2px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Multicolor Wall Sconce</em></a></p> <p>Framed paintings and photographs have had their heydays on the wall… Enter: vibrantly colored hand-blown glass sconces. With colors and designs as diverse as fish in the sea, you can commission your 3D glass vision into a reality. You and your guests will be enchanted by one of these fun, unique pieces, which can be hung easily on the wall – and surprise! It lights up, too! </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Tall Stairwells or Foyers</h2> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/hammerton-lighting/aalto-square-waterfall-12" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/aalto-square-waterfall-chandelier-12-pc.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-artistic-lighting-4.png" alt="artistic stairwell lighting" width="326" height="427" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 25.2px; min-height: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="/hammerton-lighting/aalto-square-waterfall-12" target="_blank">Aalto Square Waterfall Chandelier</a></p> <p>Whether your staircase is spiraling or grand, it can be a challenge to find an appropriately sized lighting fixture for a stairwell or foyer space. If yours is exceptionally steep, consider a cascading chandelier that can be scaled to fit your space, and customized with a variety of glass and finish options.</p> <p><a target="_blank"> </a></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">By the Side of the Bed</h2> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="/lighting-2/sconces-2/trees-sconce" target="_blank"><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/trees-fused-glass-wall-sconces.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-artistic-lighting-5.png" alt="artistic bedroom lighting" width="568" height="424" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 25.2px; min-height: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;" href="/lighting-2/sconces-2/trees-sconce" target="_blank"><em style="background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25.2px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">Trees used Glass Wall Sconces</em></a></p> <p>Perhaps you prefer to keep your nightstand free of clutter, or it is simply overflowing with books and knickknacks? In either case – you do not have room for a bulky table lamp. Sleek pendant lights hanging on either side at bed level, or a set of wall sconces will provide the light you need, without the necessity of a traditional lamp. Consider the soothing, bedroom-worthy options below. </p> <h3> </h3> <p>Beyond these seven locations, all the nooks and crannies of your home can easily be improved with lighting art from <a href="http://www.ArtisanCraftedLighting.com" target="_blank">Artisan Crafted Lighting</a>. Which of these unique light fixtures would you choose to make your home stand apart? Tell us in the comments!</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:30 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/risks-purchasing-imitation-chandeliers The Risks of Purchasing Imitation Chandeliers <h2 style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-1.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="568" height="209" /></h2> <p> </p> <h2>Blown Glass Size, Shape, and Production Differences</h2> <p>In an ever-expanding global market, consumers have many choices when it comes to the source of their products. Naturally, we’re all hoping to find the most bang for our buck. What happens, however, when cheap, poorly constructed copies enter the marketplace and skew a consumer’s evaluation of their choice of products? Our recent experience highlights the product variation and risks involved with purchasing imitation chandeliers and lighting art from China. Part One of this article will cover the differences in Size, Shape, and Production of our artisan lighting products versus imitation models. <span id="more-166"></span>Recently, we became aware that several Chinese companies have been illegally taking proprietary images from our websites (images of original art pieces which are owned by American glass artists and our company) to purportedly sell the same glass lighting art made in China at a fraction of the cost. After contacting the websites to request immediate removal of the stolen images, we became curious about the class of products coming out of China. Intending to have what’s pictured online, what exactly are their customers receiving? To find out, we ordered two Chinese-made imitation chandeliers to compare to our own high-quality product. As you’ll see below, the differences are vast.</p> <h3><em>Images of original lighting artwork designed and made by a prominent American glass artist. These exact images were used by a Chinese company to sell imitation chandeliers. </em><br /><br /><br />Size</h3> <p>The most noticeable difference between the American and Chinese product is the overall size of the individual pieces. Copying from a photo, the Chinese producers could not have known the actual size of the individual pieces of the original chandelier. The differences are staggering: the American-made pieces are 3 1/2” to 6 1/2” longer than the Chinese copies, and typically double the diameter! Not only are the Chinese pieces smaller, their sizes also inconsistent relative to our products.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-2.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="581" height="296" /><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4632.