ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315 
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 24, 2014 19:16:45 GMT -8
I don't want an actual chandelier... although I know some ladies are doing that. But for some reason I can't quite get into the frilly thing, I am more of a sophisticated retro kinda girl. But I do want to hang a bulb from the ceiling on a cord with a shade like this over our table. (it looks bigger than it is, it is only 7" deep by about 13" diameter.) because I have 3 really cool retro sconces and I need to do something different in one corner, so I am thinking.. why not.. if it is do-able. Is there room to install a shallow box in the ceiling while it is open, or do I need to run a swagged cord from the wall? I am assuming a 2 inch space in the roof? If you have a hanging light I would love to see a picture. Thanks  |
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jun 24, 2014 22:28:30 GMT -8
There are really shallow light boxes that will work. (1/2 inch or so deep) Made for ceiling fans. The trick is to have good support for the box, a little hard to do with an intact ceiling in a vintage trailer...
One thing you might consider is added a tasteful board on the ceiling to help support the box. Gives you added depth and strength.
Also, many light fixtures have a enough room to connect the wiring inside the base, rather than in the box. Every square inch/mm counts...
Another concern is swing and sway going down the road, which will kill any electrical cord over time. You'd have to remove any weight from the dangling cord for travel.
Vikx, Cutter and Light a holic.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 25, 2014 3:45:42 GMT -8
The main thing to consider in my opinion is head room, will someone break the light with their head.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 25, 2014 8:19:13 GMT -8
The main thing to consider in my opinion is head room, will someone break the light with their head. AAAhhh .. your tampering with my fantasy with your logic! lol I would be placing it over the table, so it's a good question. The trick will be to centre it correctly and put it at the right height. Plus.. Vikx .. I am thinking that I would take off shade and bulb when under way and have a little hook on one side to tuck the cord into so it is resting instead of hanging... (said with utter disregard for reason, as she tries to justify her fun fashion statement light idea).. I know it is not completely authentic to have a hanging light in a trailer, although some of the new $100,000.00 bus types have pendant lights. (More justification)
So ..O.K. I think I am going to make a cardboard, masking tape and string prototype before sinking money into it. That should give me a pretty good idea of the issues. If I get the ceiling panels off.. that will be the deciding factor, as to whether there is enough stability for a box. Still waiting for the trailer to be pulled into the auto bay so I can start the tear down. I think my husband is starting to realize that the longer it takes to get the camper in there the more money I will spend on accessories and weird ideas while I am waiting..lol thanks for the advice |
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 25, 2014 9:14:46 GMT -8
How about a chain light they were hot in the 50s & 60s then you could unhook it and pack it away for travel or when in the way leaving just a hook and an electric outlet. You could even have a recessed hook.
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 25, 2014 19:34:50 GMT -8
Do you mean like a swag light Big Bill?
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 26, 2014 5:24:55 GMT -8
It could be a swag light or a chandelier hung from just a link or two. You could have a recessed hook and a switched outlet in the ceiling right by the hook. It is time to let your imagination run wild as you design it. You could even have a two piece collar like the old plaster rings that surrounded the lights of old. You could make it from foam and paint or stain it how ever you like then fasten it up with Velcro. It would be large enough to hide the hook and plug. With your creative genius I am certain you could come up with a show stopping idea from here. What do you think?
|
|
ladywendolyn
2K Member
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 928
1964 Golden Falcon
Currently Offline
|
Post by ladywendolyn on Jun 26, 2014 8:45:29 GMT -8
I think it is actually a very good idea, as I know that we don't plan these trailers for resale, ...but.. not everyone wants a hanging lamp. So even if I leave it for my kids, they probably wouldn't want something fragile with their children.
I am thinking that I may wire a plug into the wall where the "fourth sconce" would go, i have three of the gorgeous shasta style sconces, but have been unable to locate a forth. But if I plug the hanging light into the wall plug, it can always be switched to a sconce later.
I am also thinking that I may make the cord out of amber translucent wire, as then it will disappear into the wood ceiling. I just don't like the idea of an ugly white cord draped across.
Thanks for the ideas..
|
|
cheri
Active Member
Posts: 163
Likes: 46
1967 Vanbrook Trunkback
Currently Offline
|
Post by cheri on Jun 26, 2014 10:08:20 GMT -8
I saw a cool electrical receptacle at the hardware, it has a switch built in. I'm a bit nervous about cutting a hole in my new birch ceiling and the idea of hanging light sounds good to me. The receptacle is a pricey ($25), but it looked like a good option for someone with my limited skills. I'll bet they can be found cheaper.
|
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Jun 26, 2014 11:02:49 GMT -8
I think it is actually a very good idea, as I know that we don't plan these trailers for resale, ...but.. not everyone wants a hanging lamp. So even if I leave it for my kids, they probably wouldn't want something fragile with their children. I am thinking that I may wire a plug into the wall where the "fourth sconce" would go, i have three of the gorgeous shasta style sconces, but have been unable to locate a forth. But if I plug the hanging light into the wall plug, it can always be switched to a sconce later. I am also thinking that I may make the cord out of amber translucent wire, as then it will disappear into the wood ceiling. I just don't like the idea of an ugly white cord draped across. Thanks for the ideas.. I did it again , gave away another million dollar idea, it's no wonder I am so poor I just keep giving away all these good ideas.  You could buy a small decorative linked chain and paint it a color that would enhance your light and ceiling then run your translucent wire through it and it would look more decorative than a bare wire. Another idea would be convert your light to leds and a battery pack hidden in the light then you would have no cord at all. |
|
