Your inherited chandelier can be kept in as pristine condition as possible with gentle care on your part. With the assistance of a lamp repair specialist, use these tips to keep your chandelier glowing beautifully for as long as you own it.

Before you install your inherited chandelier in your home, take the light fixture to your lamp and lighting repair specialist to have the wiring updated. Old copper and other wiring can create electrical problems in your home if you install the unit as-is.

If your chandelier's wiring is intact, still consider taking the light fixture in to have it professionally tested before installing it in your home. If the wiring is faulty in any way, you can blow a fuse or cause damage to the vintage light piece.

Each intricate crystal or gem that makes your chandelier lustrous when lit will get coated with grime, dust, and other debris that dulls the light fixture's clarity when lit. The best way to clean a chandelier is to remove the hanging pieces and spray them individually with a cleaning solution or a mixture of white vinegar and water before wiping them down gently with a dry, clean cloth.

If your chandelier is only mildly dirty, spray a crystal cleaning solution directly on the hanging gems and allow the fixture to drip dry. Always make sure your lamp is turned off when cleaning. Extremely grimy chandeliers should be taken to a lamp repair specialist so the brass or metallic framework around the chandelier can be treated as well as the glass or crystal components.

Any missing crystals or rusting links in your chandelier need to be repaired or replaced to allow the light fixture to last. Before hanging the unit, check for signs of crystal wear, including:

Discoloration

Dark spots

Cracks or chips

Smoothed edges

Don't remove any crystals that are broken or attempt to repair them with glass glue. Your chandelier repair specialist will examine the brand of chandelier you have to order replacement crystals or repair the glass so it looks like new again.

Never hang your inherited chandelier in an area where the unit will be bumped against, walked into, or be in the way. It's best to hang your decorative light fixture several feet above the ground in an area where the unit can be a focal point, such as above a stairwell, dining room table, or main gathering room.

A chandelier should have a chain where you can adjust the height of the unit to meet your needs. The bottoms of the crystal hangings should remain several feet above your head while standing.

A major safety concern with brass-filled or other ornate chandeliers is their sheer weight. A chandelier weighing more than 50 pounds needs to be installed with a support system to prevent ceiling damage or accidental falling of the unit. Do not hang a heavy chandelier on your own, especially if you are unsure if your current lighting support will maintain the weight of the light fixture.

If you don't wish to hang your inherited chandelier, have the light fixture stored in an air-tight, sturdy container. Have all bulbs and sockets, hanging crystals, and other removable parts taken off the main structure and wrapped individually.

Place the main light fixture in the center of the storage container, packing the area with foam peanuts, shredded paper, or other soft materials. Lay wrapped pieces in with the chandelier then fill all open areas with more packing filler. Store the sealed container in a dry, cool room for future use.

Trust our experts at Lamp Shade Specialties for all your light fixture needs. Call us today to restore your chandelier.