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Why does this matter? When the various pieces are assembled, the aggregation of those size differentials will make a large impact on the overall look of the finished chandelier. The resulting piece would likely have an inconsistent, uneven shape. These chandeliers are constructed by stacking multiple pieces onto a frame, so if the glass is inconsistent in size, the imitation chandeliers will look like a child who tried to cut their own hair: ragged and unprofessional and lacking any artistic design.</p> <p>Using these smaller, inconsistent pieces, this Chinese company’s product simply would not have been able to achieve the overall size or resemblance of our original. Even if a much larger frame (or armature) had been used to attempt to replicate the size, the gaps between their small glass pieces would result in “light holes” in the final chandelier.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Shape</h3> <p>The shape of individual glass pieces in the copies are also significantly different than the original artist’s pieces. Our artisans create specific shapes for the intended final creation, and without that skill and planning, the look of the original chandelier cannot be achieved.</p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4683.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-3.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="581" height="296" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Using the examples shown in the image below, notice how the original artist’s pieces have a relaxed, elegant and beautifully tapered curve. This allows them to project at the proper angle for the original artist’s vision. The Chinese pieces, however, have a much curvier look which will result in more gaps between neighboring pieces and will also project at a lower, downward angle. With these variations, it would be impossible for the copied chandelier to resemble the original vision. If you purchase Chinese imitation chandeliers, you simply will not receive what you’re expecting.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Production</h3> <p>Another major difference is the finishing technique for the tops of each piece. In the image below, take note of the American-made piece with a completely closed and finished loop. This allows for proper support of the attaching hook and weight of the piece and very importantly keeps the interior of the piece sealed from anything getting inside.</p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4664.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-4.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="562" height="374" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The Chinese version has an open end, into which dust and insects will fall inside and accumulate. In no time, this will result in darkening and significantly reduced luminosity of the light as it transfers through the dirty, littered glass. The only way to clean the pieces would be to disassemble the chandelier and attempt to get inside of those curvy shapes to properly clean them.  Already laborious and difficult, repeated cleaning presents an added risk of breakage during the process.</p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4678.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-5.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="562" height="374" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Additionally, most of the Chinese imitation chandeliers’ pieces we have received do not even have pre-made loopholes or proper installation elements. Their manufacturer failed to supply any installation instruction or to illustrate how the pieces were to be attached to the internal framework, or armature. It would be like selling you a boat without the oars. We think it is unacceptable to expect a customer to figure out how to make the hole and find an attachment to the armature.</p> <p>Even if you had the means to attempt to drill a hole in an imitation glass piece, it is very probable that the added heat on the otherwise cool glass will result in stress fractures. These tiny cracks, often so small they cannot be seen, will break unexpectedly in time – or worse, break the glass immediately while drilling.  As glass pieces react to the ambient temperature in the room, they naturally expand and contract. With a stress fracture, even a slight temperature change could cause the piece to break. This is a common problem with imitation pieces that are not finished or annealed properly, as is the case with the Chinese copies.</p> <p> </p> <h2>Blown Glass Type, Color Density, and Luminosity Differences</h2> <p>After having discovered proprietary images of one of our talented artisan’s works being used to misrepresent a Chinese manufacturer’s cheaper, imitation chandeliers, we decided to dig deeper into the risks of purchasing from a questionable e-retailer.<a href="http://artisancraftedlighting.com/blog/post/risks-of-imitation-chandeliers-part-1/"> In Part 1 of this series</a>, we covered Size, Shape, and Production Differences in the American-made versus Chinese-manufactured products. Now in Part 2, we’ll highlight the differences in our original, artisan-made versus imitation glass chandeliers with regard to their Glass Type, Color Density, and Luminosity. </p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Glass Type</h3> <p>Spruce Pine or Spectrum glass, which is manufactured in the US and is the chemical makeup of soft glass used in US glass blowing studios, is expensive. It is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_batch_calculation">best recipe for quality glass</a>, and repeatedly produces pieces of beauty and longevity, as it has for hundreds of years. Chinese manufacturers do not use the same chemical make-up to create glass. If you do not use the proper calculation and quality of ingredients in your glass batch, the glass will combust over time –especially if a proper annealing method is also forgone.