Period Lighting - Simple Pendants/Chandeliers

[Woody3]

I've been searching high and low for light fittings for the staircase, conservatory and one of the bedrooms, but I've literally come to a dead end.

I'm after something simple. No fancy glass, twists, curls etc; just something simple. Something like this in fact, but preferably powered by electric.

http://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/ProductDetail/5547/Eight-Candle-Chandelier

Is there anything out there that may suit?

I'm looking for them in 3, 5 and 8 arm.

Help!

They are to go into an 18th Century Stone Farmhouse

 

[88v8]

Here we have only old/antique fittings, some from junk shops in the distant past, some from car boot sales, most from eBay.
If you put 'chandelier' into eBay you'll get 1014 hits right now in the 'used' category.

Of course some of them are newish. This, for example;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Two-Chandeliers-/261074655466?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Lighting_Lamps_Lighting_SM&hash=item3cc94318ea
Too new for me, but likeish to the one you picture.

Christopher Wray have a few that aren't too ornate, such as this.
http://www.christopherwray.com/product/lightinggroup.asp?PG=PM#productname=BOWSHIRE

Personally I wouldn't want anything new in an old house, nor any matching of lights from room to room, so a rummage sale like eBay is ideal, really. Been looking for wall light for months, trouble is, I keep seeing ones I like, and I have too many already. Bidding on one now. Arrrrgh.....

 

[Lime]

Personally I wouldn't want anything new in an old house, nor any matching of lights from room to room, so a rummage sale like eBay is ideal, really. Been looking for wall light for months, trouble is, I keep seeing ones I like, and I have too many already. Bidding on one now. Arrrrgh.....

Neither would I.
But I'm fortunate to be able to rewire old light fittings where required and STILL keep them looking old.
As my house has been furnished over the last 20 years I have bought nice old light fittings when I see them.
As better, larger, fancier fittings are found and fitted those that they replace go elsewhere in the house in less important positions.
However that on-going process results in that I now have a 9 branch glass chandelier and wall light in a minor bedroom.

I like lights.
They make or mar a place for me.

 

[Zebra]

I understand your plight Woody. Although I'm nowhere near the stage of requiring light fittings yet I have been casually perusing brochures for things that might be suitable when the time comes. Whilst I see what 88v8 and Lime are getting at, I had thought to have new light fittings, though perhaps in an old style like the ones you're looking at. I shall be having new sockets and switches after all. I also have new window handles for example, although in a style which doesn't look too modern.
Most of the stuff in the brochures I've seen in wholesalers etc is way too chintzy, with glass dangly bits; some of them are really quite revolting. I'm sure there must be online sellers though? Ebay would seem to be a good place to start.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Oh, lighting and wiring so so spensive - one of the reasons we can only afford to do a room a year!

This might yield

http://www.broughtons.com/store/department/12/Lighting-Internal/

There might be bits

http://www.periodhouseshops.com/catalogue.php?Plv=1&P1=2&Clv=1&C1=6

Lovely stuff here and charming on the phone

http://www.englishlampcompany.com/

Jim Lawrence a pleasure to deal with too - 2 things were replaced swiftly and without question having arrived bent.

http://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/ProductDetail/5032/Classic-Three-Arm-Pendant

 

[JoceAndChris]

Think very very carefully about scale before you buy light fittings, make models if necessary. They look terrible if too small in a high room, and likewise you don't want a head banger!

 

[88v8]

..... I shall be having new sockets and switches after all.

Why?
There are loads of old switches on eBay.
Old sockets too, although they are harder to find. To me, every modern intrusion mars the olde effect to an extent.

Ivor

 

[JoceAndChris]

Oh, I just think you have to pick what you like. Period style lighting might look odd with exposed brick or stone, or contemporary furniture, or a modern kitchen, and "olde style" probably has nothing to do with authentic style, not that that matters. Most people's homes, including this one, are a complete mish mash of stylistic influences. I'd have loved Regency furniture and Empire chandeliers but alas such things are many hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Having said that if you can afford detailed lighting that harmonises with your furnishings, as well as good sockets and switches, I think it really does look very nice. Cheap lighting is sad and dreary.

