If you really want to make a statement in your home, then getting yourself a few chandelier shades could be the best thing that you could do. These elegant and powerful lighting features can bring a drab and boring room alive in next to no time.

Many people think that getting the best chandelier lighting means spending a lot of money. However, you can actually find some fantastic deals on chandeliers that will fall within your budget. All you have to do is be willing to spend some time shopping around for the best deals. This is quite easy when you know a few of the key tips for shopping for a perfect chandelier shade for your home.

The first thing you need to consider is that you need to know what you want. There is no point shopping blind and not knowing what type of chandelier you require. There are so many choices and many companies will class something as a chandelier that you would have just thought was a standard ceiling light. The best thing that you can do is to look through some home design magazines and get an idea of what type of chandlier will look good in your home. Once you have established this you will be able to narrow down your search to just looking for this kind of light and the best price.

Once you know the light style that you want, you can check out a few different department stores, lighting specialists and also on the internet. Remember that it is always worth asking for a discount as well. There is a lot of competition for these expensive items and you’d be surprised how many times simply asking for a discount can actually work.

If you are willing to put the effort in, and shop around I’m some that you will be able to find a great chandelier shade for your home at an affordable price. All you have to do is start looking!

Antler chandeliers commonly have a collection of antlers, real or imitation, and then candelabras mounted in the the light composition. Some have shades that look like leather. Others have a down light incorporated into them. These light fixtures themselves, can be very heavy. Authentic antlers are probably weight the most, but each fixture should be checked before it is hung. 

Elk Antler Chandelier and other big boys

Elk, moose, and caribou are the largest animals that the antler chandeliers are commonly made from. The caribou are the most rare, but in some settings, such as in Alaska and Canada where they are native, a chandelier made from the caribou antlers may be more common. An elk antler chandelier looks great in a lodge or a great room. With sweeping curves of the tines, the larger the rack, the more massive the light can be. It doesn’t take a hole lot of elk antlers to make a very lovly and impressive light. Moose are also used. With the wider paddles they can give a slightly different look to a room. 

When choosing an antler chandelier for a room, ceiling height must be considered. A smaller deer antler chandelier can be mounted in rooms with less overhead clearance. When a room has a cathedral ceiling of 20 feet to the peak, a home owner can choose just about any size chandelier. Mule deer chandeliers also provide another option. Smaller than the elk and larger than the white tail deer antlers, the mule deer antlers are a unique touch. 

Faux Antler Chandelier

The other option is the imitation or faux antler chandelier. Not usually as heavy in weight or high in cost, there are some very classy looking faux chandeliers on the market. Compared side by side, sometimes the imitation antler is hard to distinguish from the original. Much less when the light is suspended in the air, the differences are even harder to see. Even though all of the real antler chandeleiers are made from “shed”, or antlers that naturally fall from the animal during the winter, after mating season, some people perfer to leave the authentic ones outside and use man-made antlers for any lighting, furniture, or decorating needs. 

Antler Chandeler by optimieron at flickr

One aspect to consider with chandeilers is that even if the light itself has as many as 15 lights, it still should not be used as the only light source. This is where recessed, can lights, or track lighting comes into play. The job of the antler chandelier is to enhance the atmosphere of the room. The secondary role is to provide some lighting. When a chandelier is called upon to light an entire area, the bulbs may be so bright that the grace of the chandelier is lost to the viewer. It is better to turn down the light from the chandelier and balance it with the track lighting. Track lighting allows for each separate light to be directed where ever desired. This allows more light to be shined in a room and it also allows the antler giant to attract attention and become the focal point. 

Antler Chandeliers for Custom Homes

Whatever your room choice, think in advance about spending the extra funds nesessary to incorporate not just the antler chandelier, but other track or recessed lighting as well. Adding a touch of antlers gives a room a definate wilderness feel in a very subtle way. Though of course antlers can be found for just about everything, keeping it to a minimum and using it for one major design element of the room, such as the lighting, keeps the room from being over stated in one area. The addition of leather furniture, a wooden sled in the corner, and simple wide plank book shelves inhances the rustic feel without overusing the antlers in the entire room.