</p> <p>We cannot guarantee how the Chinese are formulating their raw glass or the quality of their annealing process. Therefore, purchasing Chinese imitation chandeliers presents an immense risk. Placing something as volatile as shard glass hanging in a location above your head could cause irrefutable harm or death to whoever is below the chandelier when it shatters.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Color Density and Luminosity</h3> <p>Comparing our artisan-made, original chandelier pieces, and the Chinese imitations, you’ll notice that the color luminosity and density are significantly different between the two. The originals are bright and rich in color, whereas the copies have a thinner color composition and appear washed out when lit.</p> <p>Compare the glass pieces in the image below, and you’ll notice the original pieces have optics (texture and ribbing) on the outside of the pieces that provide unique and beautiful luminosity. Light bounces off the multi-dimensional curves and texture on the outer surface of the glass, which creates the desired, sparkling effect. If you look closely at the Chinese imitation chandeliers’ pieces, you’ll see their texture and ribbing is on the inside surface of the glass, which is much less effective in terms of luminosity.</p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4702.JPG" alt="" /> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-6.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="562" height="374" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Customer Service Differences</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: left;">As we’ve discussed in our previous posts, we’ve recently found out that cheap, poorly constructed imitation chandeliers are being mass-produced in China copying our artisan lighting art pieces, potentially skewing a consumer’s choice of products. In an attempt to help our customers, we believe it is important to offer a side-by-side comparison of quality versus imitation chandeliers. Let our experience help you understand the variation and risks involved with purchasing “knock-offs” from Chinese manufacturers.<span id="more-204"></span></p> <p> <img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/2018/IMG_4630.JPG" alt="" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-blown-glass-chandeliers-china-7.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandeliers from China" width="562" height="374" /> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <center><strong><em>These images of our original lighting artwork were used by a Chinese manufacturer to sell imitation chandeliers</em></strong></center> <p> </p> <p>This series of articles have already covered differences in <a href="/Blog/post/buyers-beware-the-risks-of-purchasing-imitation-chandeliers-part-1" target="_blank">Part One: Shape, Size, and Production</a>, as well as in <a href="/Blog/post/buyers-beware-the-risks-of-purchasing-imitation-chandeliers-part-2" target="_blank">Part Two: Glass Type, Density, and Luminosity</a>. Now, we’ll let you in on the scoop about quality customer service.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3><strong>Customer Service</strong></h3> <p>As an online consumer, you simply can’t put a price on good customer service and support, both before and after your purchase. What recourse do you have if the product you receive is completely different than what you expected?</p> <p>Anytime you shop online, the specific products you see in a catalog may not necessarily be the perfect item for you, and having the option of customization could be required for your particular design or layout. We understand that the purchase of a chandelier is a big event in your home! Every decision, from the colors, size, hanging height, hanging hardware, shape, and bulb style, are critical to your happiness with the product. Our lighting specialists are available to help guide you through all the steps to customize the perfect chandelier for your project and to make sure you have all the information needed to prepare for installation.</p> <p>Additionally, you can count on our full support after your purchase.  If you need assistance during assembly and installation, have questions regarding care and maintenance, or ever need replacement parts, our customers can count on us to be available to help. It’s unlikely that you will get the same great customer service experience with an overseas manufacturer selling imitation chandeliers.</p> <p>Although it’s never fun to discover that your unique artisan crafts and designs are being pilfered, we are certainly glad we’ve now had the opportunity to present and compare these items for you, side-by-side. Online consumers have an enormous selection of products to sort through, and always deserve to know the real story behind the goods they purchase. Now that you’re tooled with the information to make an informed decision, enjoy browsing <a href="/blown-glass-chandelier" target="_blank">our gallery</a> of gorgeous artisan glass chandeliers and lighting art. We hope you’ll <a href="/contactus" target="_blank">contact us</a> with any questions about your future artisan lighting desires!