Archive for category Accessories

Modern Fireplace Accessories

Posted on May 1, 2011 | Accessories, Fireplace.

These days just as fifty years ago a minimum list of fireplace accessories includes only a few necessary items. Nothing new was invented in the last century. Today you will need a set consisting of a poker, a shovel for coal, also brooms and tongs. Add to this list a screen that helps to adjust the flame, a grate and log holders, and that’s probably going to be all you have purchase for the fireplace.

All of the items above are usually made from steel, brass, bronze and, less commonly, iron. Requirements for special heat resistance are low as no one would ever keep a poker in a burning flame. All the tools are just a part of the interior and mostly perform aesthetic and artistic function. The choice of subjects and manufacturers depends on the owner’s willing to arrange an elegant fireplace area.

Many furnaces are also equipped with glass doors that are especially necessary when the fireplace is warming up and can not deal with smoke and thus lets the bitter smell in the room. The glass cover helps to prevent it., The doors can be swinging or lifting. By the way, furnaces with a fireproof door are safer than open grates, and allow you to manage the flow of warm air much better and easier. The only drawback is that sometimes the heat-proof glass may be covered with soot.

However, it is not a big problem because you can always buy special cleaners for fireplace screens and glass doors. More often the construction of furnaces have special channels that send air flow along the inner surface of the door, and don’t allow the soot particles settle on the glass. If your fireplace has no doors at all, you can use a variety of nets and shutters that can be installed directly in front of the firebox. They help to manage the air flow and thus regulate the heat level.

One more indispensable attribute of a fireplace is a mantels for fireplaces. Very often it is made of wood, typically of oak or walnut, and then it gets smoothed and polished or darkened by time and soot. Of course, the cost of fireplaces and fireplace accessories is quite high, mostly because the price of finishes and high quality materials. A fireplace is a bright, colorful interior decoration, a symbol of stability and warmth. And to some extent it is a luxury item, and as you know the real luxury just can not be cheap.

Antique and Vintage Lamps

Posted on April 5, 2011 | Accessories, Interior Design.

Antique and vintage lamps can provide a beautiful finishing touch to your interior designs. There is something timeless about these wonderful lighting options that ensure they bring a touch of class to any room. It doesn’t matter if your style is ultra-modern or comfortable farmhouse chic, there will be a stunning antique lamp out there for you.

There are many different types of antique lamps and these can be from a wide range of style periods. Technically the lamp needs to be over around 100 years old for it to be classed as antique. However you will find a number of lamps that are referred to as ‘antique’ in style but may not have actually achieved the right age.

Vintage is a word that is used a lot in interior design. Technically for a lamp to be vintage it does need to be between 40 to 100 years old, anything newer than this will still be in ‘used’ or ‘second hand’ condition. Anything older will be antique. However it is difficult to truly pinpoint when a lamp becomes vintage or antique. This means you will see some crossover pieces that do not fall easily into either category.

The age of lamps can have a direct influence on the price tag so it is important that you have done your research and know what to look for. When in doubt seek further help from an expert and only use reputable suppliers when shopping for antiques of any kind.

A key part of any interior design project is the lighting. Without the right type of lighting all the effort you have taken to select the right fabrics and furnishings will be wasted. It is the lighting the sets off your interior design and creates the final decorative finish.

Therefore when you are choosing antique or vintage lamps you must not only consider how they look but also how they will light the room. Decorative lighting is a type of art and you will need a good eye for detail when you are out shopping. If bright intense light is required then antique lamps will probably not be suitable. These tend to be used for softer, more ambient lighting. Here are three key things to consider when choosing the right lamp light for your room:

  1. Location – You will need the right space to display antique lamps properly so that they look good and provide effective illumination. For example if you are looking at table top designs you will need to make sure there is a suitable table or bureau to place the lamp on. You will also need to know where the plugs are in your room. This will help you to place the lamps carefully so that there are no unsightly wires spoiling your design.
  2. Height – the height at which you display lamps can influence the light in the room. Generally the lower the lamp the more discreet and subtle the lighting. This is ideal when you want to create soft, ambient atmospheres. The higher the lamp then the brighter the lighting. You need to combine your antique lamps with ceiling and other lighting options to create the best overall effects for your design.
  3. Shades – antique and vintage lamps will have different shades. These will affect the tone and brightness of the light they produce. Make sure you consider which shade options will be best for the overall decorative effect.

Another very important aspect of choosing vintage and antique lamps is of course how they look. The modern interior design preference is very much for an eclectic taste which involves mixing and matching styles from different periods. However there is always an underlying theme which will tie all the different looks together and create a harmonious finish.

When you are choosing vintage or antique lamps for your room you do need to keep in mind your main theme. For example you may have chosen a very modern, minimalist look for your room. There are several important design periods that can help you to keep true to your theme but also create a much more stylish and unique look such as:

  • Atomic Age – vintage lamps from the 1950′s and 60′s are a great choice for an ultra-modern look. Designers from this age were just starting to experiment with the sleek lines that could be achieve from new manufacturing methods using glass, chrome and metal. This combined with the futuristic geometric designs creates a very chic modern touch to any room.
  • Art Deco – this is one of the most distinctive and well-loved design periods of the 20th century. Lamps from this era are just beginning the transition from vintage into antique as the Art Deco period began as early as the 1920′s. These excellent vintage lamps provide classic flowing lines and minimalist design features that will compliment any modern style room.

There are a number of distinctive and highly decorative options available that can compliment different types of rooms. Make sure when you are choosing antique or vintage lamps you consider how the look will compliment your interior design theme. This will help you to achieve a more harmonious and stylish finish.

Antique and vintage lamps can bring a classic element to your interior designs. Choosing the right lamp is about combining looks and functionality. It is important that when you are dealing with antique lamps you get as much expert help as possible. This will ensure you get the best lamp for your needs at the right price.

For further information you are invited to visit their web site at http://www.antiquelampshop.com