Finding good lighting is always a challenge but not impossible. I’ve used Chrysolite kits in the past, and I like their adaptability even if they are more old fashioned in design.
I had one Zenith Hanging Lamp kit already, and Debora sent me a matching kit along with two Heritage Chandelier kits for my project.
They are finished in color, and in theory you can just put them together as is but I never work that way. I’m a perfectionist, and it bothers me when the plastic shows under the factory finish where the plastic parts separate from the sprue. So, I’ve chosen gunmetal for the single pendants and black for the chandeliers.
I also prefer replaceable bulbs. Now, some of these kits can be purchased with replaceable bulb sockets, but these did not have that feature. For the Heritage Chandeliers, I chose to use 3/16″ Cir-Kit candle sockets with varnished wires. The included kit bulbs are shown in the middle here.
These were a test of wills. The required splicing of six wires into two bundles of three, ending in one exit wire each, inside the main cone is not an easy task and you get one shot at it because you cut the wires so short. I had to scrap three sockets in one attempt. But, it all worked out in the end. Here’s the first socket installed with the wires looped through the bracket.
I changed out the included chain for heavier (and darker) chain.
Here’s the first one 99% complete. I need to paint to cover the red wires so they won’t be as noticeable.
I also want to add wax to hold the hurricanes and shades in place. They will still be fiddly but more manageable.
They really are perfect for the space.
I changed the Zenith lamps to pendants with aluminum tubing. I used 3mm LED bulbs from Evan Designs since there is no way to make the bulbs changeable and LEDs last longer. I chose separating LEDs so I could feed the new wires through the tubes but still have these connected to the 12V system. Again, I’ve shown the original kit bulbs below.
Twisting the wires makes it easier to feed through the tubing.
I spray painted the pieces a darker gunmetal color to replace the factory brass paint finish before the final assembly.
The 3mm LEDs look like true bulbs as well. :]
The are perfect in the shop window.