</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:14 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/suzanne-guttman-glass Suzanne Guttman Glass <p><strong><a style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0000ff; font-family: &amp;quot; source sans pro&amp;quot;,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtisanCraftedHome/" target="_blank">Join us on Facebook</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Company Name: </strong>Suzanne Guttman Glass</p> <p><strong>In business since:</strong> 2001</p> <p><strong>Owner: </strong>Suzanne Guttman</p> <p>Click to view the entire <a href="/search?q=guttman&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Glass Collection</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Company Description</span></strong></p> <p>Suzanne Guttman strives to integrate the environment into her art; finding intrinsic beauty in complex combinations of color and light. Working with glass is, for the artist, like choreographing an intensely focused dance, ever striving for the balance between grace and strength.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Product Offering</span></strong></p> <p>I design blown glass art vessels, sinks, chandeliers and lighted hanging art pieces. My inspiration comes from the beauty of simple, classic forms, and the fluidity within nature.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the Artist</span></strong></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-2.png" alt="Suzanne Guttman Glass" width="330" height="327" /></p> <p>Since 1980, I have incorporated my education in the design, marketing and communication industries; ten of those years I owned a graphic design agency in the heart of downtown Seattle focusing on branding and packaging design. Knowing that my passion and life experiences needed more of a free-flowing and creative outlet, I turned to glass for solace.</p> <p>In 1990, I walked into <a href="http://www.pratt.org/" target="_blank">Pratt Fine Arts Center</a> in Seattle and my path was immediately clear, this is what I needed to do in my life. I loved working, teaching and serving on the Board of Directors at Pratt for a two-year term. After a number of years I needed to work at a larger, professional studio and found Martin Blank’s Studio as the perfect environment. I rented the studio continuously for over 15 years. In April of 2001, I made the commitment to focus my career solely on glass and continue my artistic growth.</p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-3.png" alt="Suzanne Guttman Glass" width="300" height="297" /></p> <p>My search for creative vision is shown in my quest to integrate what the environment has to offer. I am especially moved and am influenced by the incredible shapes plants provide. Images of leaves, flowers, roots, windswept branches, the curl of a tendril from an offshoot of a stem, are inspirations within my designs. And, I am fascinated by both the simplicity and complexity of colors and the intrinsic beauty created when positioned together with light. It is the balance between grace and strength that I strive for in my work.</p> <p>Designs of my current pieces have evolved from working in series, taking the technical preciseness and strong influence of traditional Venetian designs and adding my expression of movement, whimsy, color and simplicity. I am enamored with the process of glass and its unique formation into a blown form.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Product Examples:</span></strong></p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com//blown-glass-cluster-glass-chandelier" target="_blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-4.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandelier" width="327" height="348" /></a><br /> <figcaption><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/blown-glass-cluster-glass-chandelier" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Cluster Glass Chandelier</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="/suzanne-guttman-glass-sink-caliente" target="_blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-5.png" alt="Blown Glass Vessel Sink" width="327" height="262" /></a><figcaption><a href="/suzanne-guttman-glass-sink-caliente" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Glass Sink - Caliente</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com//suzanne-guttman-glass-chandelier-tripod" target="_blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-6.png" alt="Blown Glass Chandelier" width="327" height="380" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com//suzanne-guttman-glass-chandelier-tripod" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Glass Tripod Chandelier</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com//suzanne-guttman-glass-sconce-tulip" target="_blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-7.png" alt="Blown Glass Wall Sconce" width="327" height="247" /></a> <figcaption><a href="https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com//suzanne-guttman-glass-sconce-tulip" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Glass Tulip Sconce</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artisancraftedhome.com//blown-glass-wall-sculpture-carolina-tree" target="_blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-8.png" alt="Blown Glass Wall Sculpture" width="324" height="448" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.artisancraftedhome.com//blown-glass-wall-sculpture-carolina-tree" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Wall Sculpture - Carolina Tree</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <figure style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artisancraftedhome.com//blown-glass-sculpture-flower-vase" target="-blank"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-9.png" alt="Blown Glass Sculpture" width="324" height="403" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.artisancraftedhome.com//blown-glass-sculpture-flower-vase" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman SR Flower Vase Sculpture</a></figcaption></figure> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In Summary: </span></strong></p> <p>“Glass pushes every emotion for me,” says Suzanne. “It is a mental and physical challenge that connects my soul to creativity. The process of creating is a magical, spiritual journey. I am always awed and never bored, I love this art form.”