apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I really actually saw some at Urban Outfitters and they weren't all that expensive and they were kind of nice. Maybe you could get one of those, and if you don't love it, per se, for the price you could experiment with it just to see if it's the answer at all, and then go up from there. Then once you upgrade, sell it on eBay or something. They come in a box and everything.

No-brainer! The Bourgie table lamp from Kartell, http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=6996 Sure, you see it a lot but it makes a great statement. Another modern take on the chandelier look is the capiz shell lamp you see lots of places (available in tabletop form at West Elm)

You could also try experimenting with the look first and getting a pretty candelabra with crystal pendants on it from eBay.

One of my favorite areas of the city is along Bowery where you find all of the chandelier shops. The shops are nowhere near as expensive as I thought they would be and the guys who work there are very helpful. They have tons of chandelier styled lamps as well.

If nothing else go for the amazing sight of a gagillion chandeliers in one small space.

I'm honestly mystified here...reWIRING? Unless you're getting a used chandelier without a chain and wire, I can't imagine what you mean. It's just a simple light installation, as simple as any light installation except that you need to unlink the chain to the proper length and cut the wire once. Really. It's not hard. If you can change a lightbulb, you can install a light.

A chandelier is a great way to add a touch of grand to your space! I purchased a chandelier from Horchow, of all places! It is not too big (12" diameter) or ostentatious, and the white hardware with the "beaded" look of the crystals modernizes it to fit with my contemporary decor. The cost was $200, and it is easy to install (just a long cord that plugs into your wall). horchow.com item D4723.

todd boontje sells a pretty cool lamp that is realativly cheap for its high brow-ness. i think it has a plug too. i was just in the store and saw them in black, chrome and gold which i didn't immediately see on the site:

http://www.mossonline.com/product-exec/product_id/33522/category_id/45


then there is this catalog i just got in the mail, brocade, that has a bit more substantial version of what i think you are looking for. i cant deep link into particular page in the catalog, but its in there :

http://www.brocadehome.com/bh/view_catalog.jsp

the catalog is worth a look cause its pretty nicely done. decent prices too.

Here's an option, in floor lamp form:

http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=6756

I think it also comes in chrome.

Also check out the glam-not-girlie chandelier styles of Zia Priven. Pricey, but really gorgeous and modern.

http://www.ziapriven.com/home.html

I did a story for the LA site last week for a neat not so fluffy chandelier. if you have the $ to do it.

http://la.apartmenttherapy.com/la/lighting/caboche-grande-chandelier-012677

Lydia, since you're so mystified: not every bedroom has an existing overhead light fixture. So yes, for many of us, it would require wiring - through the ceiling. Not everyone is willing to just run the wire up the wall - whereby it will show and look tacky.

Just want to give a vote for the re-wiring and installing process - it's so easy to hire people to do those things, if you already have an overhead light in the room where you want the chandelier. Just find someone or somewhere (ie a shop) to do the re-wire, and then call a certified electrician to do the installation. It seems scary, but it's such basic work for people who know what they're doing. And, it isn't that much hassle for you. If you don't have an overhead light there already, it would be a drag, as you'd have to cut into your ceiling for the wiring.

The tough part there could be finding a vintage light that you like...it can take a while.

Just to provide a benchmark, I do not have any overhead lighting in my apartment, and the estimate I received for chandelier installation was $1,000-$1,500 (drill concrete, conceal wires, put in new switch, install chandelier, certified electrician). The company was on the pricey side but this is not something you can do for $200.

Even if you're willing to have an exposed cord, most chandeliers are designed for hardwire installation and do not come with a wall plug. So I can understand 1bs' reluctance. If I were you, I would hang an ornamental chandelier designed for candles if you really want the overhead look, or just do the lamp as you very practically discussed.

>Lydia, since you're so mystified: not every bedroom has an existing overhead light fixture.

Got it! I've never seen a bedroom like that--hence the confusion. :-)

>Even if you're willing to have an exposed cord, most chandeliers are designed for hardwire installation and do not come with a wall plug.

This, however, IS a DIY job. I couldn't stand to not have an overhead light in the bedroom, so if I couldn't afford an electrician, I'd probably do just that. They make channeling to conceal wires that can be painted the same color as the wall.

How about the Minimal table lamp from Fontana Arte? It's a paired down glass candelabra.

http://www.architonic.com/de/1002340

Wow! Thanks so much for all the helpful suggestions! I was offline for a couple days (grrr!) and just realized I got my question answered. I feel less intimidated by the whole "wiring thingy" now but I think I will go with the floor lamp. I want to create a cozy reading nook with shelves club chairs and interesting lighting and lamps would just make my life easier.

I have been following this site (and its' comments) for almost a year now but this is the first time I asked for help. Thanks so much everyone!
1bs

Dear 1bs,

Hope this helps, a great resource to look into is www.greatchandelier.com. My husband and I just bought a few crystal trimmed chandeliers and some other home furnishing goods from them. They were very helpful and the delivery was fast. They may not have the exact thing you need but maybe they can point you in the right direction.

Sonia

Sorry, here is that link again.

http://www.greatchandelier.com