Fibre optic illuminated crystal kits
While fibre optics are great for creating night sky simulations, they can also be used for a whole range of other decorative lighting effects. One simple and relatively inexpensive way of adding some interesting lighting to a room is to use optical fibres to illuminate little crystal ceiling fittings. These crystal fittings come in a range of shapes and sizes, but for the moment we're offering just two types which we've selected because of the nice faceting effects which they project onto the surrounding ceiling.
The brightness of the crystals depends partly on what light source is used to illuminate them and partly on the size of fibre used to carry the light from the light source to the crystal. Larger diameter fibres - such as 3mm - carry more light. As a general rule we'd recommend against using anything less than 1.5mm fibre in this application.
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| The facets of the crystal fittings create decorative effects on the surrounding ceiling. |
As for the light source, in a normal domestic installation our halogen light sources will be the best choice, while in a commercial installation - hotel, restaurant, shop - it may be worth considering a 150 watt metal halide light source. At the other end of the scale, there may be situations where using a compact little LED light source might be appropriate - perhaps for plinth lighting or stair lighting, or where the crystals are being incorporated into furniture.
You can run many of the crystal fittings from a single light source, and once they are installed there is just the one bulb which will need changing from time to time. The colour
wheel within the light source - if you select a halogen light source - will allow you to choose between white and coloured light.
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| By grouping the crystal fittings together you can create overlapping patterns of light on the ceiling. There is also the option of using more than one light source, so as to be able to display two or more colours simultaneously. |
Do bear in mind, that as with a star ceiling, this is essentially a decorative effect, to create mood and add interest to your décor - it should not be regarded as primary room lighting, no matter how many crystals you use.
Ordering a crystal kit
At Starscape we never steer people towards an off-the-shelf "one size fits all" solution. Let us know what you are planning and we'll work out the most cost-effective way of achieving it. However, as a starting point, and to give people some idea as to prices we're offering a couple of standard crystal kit options here.
As a general rule, the light source should go as close as possible to the centre of your display, since this minimises fibre requirement. Our standard kits have been specified on this basis, but we can easily make up a custom fibre harness for you, if necessary.
How to choose the components for the kit below. Firstly, decide what sort of light source you want. If you're happy with just plain white light the LED light source should suffice. If you want colour effects, select one of the halogen light source options. The option with the "separate feed" allows you to select static colours, rather than have a constant cycle through six colours.
Next, select your preferred crystal type. The small crystal has a denser pattern of facets.
If you'd like to mix crystal types it won't cost any more, but you'll need to advise us of your preferences.
Finally, select your fibre diameter. The thicker the fibre the brighter the light, but if - for instance - you wanted to put your crystal fittings in a child's bedroom to act as a decorative night light, the 1.5mm fibre would be perfectly adequate.