1. The trilight bulb in my new table/floor lamp doesn't work - it goes on after the second 'click' and stays on after the third click.

New sockets on lamps are often stiff. If the bulb doesn't seem to work for the three settings of a trilight socket, it may be that the light bulb is just not screwed in tight enough. The trilight bulb has two 'hot' contacts on the base of the bulb and if one of them is not touching the socket base, the bulb will not work in all three positions. Note: be careful not to over-tighten the bulb.

2. Why does my dimmer hum?

Because it doesn't know the words! Seriously...the dimmer may be making an audible noise for a variety of reasons, some of which can be remedied. First of all, you should make sure that you have a good quality dimmer - poor ones often are the source of the problem. In the case of dimmers, this is an area in which buying brand name products makes sense. Secondly, you should ensure that you have the right type of dimmer for the type of lights being controlled. Low voltage lights need dimmers designed for low voltage loads. Beyond these factors, it may be appropriate to have the situation inspected by a qualified electrician.

3. The recessed lights in the upper floor of the house turn off and on again by themselves after they have been on for a while.

The recessed lights in your top floor are likely made for insulated ceilings and therefore have 'IC' boxes above them. These IC boxes have thermal cut-off switches built into them (required by CSA) which shut down the unit if it exceeds a certain temperature. This will often happen if you use a light bulb in that fixture that exceeds the recommended wattage. Check the maximum wattage label on the recessed light and make sure that the light bulb you are using does not exceed that wattage.

4. How should I clean my crystal chandelier?

Over the years we have found the best way to clean chandeliers is by hand and with a damp soft cloth. Use lukewarm water and if you need a cleaning agent, add a small amount of a soft soap such as a dishwashing detergent. The primary concern in cleaning is that you do not damage the finish on the fixture frame. The 'bad news' is that the best way to clean crystal chandeliers requires you to do each piece by hand, which depending on the size of your chandelier, may take a lot of time. In the alternative, the other method is to call in a company that specializes in crystal fixture cleaning. If you need someone in the Toronto area, call or e-mail us and we'll gladly pass along a few names!

5. How big of a fixture should I get for over my table and how high should I hang it?

There are a 'few rules of thumb' you can follow for determining what is the right size of fixture and how high to hang it over a table. It's important though that you should start with Rule #1 - break all the rules! The reason for this rule is because there are many factors that contribute to the decision about size and placement, including the style and size of the table; the style of the fixture; the size of the room; personal design style; etc. Given the 'caveat' the general rules about size and height for a suspended fixture over a table are:
- size a fixture to about 12" less than the diameter of the table (narrowest part) and
- hang it about 30" above the table.

6. Do you deliver?

Yes - just about anywhere in the world.

7. Do you install?

No - but we will gladly connect you to a qualified electrician.