</p> <p>I am honored and proud to have my lighting, sinks and sculptures in residences, corporate environments and hotels throughout the world. I have adorned bathrooms from single-­‐family homes, airplanes, and motor coaches to yachts and mega yachts built in Dubai, Asia and around the world. Although architectural work is my main passion, my aesthetic work (vases, sculptural pieces and bowls) are also collected and have adorned discerning homes and galleries worldwide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Editor’s Note:</span> </strong></p> <p>We would be remiss if any blog post about Suzanne Guttman Glass didn’t include Suzanne’s constant companion and closest friend - Scruffy. He really is a great dog!</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-suzanne-guttman-glass-10.png" alt="Suzanne Guttman Glass" width="328" height="247" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Click to view the entire <a href="/search?q=guttman&amp;x=0&amp;y=0" target="_blank">Suzanne Guttman Glass Collection</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://suzanneguttmanglass.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></p> urn:store:2:blog:post:16 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/kinzig-design Kinzig Design <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-design-1.png" alt="Kinzig Design" width="699" height="225" /></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtisanCraftedHome/" target="_blank">Join us on Facebook</a></span></p> <p><strong>Company Name: Kinzig Design Studio</strong></p> <p><strong>In business since: 1987</strong></p> <p><strong>Owners: </strong>Susan Kinzig and Caryn Kinzig</p> <p><strong><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Roboto',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Click to view the entire </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/search?Q=kinzig&amp;As=false&amp;SearchType=2&amp;Cid=0&amp;Isc=false&amp;Pf=&amp;Pt=" target="_blank">Kinzig Design Collection</a></span><span style="display: inline !important; float: none; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Roboto',Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Company Description</span></strong></p> <p>Susan and Caryn work together to create each of their lamps. They incorporate proprietary elements with vibrant glass (blown by two glass studios) and solid brass and copper accents. The lampshades are deeply colored and sewn from embroidered silks and rich fabrics. With sensuous shapes and timeless appeal, the ever-changing collection they offer consists of more than 100 lamps ranging from contemporary to traditional in style. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Product Offering</span></strong></p> <p>While their designs set them apart, they are also known for the high quality of our materials and workmanship.  Each lamp is made from solid brass and features vibrant glass that is hand blown by accomplished artisans. The distinctive shades are sewn from embroidered silks and other elegant fabrics. The lamps are individually finished with patinated metals and surface textures that will not fade or discolor and are topped with distinctive finials. The nature of the materials and processes makes each lamp unique; no two will be exactly alike.  </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the Artist</span></strong></p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/Susan-Kinzig-Caryn-Kinzig.png" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-caryn-kinzig.png" alt="Caryn Kinzig" width="332" height="330" /> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-susan-kinzig.png" alt="Susan Kinzig" width="332" height="330" /></p> <p>Susan Kinzig was already established nationally as a well-respected jewelry designer when her sister-in-law, Caryn Kinzig, left a successful investment career to join forces with her and enter the world of lamp design.</p> <p> </p> <p>Susan founded Kinzig Design in San Francisco in 1987. A self-taught jeweler, she has supported herself as an artist since she was a teenager. After a seven-year career in graphic design, Susan took a cross-country artistic sabbatical from San Francisco to Philadelphia. Six weeks turned into six months when Caryn encouraged Susan to show her newly honed creations to local shops, at times literally pushing her through the door. Today her jewelry is sought by collectors and is carried by galleries, boutiques and museum gift shops.</p> <p> </p> <p>Caryn also grew up with a love for art and an appreciation for handmade objects. Her childhood home was filled with beautiful artwork that her parents collected from around the world and from artists they discovered at shows on the East Coast. She has fond memories of walking those shows with her parents as original works and unusual pieces caught her eye. Her style and artistic eye continue to evolve as she travels the world looking for design inspiration and beautiful fabrics and materials to incorporate into the lamps.