FAQs

FAQs

Chandeliers

Size.    Generally, do not  be afraid of a fixture being too large for a room; too small is the usual problem. The fixture should relate to the scale of the room and the size of the table or the island over which it is to hang. For chandeliers, the rule of thumb is for rooms about 12’ x 14’ we suggest approx. 26” in diameter.  In rooms of 14’ x 16’ approx  30” in diameter.

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.  

Height.    The bottom of the chandelier  should be about 24-30" above the table, depending on whether your preference is for low or tall arrangements.  If walking beneath the fixture, figure a minimum of 78" ^’6”of clearance.

Light Levels.     Lower wattages, such as 25 watts and less, are usually sufficient and less glaring in most chandeliers and foyer fixtures.  Be sure and calculate the total wattage from the number of candle arms when purchasing a dimmer, which is also recommended to achieve the desired level of lighting and save energy.                                                                    

Lanterns

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.  

Proper Light Levels.    Ambient light is soft and undefined. It is diffused with the use of low wattage bulbs (25-75 watts) and frosted chimneys.  A little bit of light goes a long way at outside at night. For a wall mounted fixture, even 50 watts is considered strong.

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.

Post Lanterns

As a rule of thumb, post lanterns will appear about half their actual size when viewed from 50 feet away at 7' elevation. When in doubt about the appropriate size, select a larger model. It is important to mount a post lantern at least 6-8' above grade. In northern climates, place the post at least 2-3' into the ground depending on frost line.

Sconces

Proper Height As was the case in colonial times, when sconces framed a fireplace, a mirror, or a wall hanging, like pairs should be used. (Antique sconces were often found in pairs.) Sconces were generally hung by a wrought iron nail or simple bracket at about eye level, roughly 67-69 inches from the floor to the center of the back shield.  This is also a good mounting rule of thumb for bath lighting.

Proper Light Levels  

We also recommend dimmers in order to provide light to clean by and light to dine by!

Commercial bulbs range from 7.5 to 60 watts. Most people achieve adequate illumination and atmospheric low ambient light with bulbs of 25 watt or less. There is little glare from the larger bulbs, but low wattage bulbs are physically smaller and more pleasing to the eye.

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