 

[benmc]

Have a look at these guys

http://www.nigeltyas.co.uk/wrought_iron_chandeliers.htm

We have purchase 2 Chandeliers, 2 bedside lights and a standard lamp from them. Not cheap but we are very happy with them.

Hope this helps

Ben

 

[Woody3]

First of all thanks for all of the replies.

For some strange reason, I completely discounted "used" light fittings However, we've since been flicking through ebay and have come across a few that we like, so thanks for that

I will also look at the other links that you've provided.

If it was up to me, I'd till be using candles, but apparently that isn't practical.

Thanks again.

 

[Zebra]

Putting my electrician's hat on now, I feel compelled to offer a word of caution if buying second-hand light fittings. If they are old and possibly worn, they could have poor insulation between the metallic body and the insulated conductors, or between the conductors themselves. If they have poor insulation they could pose a danger, or could trip your RCD if you have one on your lighting circuit.
If they are metallic fittings they must be earthed. Older light fittings sometimes don't have an obvious earth connection, but you should still find a way to earth them.
Taking my electrician's hat off again now, hope you find something nice.....

 

[Lime]

I quite agree with Zebra wearing the electician's hat.
Nearly all the old light fittings that I have bought have been woefully inadequate in some form.
Usually at least one lamp holder/socket has been rotated and caused the supply wires to be very twisted often to the point they may short out or touch the metal frame.
Then there are the foreign lights (usually USA) designed to work on 110 volts that are not designed to work on 240 volts at all.
No matter how old a light fitting is, I always dismantle enough to ensure the wires and connections are in good order.
As Zebra has already stated, ensuring the fittings are properly earthed can sometimes be problematic.
Modern standards require that each lamp holder is earthed (if metal) so that can often mean the wiring is very cramped and difficult to rewire.

However having said that, it is usually possible to make old light fittings safe and compliant.
Of course all this effort relies on the supply cable to the switch and light having a good sound earth and fused/protected correctly at the consumer/fuse box.
If the house wiring is poor then anything connected to it can pose a danger to life particularly if it is metal.... That applies equally to brand new lights too.

 

[Woody3]

Yup, my best friend is an electrician and he would make sure everything is fine before he installed the item.

I'm keeping an eye on that well known auction site for items that fall under "Jim Lawrence" and "Nigel Tyas". Looks like I missed out on a couple last week, typical.

Thanks for all your help though chaps!

 

[Flyfisher]

What are the current rules regarding DIY light fitting work - especially when using used fittings? Is is permitted (like, I believe, replacing an existing socket or lightswitch) ?

 

[Lime]

What are the current rules regarding DIY light fitting work - especially when using used fittings? Is is permitted (like, I believe, replacing an existing socket or lightswitch) ?

That depends on where the light fitting is to go.
Kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors come under Part P of the Building Regulations.
http://release.planningportal.gov.uk/PpWeb/jsp/redirect.jsp?url=http%3A//www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/electrical_safety.pdf
Otherwise the scope is quite wide to DIY as long as you know what you are doing.

You DO NOT need to tell your local authority’s Building Control
Department about:
• repairs, replacements and maintenance work; or
• extra power points or lighting points, or other alterations to existing circuits
(except in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors).
If you are not sure about this, or you have any questions, ask your local authority’s
Building Control Department.
All work, whether you need to tell your local authority about it or not, must be done
to the standards in the IEE ‘wiring regulations’.

 

[Woody3]

Well, that's one chandelier bought from eBay. Decided not to buy one that was "too old", so went with a Classic Jim Lawrence design.

Struggling to find something with 8+ arms though...

 

[MdB]

Struggling to find something with 8+ arms though...

 

[Woody3]

:lol: very good MdB!

Not quite my taste...

 

[88v8]

Unusual
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110931853626?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I have three wall lights of this ilk, alas no headroom for fings wot dangles, otherwise would buy it.

The original shades were metal, like so
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160851108005?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Ivor