</p> <p> </p> <p>In 2002 Caryn left the corporate world and had thought about going into a shade-related business. This was when she and Susan realized that they wanted to create lamps together. Within a year they’d formed Kinzig Design Home.</p> <p> </p> <p>Their odyssey began with a visit to the Bowery, New York City’s lighting district, where they shyly asked some parts suppliers to teach them the mechanics of building a lamp. “The guys looked at us oddly at first, but showed infinite patience while we learned,” Susan recalls. “We thanked them with a box of cannolis and said, ‘One day you’ll be proud to know us.’ It’s true. And we’re still buying parts from them.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Collaborating equally on the lamp designs since then, Susan works closely with the glass artists and produces the lamp bases in her San Francisco studio while Caryn searches the world for embroidered silk fabric and sews the shades in Philadelphia. The partners now sell their lamps to premier galleries, home accent stores and design showrooms in every region of the country.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Collaborating Studios</strong></p> <p>Kinzig Design Home collaborates with the following glass studios including: <a href="http://masglass.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">MAS Glass</span>,</a> <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.littleriverhotglass.com/" target="_blank">Little River Hot Glass</a></span> and <a href="http://www.glowglassstudio.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Alex Abajian Glass</span>.</a> Kinzig Design Home also works with well-known fabric studios who paint some of the shade fabrics. They include: <a href="http://www.kevinobrienstudio.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Kevin O’ Brien Studio</span>,</a> <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiqmanbpaffAhUhc98KHcG9BFEQFjAAegQIEBAB&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLonniRossiFabrics%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nu7uazGalmCtEi5IHqBpe" target="_blank">Lonni Rossi Fabrics </a></span>and Sally Jones.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>APKD Lampshades</strong></p> <p>Kinzig Design launched APKD Lampshades in 2013, reviving the art of making high-quality lampshades. APKD sews shades for other manufacturers and lighting stores while doing custom work for clients who need a special shade for a treasured lamp or who simply want a shade recovered or relined.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Product Examples:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/kinzig-table-lamp-mariola-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-mariola-1.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp Mariola" width="327" height="327" /> <img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/kinzig-table-lamp-mariola-2.jpg" alt="" />  <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-mariola-2.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp Mariola" width="327" height="327" /></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/table-lamps/kinzig-table-lamp-mariola" target="_blank">Kinzig Table Lamp - Mariola</a></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/kinzig-table-lamp-celia-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-celia-1.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Celia" width="327" height="327" />  <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-celia-2.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Celia" width="327" height="327" /></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/table-lamps/kinzig-table-lamp-celia" target="_blank">Kinzig Table Lamp - Celia</a></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/kinzig-table-lamp-staci-1.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-staci-1.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Staci" width="327" height="327" />  <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-staci-2.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Staci" width="327" height="327" /></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/table-lamps/kinzig-table-lamp-staci" target="_blank">Kinzig Table Lamp - Staci</a></span></p> <p><img src="/Blog/image.axd?picture=/Blog Images/ACH Blog/kinzig-table-lamp-natalia-in-rose-1.jpg" alt="" /> </p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-natalia-1.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - Natalia in rose" width="327" height="327" />  <img src="/images/uploaded/blog-kinzig-table-lamp-natalia-2.png" alt="Kinzig Table Lamp - natalia in rose" width="327" height="327" /></p> <p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/table-lamps/kinzig-table-lamp-natalia-r" target="_blank">Kinzig Table Lamp i- Natalia n rose</a></span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In Summary: </span></strong></p> <p>With sensuous shapes and timeless appeal, the ever-changing collection consists of more than 100 lamps ranging from contemporary to traditional in style.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we can explore other possibilities. </p> <p>Click to view the entire <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="/search?Q=kinzig&amp;As=false&amp;SearchType=2&amp;Cid=0&amp;Isc=false&amp;Pf=&amp;Pt=" target="_blank">Kinzig Design Collection</a></span>.