Thursday, August 30th, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystorama, a family owned lighting company, is known for creating quality, very classic crystal lighting while incorporating modern silhouettes and materials into their lighting designs.
Crystorama has been designing exquisite fixtures for more than seven decades and is a company that has grown to be an expert in crystal lighting; they have compiled a very informative guide to consult when purchasing crystal lighting. Below is Crystorama’s 5 C’s to Consider when Purchasing Crystal:
Circumference: First, you need to figure out what size chandelier you need for your space. According to Crystorama, the proper scale is 2” per foot of the room. So, if the circumference of your room is 12’ by 14’ you will need to look for a chandelier with a diameter of about 26”. If this chandelier is for a dining room, the fixture should hang about 30 to 32 inches above the table. Here is a little diagram courtesy of Crystorama to help:
4-6 person dining tables: 20” to 24” chandelier
6-8 person dining tables: 25” to 29” chandelier
8-10 person dining tables: 30” to 36” chandelier
Collection: After you have considered the necessary size for your crystal chandelier, the next “C” on the list is meant for you to choose a collection that incorporates your preferred silhouette and style that will match your décor and harmonize with the surroundings within your space.
Cutting: Typically you have a choice in crystals, depending on the brand and manufacturer, so when choosing your crystal light make sure you pick your desired shape, cut and color of the crystal embellishments that will accent your fixture.
Color: The finish of a crystal chandelier is important; it’s crucial to pick the best finish to complement your space as well as one that will “reflect the true color spectrum of the crystal,” according to Crystorama.
Confidence: Have confidence in the brand and manufacturer you choose to purchase from. According to Crystorama’s 5 C’s guide, “a chandelier, whatever its shape, size or cost, is an important purchase.”
Although Crystorama began exclusively in the distribution of classical, crystal chandeliers, it advanced its common crystal designs to crafting an assortment of lighting displayed in their pendants, flush mounts, wall sconces and vanity lights, becoming one of the top industry leaders in residential lighting.
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012
by Benson Littman
Crystal lighting is a very elegant means of lighting your home and it adds a beautiful and stylish touch to your interior lighting design. Today, there are so many different styles and brands that are being designed and crafted and these manufacturers truly know the significance and value of the crystals they use when creating these ornate compositions of light.
Here is a brief overview of the types of crystals out there so you know what you are getting when you’re on the hunt for your next crystal fixture:
Swarovski Elements – This type of crystal is considered the most luxurious and most exceptional crystals in the world. It is a uniquely genuine and naturally pure variety of crystal out there today. It comes in countless shapes, sizes and colors and are each machine-cut and polished with precision; the logo of Swarovski Elements is engraved into each crystal, impossible to replicate.
Spectra Crystal – Is a machine-cut Swarovski crystal that was illuminates a radiant shimmer and is designed by the highest authority in crystal expertise; it is created to be an enhanced, top-quality crystal at an affordable price for customers.
Heritage Handcut Crystal – These crystals are hand cut in a method that is deep-rooted in crystal cutting history, dating back centuries. Each crystal is unique in shape and form and is cut by hand in two stages, on an iron and sandstone wheel. After, they are polished on a wood wheel with marble dust.
Optic Handcut Crystal – These crystals are significantly refractive. Optic crystal was originally solely used in scientific studies and instrumentation but Schonbek’s engineers started including them in their chandelier models.
Gemcut Crystal – Are shaped into a very sharp and precise form and are polished to create a pure and super refractive crystal.
Vintage Crystal – Vintage crystals are very whimsical droplets of beads in a very traditional shape of faceted ovals, woven into chains.
Legacy Crystal – This type of crystal comes from Venice, Italy and emanates an understated shine and is known to be more affordable than the average cut crystal.
Rock Crystal – this is truly a unique kind of crystal as it can’t be manufactured and mass-produced. It is one of the oldest crystals around and are mined by skilled gem-cutters and are not created in any type on synthetic process in crystal cutting or polishing.
The design and manufacturing of crystal fixtures requires ample understanding, knowledge and familiarity with the crystals and creations made in order to produce such superior designs in lighting. An array of brands produce crystal lighting of all designs and Schonbek Worldwide Lighting is one of them; Schonbek features lighting that is bejeweled, ornamented and trimmed with an assortment of exquisite and delicate crystals. Schonbek carries all of the above crystal types and incorporated them into their designs in very distinct and unique ways.
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Maxim’s “Spot-Light of the Month” is shining a light on the quality, outdoor mission style that is the Santa Barbara Collection. Maxim’s Santa Barbara Collection features outdoor wall sconces, flush mounts, post lights and hanging lanterns to display a shining brilliance outside your home.
This month’s highlighted collection is made with an ultra-durable material called Vivex, which has twice the strength of resin, is non-corrosive and UV resistant with a 3 year warranty, perfect for outdoor fixtures braving the elements.
