And we started to look for a chandelier. To be fair, it wasn't a high priority and we didn't make any special trips. But when we were out looking for other stuff, we always kept an eye out for possibilities.
We saw a lot of nice ones, but knew that an all crystal one would get lost in the room. And, much like the sconces, finding the "Goldilocks Zone" was proving to be hard.
Until we stumbled across this one at H&B last fall. We didn't buy it right away. We loved it and it was the right size, but were still a little hesitant because we spent two years not really looking for a chandelier. So the hunt began in earnest.
Nothing else really "wowed" us.
So we bought it knowing it had a couple of problems:
- it had been installed in a room with 9-foot ceilings (ours are 10-foot) so we'd need another foot of chain
- the canopy was missing (the previous owner had saved it to use with her new chandelier!?)
And off we go to John's to get parts.
Now, this chandelier weighs about 85 pounds, so we quickly take pictures and head down there about 30 minutes before closing time. He's already turned off most of the lights, but cheerfully greets us, patiently listens to our explanation, and looks at the photos on the digital camera.
He smiles, turns around, opens one of the many drawers lining the wall behind the counter, and pulls out a length of chain. Right color, but too small; this is a beefy chandelier with thick chain. Again he turns around opens another couple of drawers and pulls out a length of chain that is exactly the right finish, and so close to the original size that most people will never notice. "So you need about a foot?", he asks as he pulls out a pair of chain pliers and opens up the correct link. Then he asks, "You'll need the other end opened up too, right?"
He read my mind. This chain is too thick to open the "Primitive Pete" way without the proper tool.
Then he opens another drawer and pulls out a canopy that's an amazing match. I was a little concerned that the opening for the collar was too small. He replied, "If it is, just bring it back and we'll fix it." He also threw in the mounting strap and threaded rod saying, "If they aren't the right size, we'll get the bigger ones for you."
Then we talk coordinating sconces. He has the perfect ones, but they're spoken for. He has an alternative that's beautiful, but might not be the right size. He lets us take one home to see if it's right. "Either way," he says, "bring it back tomorrow and we'll rewire it for you or look for other alternatives."
What a guy.
We get everything home and...
The sconces are beautiful, but the arm is too high, so it doesn't really look right; the canopy's collar opening is too small; and the threaded rod isn't the right diameter.
Of course, the old chain is so thick I can't get a link open to send the collar along. So we load the chandelier in the car and SWMBO goes down there the next day.
John comes out to the car with his chain pliers and opens a link so he can take the collar into the store. Within 30 seconds, he has the canopy hole opened up to the right size. Then finds the right diameter threaded rod and cuts it to length. And grabs the right mounting strap. So its all ready for me to install; easy as pie. All I have to do is close the links; no special tool required.
Then he takes back the sconce and says, "You'll never believe it. The guy who wanted those other sconces was in and has changed his mind. Do you want them? We can re-wire them."
We need them in three days.
In all the commotion, the re-wiring guy has stopped working and says, "I can start on them now and have them done tomorrow."
And it happens.
He's a saint.
No comments:
Post a Comment