</p> <p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px 0px;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://kinzigdesign.com/" target="_blank">Kinzig Design Website</a></span></p> <p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: &amp;quot; roboto&amp;quot;,verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px 0px;"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.facebook.com/Kinzig-Design-Studios-495133200553198/" target="_blank">Kinzig Design Facebook</a></span></p> urn:store:2:blog:post:12 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/bathroom-lighting-tips-2 Three Essential Tips to Bathroom Lighting <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/uploaded/blog-bathroom-lighting.png" alt="Bathroom Lighting Tips" width="526" height="232" /></p> <p>After working with customers and interior designers for over two decades, we have found three essential tips that address bathroom lighting.</p> <p> </p> <h2>1. Task Lighting</h2> <p>Have enough lighting where you will be doing grooming tasks, like at the sink, in the shower, or in the tub.</p> <p>Space around the mirror at the sink dictates what type of lighting you can actually install. But using three lights at the mirror is best for providing necessary light to reduce shadows on the face, where you have a light on either side of the mirror, and one above.  Avoid recessed lighting fixtures above the mirror, these cast shadows on the face, which can be frustrating.</p> <p>Pendants or vertical sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are best for casting an even light across the face if the mirror is small enough.</p> <p>For large mirrors extending over two sinks, long lighting fixtures or horizontal sconces above each sink is recommended, where the light can easily reach to each side of the face without shadows. Another option is to mount sconces directly on the mirror on each side of the sink, which doubles their lighting impact.</p> <p>Not having enough light in a shower because of excessive moisture can be frustrating. Recessed lighting with a clear glass cover directly overhead or near the door really helps and will outlast a plastic cover that yellows with age. Clear glass does not obstruct or diffuse the light like plastic can.</p> <p>Lighting above the tub can be the focal point of the room, so consider a lighting fixture that adds character or beauty as well as ample light. Chandeliers and pendants are great above the tub, and there are numerous designs that can fulfill your lighting needs while having a stunning presence.</p> <p>Placing your chandeliers or pendants on a low to no-hum dimmer switch allows a range of light levels from bright to near dark, depending upon task or ambiance. You will find having an adjustable dimmer to be quite practical. Being able to adjust the light level for different situations will make your bathroom more user-friendly.</p> <p> </p> <h2>2. Ambient Lighting</h2> <p>Some call it mood lighting, this type of lighting is important for the impact on human well-being as well as function. Ambient lighting in the bathroom can make all the difference of turning it into a comfortable retreat from a sterile environment made of cold, hard surfaces.</p> <p>Light exerts considerable influence on specific biochemical processes within our body. Depending on intensity, light can either have an activating or a calming effect. For instance, most of us feel lively and motivated on a sunny day, and on a cloudy day tired or lethargic. For these reasons, different types of lighting with varying illumination is recommended, as well as the installation of dimmer switches. Popular Types of Ambient Lighting – <a href="/designer-chandeliers-2" target="_blank">Chandeliers</a>, <a href="/art-glass-pendant-light-2" target="_blank">Pendants</a>, <a href="/sconces-2" target="_blank">Sconces</a>, <a href="/semi-flush-mount" target="_blank">Ceiling Lights</a>, and <a href="/table-lamps" target="_blank">Lamps</a>.</p> <p>Bright light in the bathroom can help stimulate and wake us as we get ready for the day, and more subtle and soft light at night can soothe and prepare us for a good nights sleep.</p> <p> </p> <h2>3. Accent Lighting</h2> <p>Adding depth to your lighting options, accent lighting allows creativity, with no rights or wrongs, and can open up your imagination to limitless possibilities. This type of lighting draws attention to something specific in your bath, like a custom glass sink or beautiful tile work.  Creating dramatic visual effect on an object or architectural element that is important to you will add a sense of connection, making your bathroom even more inviting and comfortable.  Often overlooked, accent lighting is an important factor to improve the bathroom’s aesthetics and feel and will complete the room, possibly making it your favorite in the house.</p> <p>Have fun with these three areas of lighting in your bathroom, or in any room of your home.  The professionals at Artisan Crafted Lighting can help you find the perfect fixture for any space.</p> urn:store:2:blog:post:13 https://www.artisancraftedlighting.com/soluna-copper-lighting-patina-finishes-2 SoLuna Copper Lighting Patina Finishes <h2 class="detail-header"> </h2> <h2 class="detail-header">Copper Finish Options</h2> <p> </p> <p>SoLuna copper pendants and sconces are offered in five beautiful finishes, or patinas. All of our pure copper lighting is protected with Permalac® protective clear top coat that prevents the copper from darkening in the process of natural oxidation.  Most of our lighting can be customized to your own specifications.  The natural beauty of copper along with these five patina choices open up myriad options for creating a perfect space!