Custom lighting
Custom glass chandeliers and lighting.
Caroline Abbey designs and hand-blows glass for custom chandeliers, pendant clusters and sculptural light pieces. Each piece is made for a specific room, for homes, designers and businesses anywhere in the United States, in her studio in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
What Caroline makes
- Glass shades for a listed fixture
- Hand-blown shades made to fit a ready-made, safety-listed pendant or chandelier kit, so your electrician installs it like any other light. Often the simplest route for a kitchen island, bar or small room.
- Chandeliers
- Hand-blown glass elements grouped on a custom metal structure, sized for a dining room, stairwell, entry or lobby.
- Pendant clusters
- Several glass pendants hung together at different heights, over a table, island or bar.
- Sconces and lamps
- Wall lights and table lamps with a glass shade or body, like the Candy Cane Lamp.
- Sculptural light pieces
- Illuminated glass made to be displayed, such as Sacred Geometry, which pairs glass with a patterned wooden frame.
- Statement pieces for businesses
- Lighting and display glass for restaurants, hotels, offices and shops that want something no catalog carries.
How a lighting commission works
- 1. A first conversation
- Send room photos, rough dimensions, the colors you like, your budget range and your timing. Nothing is committed at this stage.
- 2. Design direction
- Caroline sketches options and can make glass samples in your colors, so you see the real color and texture before deciding.
- 3. Structure and electrical safety
- The metal structure is designed and fabricated in Caroline’s own metal shop. In the United States a hardwired light has to be listed by a testing lab such as UL or ETL. For a one-of-a-kind piece that is usually a field evaluation, arranged with licensed specialists. The simpler alternative is glass shades on an already-listed fixture.
- 4. Making and delivery
- Caroline makes each glass element by hand. The piece is assembled, checked and packed for safe travel. Your electrician installs it.
A team behind every piece
Caroline earned her BFA in glass at the Cleveland Institute of Art and spent two years as a technical assistant in its hot shop, teaching glassblowing and studio safety. That time built a wide network of Cleveland artists, metalworkers and makers. When a project needs another skill, such as metal finishing, woodwork or large-scale installation, she can bring in people she knows and trusts.
Common questions
Can I commission a custom glass chandelier?
Yes. Start with the commission form or email info@carolineabbeyglassworks.com with room photos, rough dimensions and your timing.
Does she work outside Ohio?
Yes. The studio is in Chagrin Falls, near Cleveland, and takes commissions from anywhere in the United States. Packing, shipping and installation are planned for each project.
How much does a custom glass chandelier cost?
Each piece is quoted individually. Price depends on the size, the number of glass elements, colors and techniques, the metal structure, and the electrical and installation requirements. Larger pieces usually begin with a design phase before a fabrication price is agreed.
Who makes the metal frame and the wiring?
Caroline makes the glass. Metal structures are built in Caroline’s own metal shop in Chagrin Falls. A hardwired light has to be listed by a testing lab such as UL or ETL; for a one-of-a-kind piece that is usually a field evaluation arranged with licensed specialists. Your electrician installs it.
Can you make glass shades for a light I already have?
Yes. Caroline can blow shades to fit a listed pendant or chandelier kit, or make a shade in simple blown forms to match one that broke. Send photos and measurements of the fixture.
Can I choose the colors and shapes?
Yes. Color, pattern and form are designed around your room, and glass samples show the real color first. Pieces in the portfolio, including her cane and lattice work, can be a starting point.
Does Caroline work with designers and architects?
Yes. Send drawings, finish schedules and site photos. See working with architects and designers.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size of the piece and the approvals involved. Include your target date in your first message so Caroline can say what is realistic.
Start a lighting commission ↗ · See the portfolio · Watch her work