FAQ
Au Courant Interiors
FAQs About Chandeliers
Q: Why Choose Au Courant Interiors? We create handcrafted chandeliers that meld love for craftsmanship and refined materials, providing you with distinctively unique lighting fixtures.
Q: Why Opt for a Chandelier? Chandeliers elevate the ambiance with their class and sophistication. They provide light, set the mood, and make a stylish statement.
Q: What Constitutes a Handcrafted Chandelier? A handcrafted chandelier is a detailed lighting fixture crafted by artisans. Handmade aesthetics intertwine with new-age technology to produce pieces that blend tradition with modernity.
Q: How are Chandeliers Created? The creation of chandeliers requires time, skill, and meticulous attention to detail. Our beaded chandeliers are handcrafted, each bearing the imprint of artistry and labor.
Q: Where Can I Install a Chandelier? You can enhance any room with a chandelier, from foyers, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms, to dining rooms and even closets and bathrooms.
Q: How to Determine Chandelier Size for Different Spaces? Add the length and width of the room for an approximate chandelier diameter. For dining rooms, the chandelier shouldn't hang lower than 30" above the table. For foyers, ensure a minimum of 7' distance from the floor.
Q: Should I Use a Dimmer Switch? A dimmer switch is highly recommended as it allows you to adjust the mood and atmosphere according to the activity taking place.
Q: Will a Chandelier Provide Adequate Light? To calculate the total wattage needed for general illumination, multiply the room's length by its width, then multiply that number by 1.5. This result is the wattage you need. If necessary, you can add other light sources.
Q: Are the Chandeliers Durable and Easy to Assemble? We prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Our chandeliers are durable, easy to assemble, and designed with attention to color accuracy and detail.
Q: How Will I Know the Status of My Order? We keep you updated about your order's progress through bi-weekly emails.
Q: How Do I Clean My Chandelier? Use a lightly damp cloth or a feather duster to clean your chandelier, ensuring its prolonged shine.
Q: Can I Customize a Chandelier? Yes, customization is our specialty. If you wish for a different size or color, contact us at info@aucourant-interiors.com for custom orders.
Q: Are Your Chandeliers Sustainable? We value sustainability, often incorporating up-cycled and reclaimed materials in our designs, reducing global waste while delivering exceptional quality.
Q: Who Should Install My Chandelier? We recommend that a licensed electrician install your chandelier. Chandeliers are intricate and heavy pieces of equipment that require careful handling and correct installation to ensure their safety and functionality. Employing a professional will ensure the chandelier is correctly wired, securely mounted to support its weight, and positioned for the optimal lighting effect. If your chandelier comes with a warranty, professional installation may also be necessary to keep that warranty valid. Please refer to local codes and regulations regarding home electrical installation.
Q: How Should I Maintain and Clean My Chandelier? Chandeliers are artistic pieces that require proper care to maintain their beauty and functionality. Here are some recommendations:
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Regular Dusting: Use a feather duster or a soft, dry cloth to gently dust your chandelier regularly. This prevents dust and dirt from accumulating on the surface.
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Deep Cleaning: For a more thorough clean, switch off the chandelier and let it cool. Then, use a slightly damp, soft cloth to wipe down each piece, followed by a dry cloth to avoid any water spots. For glass or crystal elements, you can use a mild glass cleaner.
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Beaded Chandeliers: If your chandelier has beaded details, be gentle while cleaning. Use a soft cloth and avoid harsh cleaning agents to maintain the integrity and luster of the beads.
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Light Bulbs: Remember to clean the light bulbs, ensuring they are cool before cleaning. Wipe them with a dry cloth. Also, ensure to replace the bulbs as soon as they burn out to keep your chandelier providing the best light.
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Professional Cleaning: Depending on the complexity of your chandelier, you may want to consider hiring a professional for occasional deep cleaning.
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Check for Wear: While cleaning, also check for wear and tear. This includes loose connections, frayed wires, or other signs of damage. If you notice any, have them repaired by a professional.
Remember, always refer to any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance will keep your chandelier shining bright and looking its best.
FAQs - Au Courant Interiors Custom Design Fee Policy
Q: Why did Au Courant Interiors change its pricing model? We shifted our pricing model from Percent of Project Cost to a new structure based on the size of the chandelier fixture in square inches to deliver utmost transparency and fairness to our valued clients.
Q: Are minor changes to lighting, like hardware finish or chandelier bead color modifications, free of charge? Yes, most minor changes such as changing the hardware finish or chandelier bead colors cost nothing!
Q: What will incur a design fee? Major changes, like designing a chandelier based on a concept drawing or inspiration photo from another lighting company, will incur a design fee.
Q: How is the new design fee calculated? The design fee is calculated at a rate of $0.42 per square inch of the proposed chandelier design. This includes up to two revisions, complete design drawing, sections, construction, and call-outs.
Q: Can you provide an example of the new design fee calculation? Sure, for example, a residential chandelier with dimensions 20" diameter x 32" height will be billed as 640 square inches at $0.42 per square inch, leading to a design fee of $268.80.
Q: What does the design fee include? The design fee includes the development and finalization of shop drawings, samples of the finish, and chandelier bead material (like sea glass beads or wooden beads).