According to Maxim Lighting, this collection has a “distinctive masculine quality.” They say the collection is unquestionably a mission style fixture with bold lines connecting horizontally, creating that signature pattern; the robust column of seedy glass encloses a sturdy platform displays three pillar candles that shine a clear, inviting light through the large and generous windows.
The novel shape and solids brass design truly stands out and the warm finish of the “chocolaty sienna finish makes a statement all of its own with an esthetic range of hues from deep chestnut copper highlights.”
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
One of the most fundamental yet essential decisions to make when choosing your light fixtures is the finish of the product. It is a key component of the design and can either enhance or sometimes even minimize the design scheme of your home. There are, of course some finishes that archaic and some that remain a well-liked choice in light fixtures for decades.
Throughout the years there are countless finishes that have become outdated or old-fashioned but there are those finishes that are inevitably everlasting. In the 90s, multi-step finishes were extremely popular and continue to be so today. Multi-step finishes are just that, finishes that are created through a process (with multiple steps) that truly bring out the details within the hues of the chosen finish.
What is now being considered the “finish of the decade” is Kichler’s multi-step Olde Brick finish (popular in the 90s as well), that has endured it reputation over the years. It was created by Kevin Von Kluck and Rick Hammar initially solely for their outdoor line of products but the desire for Olde Brick indoors was unavoidable and thus, the finish became popular and legally protected by Kichler.
The inviting yet serene tones of the finish is still a preference today and that is why Kichler has witnessed an array of Olde Brick imitators using alternative names; Kichler of course followed with legal action against those impersonators, keeping Kichler’s praised Olde Brick finish their own. Today the only company who is allowed to use the name Olde Brick for its finishes is Emerson, featured in their fans.
Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
ET2 Lighting’s “Spot-Light of the Month” showcases the fresh and avant-garde Neo Collection; a collection that features an array of pendants, wall sconces and one very unique 8 light flush mount.
According to ET2 Lighting, “Neo stuns with optic crystal glass cubes that take on the hues and tones of the spaces they inhabit.”
They say the substantial yet compact design of the Neo Collection is ideal for dining rooms, entry ways, hallways and media/entertainment rooms. Wherever these fixtures end up in your home, they will entice with a dramatic and striking illumination of light.
The crystal glass cubes emulate that of an ice cube reflecting in a glass, while dark and light tints spread through the clear, glossy chunks. A xenon bulb sits within each cube on the fixture, shining from within and allowing the polished chrome finish to luster even more.
The wall sconces featured in the Neo Collection range from 1 to 2 lights, the pendants are offered in 1, 3, 5 or 9 lights (with each cube being suspended in a unique and progressive manner). The flush mount, shown here, is an 8 light fixture with rows of crystal cubes that emit a brilliant sparkle.
ET2 Lighting offers a wide selection of inventive and bold collections of lighting and continues to be the pioneer of contemporary designs that renovate an area from a commonplace space to a unique stretch of territory.
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
The lighting that Crystorama offers combines tasteful crystal and glass designs that create an overall charming illumination. Crystorama, a family-owned company, has been celebrating its designs for more than 50 years now and pride themselves in extraordinary quality and design.
According to crystorama.com, with every chandelier it manufactures, “Crystorama draws upon its history, knowledge, and legacy of stellar craftsmanship, and then embraces modern shapes, inspirations, and materials. Crystorama chandeliers are timeless and always in fashion.”
With seven decades of lighting and design experience, it is no surprise that Crystorama fixtures can be found in such impressive venues as the U.S. Supreme Court, Constitution Hall and the Palace Theatre.
Looking through the company’s many unique designs, it is apparent that the family at Crystorama strives for superiority in lighting, which is shown in their design techniques and distinct style they emphasize in every product.
Crystorama uses some of the finest crystals in the world to adorn their fixtures such as Swarovski Elements, Swarovski Spectra and Hand Cut Crystal, cut by hand in two stages on a iron wheel and then sandstone wheel. They use their resources to seek out the best quality crystals worldwide.
Crystorama Lighting Group started out solely in the design of chandeliers but has now moved forward creating an array of classical crystal designs in lighting shown in their pendants, flush mounts, wall sconces and vanity lights; they have become one of the industry leaders in residential lighting.
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Corbett Lighting has done it again. For the second year in a row, the distinguished U.S manufacturer of premium fixtures has won the “Lighting Manufacturer of the Year” Award at the 23rd Annual Arts Awards Gala for 2012.
This award is recognized as one of the most esteemed acknowledgements in the lighting industry and this year’s winner was announced at the Dallas International Market and the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. A private panel of judges chose the nominees and the awards were decided based on votes from independent manufacturers and designers, retailers, sales representatives and other industry professionals.