</p> <hr class="silver-line" /> <h2 class="detail-header">Polished Copper</h2> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px 25px 20px 15px;" src="/images/uploaded/blog-polished-copper-globe-pendant-light-soluna.png" alt="Polished Copper Globe Pendant Light by SoLuna" width="257" height="273" /></p> <p>Our Polished Copper finish features the look of  raw hammered copper that resembles a newly minted penny. The surface is sealed with Permalac® protective clear top coat that protects it from darkening in the process of natural oxidation.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Maintenance Tips:</h3> <p>Wiping your copper globe pendant lights with a soft rag and spot checking with soap and water is generally all the cleaning your SoLuna copper lights will ever need. We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on any copper products.</p> <p>See examples of our copper lighting fixtures in Polished Copper finish:</p> <ul> <li><a href="soluna-copper-globe-pendant-light-pc" target="_blank">Single Copper Globe Pendant in Polished Copper</a><br /><br /></li> </ul> <hr class="silver-line" /> <h2 class="detail-header">Café Natural</h2> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px 25px 20px 15px;" src="/images/uploaded/blog-cafe-natural-copper-globe-pendant-light-soluna.png" alt="Cafe Natural Cooper Globe Pendant Light by SoLuna" width="270" height="264" /></p> <p>SoLuna’s Café Natural patina was developed to replicate the look of aged copper. The overall look of copper pendants finished in Café Natural is of an even colored surface without much variation in color over the surface. Color hues vary from brown sugar and milk chocolate to mocha and sometimes pumpkin pie.</p> <p>To prevent the unique look of the Café Natural copper finish from changing, we apply a coat of Permalac® protective clear top coat to our SoLuna copper globe pendants in Café Natural finish. This top coat protects the surface of each pendant from discoloration in the process of natural oxidation.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Maintenance Tips:</h3> <p>Wiping your copper globe pendant lights with a soft rag and spot checking with soap and water is generally all the cleaning your SoLuna copper lights will ever need. We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on any copper products.</p> <p>See examples of our copper lighting fixtures in Café Natural finish:</p> <ul> <li><a href="soluna-copper-globe-pendant-light-cn" target="_blank">Single Copper Globe Pendant in Café Natural</a></li> </ul> <hr class="silver-line" /> <h2 class="detail-header">Dark Smoke</h2> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px 25px 20px 15px;" src="/images/uploaded/blog-dark-smoke-copper-globe-pendant-light-soluna.png" alt="Dark Smoke Copper Globe Pendant Light by SoLuna" width="270" height="264" /></p> <p>Dark Smoke patina finish is dramatic and eye-catching, and fits well in modern or ethnic style rooms. A relatively uniform patina, Dark Smoke resembles oil rubbed bronze. Color hues include black, espresso, dark chocolate, sometimes with reddish highlights.</p> <p>To protect this unique patina from changing due to the naturally occurring process of oxidation, SoLuna copper globe pendants in Dark Smoke finish are finished with a coat of Permalac® protective clear top coat. This is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly lacquer that will help your copper pendant lighting in Dark Smoke finish look its best.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Maintenance Tips:</h3> <p>Wiping your copper globe pendant lights with a soft rag and spot checking with soap and water is generally all the cleaning your SoLuna copper lights will ever need. We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on any copper products.</p> <p>See examples of our copper lighting fixtures in Dark Smoke finish:</p> <ul> <li><a href="soluna-copper-globe-pendant-light-ds" target="_blank">Single Copper Globe Pendant in Dark Smoke</a></li> </ul> <hr class="silver-line" /> <h2 class="detail-header">Rio Grande</h2> <p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px 25px 20px 15px;" src="/images/uploaded/blog-rio-grande-copper-globe-pendant-light-soluna.png" alt="Rio Grande Copper Globe Pendant Light by SoLuna" width="270" height="264" /></p> <p>The dramatic appeal of copper globe pendants in Rio Grande finish makes them a perfect choice for Southwestern or ethnic-inspired home decor. Rio Grande patina finish is created through a two-step process. First, Dark Smoke finish with tones of dark chocolate or espresso is applied. Then the patina is buffed from the ridges of the hammer marks, revealing the look of natural copper.</p> <p>Our Rio Grande copper globe pendants are finished with a layer of Permalac® protective clear lacquer top coat. This is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly lacquer that protects the unique look of Rio Grande patina finish from discoloration in the process of natural copper oxidation.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>Maintenance Tips:</h3> <p>To clean your copper lighting fixtures in Rio Grande finish, wipe their surface with a soft rag and spot check with soap and water if necessary. We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on any copper products.</p> <p>See examples of our copper lighting fixtures in Rio Grande finish:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/soluna-copper-globe-pendant-light-rg" target="_blank">Single Copper Globe Pendant in Rio Grande</a></li> </ul> <hr class="silver-line" /> <div class="hide_mobile" style="text-align: center;"> <div class="article_block" style="text-align: center; width: 300px;"> <h2><br /><br /></h2> </div> </div>