Advantages and disadvantages of alabaster chandeliers
Among the many types of chandeliers that are available on the lighting market today, alabaster chandeliers are considered to be among the most durable and popular among interior designers and homeowners.
What makes alabaster special as one of the leading materials in the manufacture of chandeliers? “Alabaster” is defined as a compact, fine-textured, usually white and translucent gypsum or a hard, compact calcite/calcium sulphate or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded or veined like marble. It is characterized by a snow-white color, but there are light yellow and reddish variations. Because alabaster is a very soft and brittle stone (although calcite alabaster is harder than gypsum), it has been popularly used to carve ornaments, vases, and statues.
Over the centuries, the functionality of alabaster has been extended to lamps and chandeliers. Commonly used as lamp covers for the individual bulbs in a chandelier, alabaster has been effective in muting the glare of the bulbs to a soft, warm glow. It is for the preservation of this unique, subdued glow that interior designers have been incorporating alabaster into the many styles of chandelier, ranging from antique designs to sleek modern styles.
Despite the calm beauty of alabaster chandeliers, it has one major drawback. Because it is a very soft and brittle stone, it is vulnerable to scratches. Drawing a fingernail across the surface will already create fine lines. It is also notorious for its porosity. Alabaster very easily absorbs dyes from milder soaps, as well as impurities from plain water, altering the stone’s appearance. Due to the brittleness of alabaster, regular cleaning methods, such as the use of detergents, scrubs, or abrasive clothing, are strictly prohibited.
Regular maintenance of your alabaster chandelier requires it to be dusted or vacuumed carefully and gently every day. If you’ve allowed dirt and dust to accumulate on your chandelier, you’ll need to wipe it down gently with a damp cloth and some borax. Before cleaning your chandelier, be sure to unplug it to avoid electrocution. If you’re apprehensive about cleaning your alabaster chandelier as a whole, you can dismantle the alabaster pieces, clean them, and then reattach them. You may want to label each piece so you know which specific points on the chandelier you will return them to.
Even with the need for regular upkeep and high maintenance, alabaster chandeliers are worthwhile investments for any home. Learn more about how to keep your alabaster chandelier in its beautiful, pristine condition.