One way to really spruce up your home so that it has that real Log Cabin Style feel to it is to change out your light fixtures and lamps to something with a cabin style theme to them.
While you could just go with candles for a real "Old-Timey Rustic" sort of feel, most of us want a little bit more convenience than that!
Simply adding some lighting fixtures with a wildlife motif built into the shades and covers or perhaps a whole series of lantern style ceiling fixtures, floor and table lamps and wall sconces could go a long way towards converting the atmosphere of your home even if you did nothing else. But combine that with any number of the other changes that we have recommended in this series of articles and the transformation can be magical!
Some of our favorite Log Cabin Style Lighting and Lamps that we have seen and used include a series from one lighting store that had a brown or black metal base and frame surrounded with cutouts featuring bear, moose, wolves and pine trees where the light could shine through a tan colored opaque lens as shown in the photo above.
Another inexpensive alternative is the above mentioned lantern themed series with a brown finish that had a somewhat old weathered rusty appearance. These came in ceiling fixtures, wall sconces and lamps, as well as porch lights.
When it comes to the more high-end antler style lights and chandeliers there are at least two levels of both price and appearance. First you have those that use artificial antlers instead of the real thing. These tend to be significantly less expensive since the supply of manufactured antlers never dries up! You give up a little bit of authenticity but but they usually still look quite nice.
When you step up to the hand-crafted style made with real deer, elk or moose antlers, you are purchasing a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art. These can range anywhere from a small table lamp or wall sconce that may only have one piece of antler on it through the entire gamut of small ceiling fixtures and lamps to large floor and table lamps and then on up through hanging ceiling fixtures that will incorporate many different combinations and sizes of antlers. Expect to pay accordingly, but remember, you will have purchased something that you may want to pass on to your posterity!
And just for the animal lovers out there, not one animal had to die to create these light fixtures! Deer, Elk and Moose all shed their old antlers in the late winter or early spring. All of these fixtures are made from those "Sheds" which many people make a hobby of collecting while they are out hiking.
Another style of Log Cabin Style Lighting fixture that we have occasionally seen, but much less frequently is the hand-crafted log or other type of wooden fixture. These are very unique and are sometimes done in combination with antlers for a very beautiful look.
Other Things To Consider With Your Log Cabin Style Lighting Choices
For the most part, any of the above choices functions exactly like any other lighting fixture. They are all designed to be wired in to the same standard type of boxes and outlets as normal.
However occasionally, especially in the case of ceiling mounted antler and log light fixtures and chandeliers, you may encounter a safety issue with the sheer weight of the assembly. It is always a good idea , if you even remotely think this could be a problem, to consult a qualified electrician and maybe a building contractor to make sure that the mounting system is sufficiently sturdy to safely hold up your dream light.
Secondly, be aware that most of these beautiful fixtures are not constructed to be weather safe out of doors. They should only be installed where they will be protected from the weather, especially, rain, wind and direct sunlight.
While we never want to discourage do-it-yourselfers, always be aware of the safety issues involved in working with electricity and the sometimes heavy weights involved. Always make sure that you know how to make proper electrical connections and by all means, get a helper if need be!
Log Cabin Style Ceiling Fans
In selecting a ceiling fan to help with the ambiance of your Log Cabin Style Home, you have two different approaches to take. You can either try to keep your ceiling fan as an inconspicuous part of the decor where your intent is for it to just blend into the background, in which case you would probably want to choose from the many simple brown or natural wood colored designs that are very commonly available. This approach works exceptionally well when you have some other focal point in your decor, such as an antler chandelier or stone fireplace chimney, that directs the attention away from the ceiling fan itself.
The second approach would be to make the Log Cabin Style Ceiling Fan a focal point and an attention getter. This approach mandates choosing a fan not just for its functionality but for its beauty and style. There are many designs with a beautiful natural wood finish. There are others with the blades in the shape of leaves or some other nature related motif. These would all be good choices.
Again, as far as safety goes, keep in mind that because of their weight and constant movement, ceiling fans require a much more sturdy mounting arrangement than an ordinary light fixture. Make sure and do your research here to keep everyone safe. Also, be aware that some very large fans may require you to go a step beyond the norm in a mounting system because of their even greater weight.
Last Word On Log Cabin Style Floor Lamps And Table Lamps
This is the area of lighting where you will probably find the most options to choose from. Lamps in general tend to be designed with more of a decorative function than ceiling fixtures. So by shopping around, especially in some of the bigger furniture stores, you may be surprised at what you can find.
Also be aware that because of their very nature, the design of your chosen Log Cabin Style Lighting fixtures may actually give off less usable light than you really need. This is where having some really nice table and floor lamps can help lighten up your room's atmosphere.
It probably really doesn't need to be said, but you know, just for the safety police out there, make sure you protect the power cords so they don't become tripping hazards! Also please do not exceed the wattage recommendations for each bulb. It really does present a serious fire hazard!
