Friday, August 19, 2011

a favorite detail: real wax candle sleeves (and a coupon!)

God is in the details.... or, is it the devil?! 
Either way, I agree!  It's the details...  the little details that can take a room from ordinary to special.
I have decided to do some posts on some of my favorite design "details."  Most often these are small details that not many would ever walk into a room and notice straightaway, but details that give a space a certain je ne sais quoi. 

My first "favorite detail" for a room is real wax candle sleeve covers for lamps, sconces and chandeliers.






There is just something lovely about using "real" beeswax sleeves.   For a small amount of money you can upgrade paper, or horrors... plastic;) to real wax sleeves.  That one simple detail will change the whole piece.
 I sold many lamps and chandeliers using wax sleeve covers in my antiques business.  When we lived in Dallas I could find them at local lamp shops, but they were of average quality and were expensive.  After moving to New Hampshire and not having a lamp shop nearby I searched the Internet and found a company whose product I love...
 
Lumiere Candles 

Since moving into the farmhouse I have repeatedly purchased from owners Paul and Lisa, who are lovely and wonderful to work with.  All of their beeswax candle sleeves are hand-dipped at their company here in the USA, and drips are then added by hand;   they are not made from molds, so each piece is uniquely different!
I find they have great prices, and their sleeves are the best qualtiy I have ever purchased!

I was thrilled when Paul and Lisa recently wrote to offer me, and YOU a
10% discount off of your order.
This is a permanent coupon, with no minimum purchase!
 When checking out, simply enter the coupon code : FLOH  in the "Coupon" box and be sure to then click "apply coupon" which will re-total your amount.


(I realize I sound like an infomercial;) but I am not being paid for this endorsement, I just happen to love their products, and am excited to share it (as I do all my sources) with you!)















The website is very educational and will walk you through their products on the "product overview" page.  But, here are a couple of things to consider when ordering... first is size.  You need to figure out if you have the small candelabra sockets or regular sockets. 
Next is height.  If ordering custom sized sleeves, be sure to measure twice!   You do not want any part of the socket showing (like in the photo below;)  If the candle sleeve fits down inside the holder I often use a strip of paper, mark it, then measure the paper instead of using a measuring tape, so I can get an accurate measurement.
The beeswax sleeve covers can accommodate up to 25 watt bulbs.
Regarding choosing a color... I have found that
 their "white" is best suited to my Benjamin Moore White Dove, and "ivory" would work well with Benjamin Moore Linen White. 



Lumiere's website is great, so I encourage you to look around!  They also sell beeswax honeycomb covers, large diameter covers (which are impossible to find), lightbulbs and also a resin line if you are going to be using higher watt bulbs.
Thank you to Paul and Lisa for extending this coupon to all my readers!


post script:
The majority of these lighting photos are from the barn room!  We've had a ongoing (two-month- ughhhh) issue with the tung oil floor finish throughout the barn.  It's  boring, maddening, irritating, annoying ... did I mention maddening, and I can't talk about right now.  I bring this up since several;) of you have inquired about the room and hope to see a reveal.  You and me both!
Unfortunately the room sits empty as we work to resolve the floor.   We're close, really close.  The resolution involved our household motto "If you want something done right, then do it yourself,"  - which means that Dan has taken over finishing the floor. 
I "hope" to show you the finished (empty) barn room, mud room and loft soon, but reveals of those spaces are a ways away I'm afraid. 
Please cross you floor-finishing fingers for us!
xo joan

61 comments:

  1. Great source. Thanks for the info, all of your pics are wonderful and the real wax does make such a difference. Hugs, Marty

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  2. I had no idea that these were available! You do have an eye for detail.
    Looking forward to seeing the finished floor-good luck!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I am always looking for great chandie parts sources. Thanks for the link!

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  4. OoooOO! I need 4 of these, AT LEAST, for our sconces. YAY! And a coupon?!?!?!? Whoop Whoop! LOL!

    xo,
    A

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  5. details are sometimes the most important! thanks for sharing joan! ;)

    ashley

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  6. I learn something everyday in blog land. I had no idea that you could buy real wax candle sleeves. Thanks so much for the source. They look so much better than the paper covers.

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  7. How sweet of them to offer this coupon! I don't have any chandys or sconces with candles but wiol check their site! Can't wait for the reveal and I ahve my fingers CROSSED. GO DAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

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  8. Absolutely one of my favorite details. I have them on every sconce and chandelier in my house and lamps as well. I have a local source that also hand applies but I am on my way to check out this website. I'm hoping for even better prices because we buy them for lighting we sell in our shop as well as recommend them to clients.

    Have a great weekend. I'm on my way to the lake. Trying to pack in that last little bit of Summer.

