Vintage lighting gives your house a special touch.
Vintage lighting refers to any quality light fixtures or lamps from a time period in the past. It can refer to light fixtures from the time of Edison, a lamp made 30 years ago or anything in between. Styles are often categorized based on when they were popular and by the purpose and type of lighting they provide.
Reproductions vs. Originals
You can find original antique lighting fixtures at garage sales, junk shops and flea markets and from vendors who refurbish them with updated wiring. If they are antique, they are actual light fixtures that were sold and used in the past. You can also find reproduction lights, which look like older styles of light fixtures but are made with modern materials and are able to work with modern electrical systems and regular light bulbs. If you choose antiques, make sure they will work with your modern wiring. If you choose reproductions, look for a company with experience making this type of lighting so you get good quality products.
Non-Electric Styles
Before electricity was common in homes, people used oil lamps. Gas lighting was also installed in many homes. You can purchase many antique and reproduction lights of these styles today. Oil lamps have detachable chimneys or shades, which may be sold with the lamp or separately. You can find oil lamps that still work, though they may have a new or replaced burner. Others may be suitable just for show, not producing real light, and some may rewired so that they can use electricity. Gas lighting was built in, either mounted on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. Many old gas light fixtures have been refurbished to work with electricity, and you can also buy reproductions of this style of lighting.
Early Electric Lighting Styles
Popular styles of early electric lights include: Tiffany, with a stained glass shade; Arts and Crafts, with its simplistic style; Art Nouveau, ornate lighting fixtures with curved lines and influences from many cultures; and Art Deco, with straighter lines and squared angles. Lights that use vintage light bulbs are popular, but be aware that these bulbs produce more heat and use quite a bit more electricity than modern light bulbs.
Styles From 1950 Forward
More modern styles of lighting include: simple Eames-style lamps with metallic accents and slender necks; lava lamps from the 1960s; and low-wattage TV lamps meant to add some light to a room without overpowering the screens of early TVs.
Types
In addition to picking from various styles, you need to consider the various types of light fixtures available. Built-in lights include ceiling lights such as chandeliers and sconces that are mounted on the wall. Older-style lamps are meant to sit on a table, while more recent lamps were made to stand on the floor as well. If you are renovating an older home, you will also want fixtures for the outside of the home, including lamps mounted on the walls and outdoor lights on poles.
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