As a nominee, Corbett submitted the Dolcetti Pendant; a wonderfully stylish and lavish design featuring glamorous shells, crystal and stainless steel subtleties that combine to make an overall magnificent fixture.
According to Corbett Lighting, “It is Dolcetti’s innovative use of materials and exquisite handcraftsmanship that singles it out among the competition and makes it a standout for Corbett Lighting.”
Corbett Lighting has been creating tasteful and elegant designs for more than 40 years, manufacturing an array of fixtures for residential, hospitality, commercial and contract settings. Corbett’s inspired expertise and valued dedication to detail is apparent in the majority of their designs and products. Their chic 2012 spring line of products, known as Temptation, holds the company’s reputation to be true with its use of high-quality, stylish yet unique materials and exclusive creations.
Corbett Lighting is part of the Littman Group, which includes: Corbett Lighting, Troy Lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting, CSL (Creative Systems Lighting), Troy Lighting Contract Hospitality and Troy Landscape Lighting.
Friday, February 10th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
This is the time of year when lighting manufacturers across the United States meet in Dallas, Texas to showcase their new releases at the National Lighting Convention. In a venue that more closely resembles a shopping mall than a convention, industry leaders set up beautifully elaborate installations and compete for the attention of retailers from around the nation. This year, the buzz surrounded some unique styles and designs.
Greek Key, a design generally associated with the world of fine art and ancient sculptures, has now found a seat as one of the most sought after styles of the year. Blending the style of ancient relics with the contemporary styles of modern lighting, light makers such as Uttermost, Eurofase, and Elk are creating beautiful lines of transitional lighting fixtures that are proving to be as popular as they are unique. Known as meander in the art world, these geometric borders were commonly found in the pottery of ancient Greece, the Shang Dynasty, and now the lighting in your home. While walking around the convention, it is noticeably incorporated in table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and just about every other type of light.
Littman Bros. Lighting, based in Schaumburg, IL has been making their way to the Lighting Convention for over three decades. Noticing the varying trends every year, Owner Dan Littman said “It’s exciting to see what the newest industry trend is going to be. This year, everyone seems really excited about Mercury Glass Lamps.” While circulating the many booths at the show, Interior Designers, Store Owners, and Manufacturers seemed to be pretty infatuated with this unique style of lamp. Mercury glass is a blown glass with a double wall. Liquid silver or silvering solution is added for decorative affect. Companies such as Dimond and Kichler are using these manufacturing techniques to create beautifully colorful or clear glass pieces that absorb and reflect the illumination. It is really no surprise to see so much excitement about these lights.
Littman was also excited about the abundance of fixtures using new material such as leather. “I’m glad to see manufacturers are still being innovative with materials. It makes designers and customers excited to keep coming back to the store.”
Staying current with lighting trends at the Dallas Lighting Market has enabled Littman Bros. Lighting and littmanbros.com to continually be a premier source for designer lighting from around the world.
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Kichler Lighting manufacturer’s the highest quality ceiling fans. With new designs in 2012, Kichler ceiling fans encompass every style and application from outdoor patio fans to decorative ceiling fans.
A popular collection of outdoor fans is the Kichler Crystal Bay – all are wet location and come in an array of finishes with unique blades. The fan shown here is the from the Crystal Bay collection in a satin white finish with classic white washed oak blades. Kichler’s outdoor ceiling fan collections are designed to create cool comfort while withstanding extreme temperatures and conditions both wet and damp rated.
Many Kichler ceiling fans are Energy Star® certified and feature highly efficient fluorescent lighting that uses up to 70% less energy. Fans also feature DC Motors that operate at cooler temperatures for a longer overall life.
All Kichler ceiling fans are designed to optimize total spinning weight, blade pitch and surface area. Blue Loctite® adhesive is added to prevent loosening, plus cUL or ETL certification for United States and Canada, and a Limited Lifetime warranty.
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
by Littman Bros Lighting
Hinkley Lighting is one of the major manufacturers of high-quality lighting in the industry and carries the latest designs and styles of fixtures for both interior and exterior lighting.
Hinkley has a range of lighting choices, from ultra-modern to very classic and traditional; they continue to have fresh, innovative perspectives for your home that will add a radiance and warm ambience to any space.
Littmanbros.com carries all of the Hinkley Lighting Collections, which promise to impress with an array of original styles and delightful themes:
The Hinkley Hampton Collection is a great choice to add a distinctive and very chic design for your home; the clean, symmetrical lines (that come in either antique nickel or brushed bronze finishes) and appealing shape of the off-white linen hard-back shade harmonize nicely together.
Or, if you would rather go for more transitional style lighting, then the Hinkley Parker Collection is a nice choice; the bold and sophisticated look of the collection with the double arm construction, like this Hinkley Parker 12 Light Chandelier, will stand out in any foyer or dining room.