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  9. Perfect timing! I am having a chandelier rewired and the shop charges an arm and a leg for wax sleeves (which I had decided to spring for since the existing sleeves are worn and ugly. Thanks so much!
    Karen

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  10. OMG I am so excited you posted this since my chandy is in desperate need of new sleeves. The wax ones are so beautiful too!!! Sorry to hear things are moving along at a snail's pace on your barn room floor. Hopefully you will get the issues resolved and be ready to move your treasures in soon :o)
    ~Des

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  11. I learn something new almost everytime I read your blog. I didn't know these were made with real wax. I agree about details making a room.
    I'm on the hunt for a new chandelier for our dining room. Any suggestions on where to look? And, how do you know they work or will need rewireing when buying antique lighting. Thanks for your help.

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  12. I love the look of the wax sleeves. I learned about Paul and Lisa via one of your older posts and ordered the resin because I needed to use a stronger wattage bulb. They look great too. I'm excited to have a coupon so I can order more! Where do you purchase your silicon blubs? I really like those!

    Thanks,
    Eva

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  13. As I was reading this, I looked up at my chandelier and thought "Why have I never considered this detail?". Thanks so much!! It sounds like a wonderful company and how nice that they are to offer a coupon. BTW, all of your light fixtures are beautiful. Sorry about the floors.

    XO,
    Jane

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  14. Thank you for this post and the coupon offer! Where do you purchase your silicon blubs?

    Eva

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  15. great item, I have them in my home (from Lumiere) & they do make a difference.
    Gail

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  16. I have always loved the waxed ones. They make it look so much more authentic. How nice of them to offer a discount.

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  17. I think that this is the first home I've ever lived in where all the bulbs are behind glass, so this is one thing I don't need...but I never knew of such a thing! Amazing!

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  18. Add me to the list of people who has no idea thare is such a thing as real wqax sleeves. I have two antique lights and both have the plastic sleeves. Thanks for sharing this great source with us!

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  19. Eva- from them!! click on the above link and scroll down and you'll see the bulbs!

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  20. Good things come to those that wait!

    Hang in there! We will patiently wait with you for the barn room reveal. We can all celebrate with you when it is done.

    Love your blog!
    Karla in CA

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  21. Thanks so much for passing this along! What a great product!

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  22. Thank you! I, also, did not know about them before.

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  23. Hi, Joan, I always use beeswax candle sleeves as well. Coincidentally, I was about to order some for a chandelier I just bought, when I read your post. I checked out Lumiere and their prices are better than the company I use...and a discount!!! I love a deal. Thanks.

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  24. Wow, I had no idea. Those are awesome. I have a couple fixtures they would work on...I'm headin' over to check them out. Thanks!

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  25. You are absolutely right...it's all about the details! Thank you so much for the source and I just ordered my first beeswax sleeves. Thank you!

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  26. Thank you Joan for the link and for the coupon! We were just looking at lamps tonight; we could definitely use a few of the sleeves. I am looking forward to more of your "details" posts.

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  27. I did not even know about the wax sleeves, but I detest the plastic ones. Thanks for the information.

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  28. Hi there
    Wax candle sleeves are a must. Reminds me of a pet peeve.......how often in print and TV and movies, one sees a lamp with the socket and harp bracket showing.........How is it no one but me notices........so hideous!
    Kathi

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  29. Sister, you said it! You are a girl after our own heart! Every light we have was changed to beeswax holders…and yes (in our eyes) has made all the difference!

    Have a wonderful rested weekend!

    XO,
    Renee and Angela

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  30. I love the beeswax candle holders. I used to have them on my living room sconces, but they melted a little. Glad to know of a source. I really like the honey colored ones as they look like the color of beeswax!
    Have a great weekend Joan! ~Delores

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  31. I learn something new everytime I come by, Joan~ you are a wealth of information! I've been looking for a way to revamp my breakfast room chandelier and I think this is it! So excited!! Thanks for sharing.
    Heidi @ Show Some Decor

    PS- I think the "for love of mutt" pic of Ella has got to be my favorite so far. :)

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  32. I agree wholeheartedly... real wax candle sleeves are the best!!
    I swear the internet has brought so many amazing products right to our doorstep! Thanks for sharing this great resource :)

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  33. Thanks for the GREAT tip! I have some awful plastic sleeves and have hated my chandelier because of them.

    I appreciate you taking the time to write this!

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  34. I have a crystal chandlier about 10 years old that I grew to dislike shortly after I bought it. Wishing I had gotten one with more iron or something. After finding your blog, I did two things. Removed the crystal chains & ordered new sleeves from Luminere! Now I almost Like my chandlier. Thanks to you! I had to get the resin because we need more light in the dining room but the difference between these beauties & those horrible plastic things is 6,000 % better. Thanks to YOU!!

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  35. Joan...I'm a big believer in upgrading candle sleeves...thanks for the website!...k

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  36. Excellent...the place I get mine is so expensive and not very friendly.

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  37. Glad to know about this source. Thanks for sharing the source and the coupon!

