Decorating with Lighting: Wall and Ceiling Lights

Every book you look at on decorating will tell you that lighting is critical in any room. It's obviously not just about task lighting, and dimmer switches, but the fixtures can make a statement.

I happen to like ceiling fixtures for their ability to capture your eye and set the theme for the room. A crystal chandelier can be frilly or serious. I love the fun that a Murano chandelier can convey with colors and curls on the really wild ones. I think you need to be a bit careful that the chandelier style fits your room and taste and doesn't go over the cliff to something out of Liberace's play book!

  Top Photo: House Beautiful - Bottom Photo: Homes and Garden, UK                                                                                      

 

Art et Decoration, France

This delicious number is a classic Murano and always a statement. In my view, the more colors the better!

Lantern styles are classic and go anywhere.

Metropolitan Home

But a real individual statement can be had by waiting for that one distinctive ceiling light at auction. I've actually seen this style at auctions once or twice.

 

Homes and Gardens, UK

Here area few examples of lighting at recent auctions that are interesting and affordable, and would dress up any room.

 

Doyles: Sold for $814 (including premiums)

This lantern example from the Christie's Interiors auction would be a wonderful conversation piece. 

 

  Christie's: 20th C. cut glass and beaded lantern. Est. $1,000 - $1,500

These sconces (below) would be very glamorous, and went for well below the estimate at the last Christie's Interiors auction in February.

 

Christie's: Sold for $875 for a pair. Est. had been $2,000 - $3,000

I happen to love sconces in almost any room. They add wall decoration and an additional lighting source for mood, or reading, depending on which room they're in. Place them on either side of a mirror or painting and they will enhance the overall look.

I recently found another auction house, Clarke Auction in Larchmont, and they had these wonderful candle sconces. There is nothing like candle light for mood! And these would look wonderful even if not lit.

  Clarke Auction Silver plate sconces. Est. $200 - $300

We have a pair of silver plated candle sconces in our dining area, and had a set as well in our London flat. They look great, and even if the condition is not perfect, any jeweler can have them re-plated for you.

Lamps will be a feature of a future blog.