An old formula adds the width and length of your dining room in feet. The chandelier should be approximately the same size in inches. A few inches larger is acceptable.
The entrance to you home or property is the first and last impression your guests will have about their visit. We offer a wide range of fixtures in each style sized to fit the proportions of your home. Our fixtures are also available in a variety of mounting configurations including hanging, ceiling mount, single post top, pier, and an assortment of wall bracket mountings. Our lanterns are constructed of brass or copper. This means they will not rust and will survive the harshest conditions. They are not lacquered, so over time they will develop a blackened patina. Our favorite finishes are therefore blackened copper or brass which is a quicker way to appear aged and understated. These finishes will not compete with other colors of brick and siding. Our exception is if your home is on the beach or bay with salt water, we find ordering in a natural finish works better to oxidize over time.
We recommend making a simple shape template out of a grocery bag using the height and width listed of the lantern style you like. A general glass area can be cut out. Tape the template where you are expecting to mount the lantern , then move way back to street or back lawn to view the scale and shape. We have had some clients blow up the photo to the listed measurements for a very realistic view of their selection.
Mounting Height and Location. Tops of wall lanterns on exterior doors should be mounted no higher than the top of the door and no lower than 12" below the top of the door.Wall lanterns should be mounted securely on a smooth wooden plate, a “let”, set into the siding rather than directly on uneven clapboards or shingles. Observe the mounting of the electrical box. If the mounting is high, in relation to the front door, you may want to consider using a lantern that hangs down. If the mounting is low, a lantern that extends up from the mount is recommended.
Size. Lanterns should be approximately one-fifth the height of the front door.
To help determine where you would like or need ambient light in your exterior lighting plan, we suggest you actually walk your property on a clear night, when there is a full moon. Moonbeams provide an ideal model for soft, diffused, ambient light. When lighting outdoors, you should also consider the areas you like to look at during the day, and light them at night as well. On patios and decks, be careful not to "Over light" the area with too many fixtures. Remember, in such areas, many forms of portable lighting are likely to be used. Safety, as always, is the first consideration. Make sure you have planned for permanent fixtures that adequately illuminate all stairs, paths, and steps.
Interior rooms benefit from having a light source in each of the corners to achieve a balanced look. If one corner is dark, the whole room can feel dark and unbalanced.
We like to use electrified candlesticks with 3-6 wat Moonlite bulbs in any room to add sparkle. This is low energy with high impact. We also recommend our special WrenWaxx Candle Covers to add a realistic candle look on these candlesticks.
LEDs………..Light Emmitting Diodes
LEDs are very popular these days. They consume so much less energy and are cooler to touch than our incandescent, halogen, and xenon bulbs and we highly recommend them…. if you select the best color temperature for your location. Our first generation consumer LEDs were very blue-white and made the home feel eerie and cold. Recent introductions are correcting the color temperature, but the consumer needs to check the “Lighting Facts” box on the packaging. This is one of the most important considerations in purchasing LED bulbs.
The home atmosphere is more relaxing and enjoyable in the warmth of our former incandescent lighting. If you like a 25 watt chandelier bulb, look for it’s “equivalent” in an LED bulb. For exposed chandelier bulbs, we recommend 2200 Kelvin color temperature, as well as the newer products that stay a warm color temperature when they are dimmed. The box packaging will state if it does a warm dim.
For table lamps, and recessed fixtures with regular or reflector bulbs, we recommend 2700 Kelvin color temperature. If you like a 60 watt household bulb in your lamp, look for it’s “equivalent” in an LED bulb. Find the “Lighting Facts” box on the back to find the color temperature. Because the LED bulbs are cool enough to touch, your shades will not be harmed like the old incandescent bulbs which promoted dry rot and yellowing in the linings. You will need to make sure your dimmer is compatible. We recommend the newer LEDs that keep a warm color as they dim.
If you have an office, laundry, garage, etc you may want to try the 3000 Kelvin color temperature which is closer to halogen. Above this, the higher you go, the more blue like florescent bulbs in the office or warehouse.
Ordering Information
Miscellaneous ….don’t forget bulbs, Wren Waxx slipcovers