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  38. That's where you got those fabulous sleeves. I noticed them in every room of your home and thought they were beautiful! And I feel super lucky to know that I have seen those rooms in person - I can't wait to see them again though when you show them on here. And I am dying to see how you decorate that barn room. It is such an incredible space! And ahhh - I keep meaning to e-mail you!

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  39. I've never seen anything like it in Australia
    Kind Regards
    Karen

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  40. My beeswax sleeves arrived today and I love them. Thanks for the great tip and the discount!
    I worry about my old garden too, so I understand completely.

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  41. I am so glad to know about these because I just put up an Antique light and the new covers are a must!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  42. I love these! I was going to replace a chandelier we have in our dining room, but could not find anything close to what I liked for a reasonable price, so I decided to order 9 of the ivory colored ones, and I absolutely love them. I want so desperately to replace the ones over our entry door, but it's way up high, and I'm afraid of falling ;).

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  43. Had no idea these were available..what a great find!! I just love them they are so elegant. Thanks for the intro will definitely keep this info handy for when I move and start decorating!!

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  44. Love beeswax sleeves on any lighting...thrilled to find this site!!

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  45. I can't seem to comment on your latest post...the comment section must be disabled; just wanted you to know that I SO look forward to your posts now. I'm hooked on your blog! And being here in Houston, where we are dying on the vine with this drought and heat wave, it is so refreshing to see your weather conditions and lush green summertime gardens. Really finding wonderful ideas here, and just last week while jogging, saw a conk growing on a tree and snatched it! It's in my house. Now all I do while jogging is look for them...I almost tripped today doing so! What trees in your area do you find them mostly growing on? I think they're rare here. Out of all the trees I pass on 2.5 miles, I've only seen one. Anyway...thanks for your blog....I'm seriously jealous of your scenery and weather. And....totally in love with that precious face called Ella. Hope the writers' block is short-lived!

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  46. Thanks for the source and the discount. I will be ordering soon.

    Lovely home. It makes me want to live down the street and have you for a neighbor.

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  47. have a wonderful rest; see you when you return! love, donna

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  48. At last, coming up for air after a hectic summer season! What I needed was serene and elegant and it is all here in the lovely posts of your New Hampshire home. I always enjoy the wonderful photography of your interiors and the rainy day series is especially captivating. The atmosphere is one of pure bliss.

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  49. I'm going to remember this!!!! I've pinned it in pinterest to be sure! And, good for you for taking a break until September....I have taken a break since Lent season and it was just what I needed.

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  50. WOW. Great idea. They look fantastic.

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

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  51. Amazingly beautiful details make all the difference. Now make sure those floors show all the details....that you want your feet to admire for years to come.
    I know they will be stunning too.
    (floor finishing fingers crossed and toes too)
    pve

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  52. I like the real deal, too. And having a store coupon is the icing on the cake. I think you said it to me, and I'll say it back: Who doesn't like a coupon?! Life is good in Colorado! Sounds like things are moving along for you. Have fun!

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  53. Great deal..and its real! love the wax sleeve, So glad i found some ideas here...You really had a wonderful source as well!thanks for sharing.;-)

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  54. hello, joan. just thinking of you and stopped in to say so. hope you and dan are well. ready for fall? I am so ready.

    hope to see you back soon, joan. love, donna

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  55. Hi Joan,
    I just received my order of Lumiere candle sleeves. I wanted to thank you for the lead and report at the wonderful customer service I received. What a great company to deal with...they even issued me a refund because I had inadvertently mis-ordered. I'm thrilled with the product. Thanks for the lead. BTW, my lamp store charges $10 for the exact same sleeve that Lumiere charges $3-something for!
    Karen

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  56. Joan, I just ordered my wax covers and bulbs for my new/old garbage can chandelier! It's a little thing that only I will notice...but it's the little things like these that make me smile. Also, thank you for the discount. Michelle

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  57. Anyone have any tips on finding medium base light bulbs? They have lovely options for the Candelabra base size, but I am in need of more than 25 watts, the only one they offer, with the medium base.

    Thank you!

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    1. hi Susan, I use Satco or Westinghouse brand and can find 40 watt or 60 watt chandlier bulbs with standard bases at my local hardware store. The other choices you need to decide upon is if you want a straight or bent tip, and clear or frosted. Try searching the specific bulb (including the standard base) on Amazon, or here are some links (you'll have to cut and paste in your browser) for some bulbs- be sure to scroll the whole page.. good luck!

      http://1000bulbs.com/search/?q=40+watt+standard+base+chandelier+bulb&SearchButton.x=38&SearchButton.y=27

      http://1000bulbs.com/search/?q=60+watt+standard+base+chandelier+bulb&SearchButton.x=53&SearchButton.y=14

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    2. Susan, Just looked on your profile and see that you are in Dallas! Go to Elliot's Hardware- I used to buy all my bulbs from them. They have a great supply, and also have 3 locations so hopefully one will be near you. We so miss Elliotts- it's a great store! Have fun.
      http://www.elliottshardware.com/

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan