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natasha1122

Ceiling fixture makes pattern on walls

14 years ago

This kind of relates to my previous post. My bedroom is matte Simply White with semigloss Super White trim and a flat White ceiling (all BM paint). Windows are on one wall (southern exposure). Nine-foot-high ceiling.

I have a ceiling fixture that's wrought iron and crystal, so now there's this crazy shadow pattern all over my ceiling and wall. I don't mind it (especially on the flat White ceiling; it's kind of cool), but I'd like it to be "less" on the walls. In fact, here and there I see tiny rainbow prisms (!) on the white. HATE IT.

To see the fixture, go here:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jhtml?N=0amp;Ntt=woven+crystal+ceiling+fixture&_requestid=64124

Should I repaint my walls Cloud White or Moonlight White (or some other white that's less "white")?

Should I get frosted chandelier bulbs (right now they're the clear ones)?

Or should I do BOTH of the above?

Comments (19)

  • 14 years ago

    That is one of the things that is cool about light fixtures. The interesting shadows. It's not the paint that's your "problem". It's the light. If you don't like interesting shadows, then you need to get rid of the light fixture and go with a plain semi flush fixture that won't give you shadows.

  • 14 years ago

    Thank you! But do you think that if I get frosted bulbs rather than clear that it would be less "intense"?

  • 14 years ago

    I love that! IMO, it's an added advantage to the fixture. ;o)

  • 14 years ago

    I'd try it with frosted bulbs before I'd even consider getting rid of that light fixture... it's gorgeous! I hope the frosted bulbs do help because it doesn't seem to me that changing the paint would make a difference.

  • 14 years ago

    I don't think the bulb will make a lot of difference, but it's worth a try.

    That's just part of the fun of crystal. If you don't like rainbows get something with acrylic crystals instead. They won't have that telltale glint.

    But as the others have said, paint has nothing whatever to do with it. You could paint the walls green or brown or black and you'd still have sparkle. That's usually one big reason why people pony up for real crystal. The better the crystal, the sparklier it will be.

  • 14 years ago

    Changing the bulbs might lessen the effect, but other than that, the only thing I could think of would be to try putting a sheer drum or share around the interior of the fixture adn that might not be what you want for the fixture. I wouldn't expect paint to make a difference. A totally different color (blue, green, etc.) might show it less, but one white vs another -- don't think so.

  • 14 years ago

    The rainbow prisms are a sign that you have cut crystal there, not plastic. Your wall color would lessen the effect some if it were blue or green or red, as it blend it with some of the color of the prism effect. But another white won't matter. Frosted bulbs will lessen the amount of light coming from the fixture, but won't change the prism effect much.

    If you can't get past this, is there another place in the house where you could use this and the effect would be less of an issue? Maybe a hallway?

    The only other thing you could do, and it would be a tragedy imo, is to use a frosting spray on the crystals. Before you do that, tho, for all that money, you should return the fixture.

  • 14 years ago

    The fixture is gorgeous as is. Perhaps the patterns that the crystals are casting on your walls and ceilings are bothering you because it's a new thing and you're not used to seeing it.

    Change the bulbs to frosted as has been suggested and it might minimize the patterns, but likely not by much.

    I think if you live with the fixture for awhile, you'll either not notice the pattern any more or grow to like the look it gives your room.

  • 14 years ago

    I don't get how changing a white paint color to another white paint color will change anything in regards to the prisms on the wall. And frosted bulbs will change the lighting but not the shadows. They're caused by the jewelry of the fixture and are part of the ambiance of having crystal. If you don't like the effect the chandi offers to the room, you will probably have to either remove the crystals from it, (replace with plastic maybe?) or replace the fixture entirely.

  • 14 years ago

    Thank you for all your suggestions. I think I will try the frosted bulbs, as I love the fixture more than I do the effect on the walls. In other words, the fixture STAYS. Also, I have a dimmer, and I found that the effect is lessened when the lights aren't on ALL the way. Will let you know what happens once I substitute the frosted.... Thanks again!!!

  • 14 years ago

    That is one good looking fixture!

  • 14 years ago

    The copy clearly ststes:
    "Clear crystals add sparkle and shine to a room every time you turn on the lights"
    which is what makes the light even more appealing to me!

    Repainting won't change that.

  • 14 years ago

    Beautiful light!

    As others have said, the paint color won't matter.

    I have a small chandelier in my kitchen window with crystal drops. At certain times of the day I have rainbow prisms around my kitchen, including on the green (BM Baby Turtle) walls. I LOVE it. I didn't realize that would happen when I got the chandelier, but I think it's beautiful and so so cool.

    If you don't like it, you will need a light without crystal.

  • 14 years ago

    Prisms and rainbows are 4th grade science.

    Learn to love it or get rid of the light fixture.

  • 14 years ago

    We have SW Sagey and SW Softened Green on our dining area walls, and a soft gold in the kitchen. All show prisms from our chandelier when the light hits it. It's why we sprung for an expensive chandelier. Could you give it some time to see if you can let the play of light be a wonderful addition to your room?

  • 14 years ago

    Here's a picture of the fixture, which is beautiful!

  • 14 years ago

    The whole point of a light like that is the magic it produces.

    I have crystals hanging in one of the bedroom windows specifically to catch the sunshine and spin rainbows around the room.

  • 5 years ago

    I found this thread because I searched ’will chandelier pendants throw rainbows.’ I want to hang something in a sunny window to throw rainbows. I found some vintage crystal chandelier pendants on eBay and those seem cooler than getting a new prism. Will they have the same effect in sunlight?