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Published: October 25, 2007
Lighting fixtures such as lamps are essential parts of many homes today. These fixtures not only serve as lighting sources but also as decorative pieces that can brighten up rooms, nooks or even corners. An interesting aspect of a lamp is its outer covering known as a lamp shade. Many artists and craftsmen throughout history have created various lamp shades with unique shapes, colors and textures.
Considered as both a necessary and decorative covering, the art of using lamp shades goes way back during the early years of electric lighting. When electric light bulbs made of incandescent filaments where introduced during the 18th century, lamp shades were used to protect users from the bright glare of electric bulbs. Early versions of lamp shades were created by various artists and furniture designers such as Tiffany, Handel and other creative individuals who became known for their one-of-a-kind lamp shade designs. Artists at that time used unique materials such as fabric, metal, copper, glass, wood, tin, iron, copper and mica to create useful yet decorative lamp shades.
One of the best known designers was Louis Comfort Tiffany, the brains behind the world-renowned Tiffany lamps. Tiffany lamp pieces were popular items that represented the Art Nouveau period from 1890 to 1920. They are best known for their stained glass shades that emit spectacular colors when lit. A true antique Tiffany lamp will usually have bubbles, seeds or lines on its stained glass, since these are natural characteristics of handcrafted stained glass pieces.
Another genius recognized for his contributions on Art Nouveau was Philip Handel. His lamp shades, also considered as precious antique pieces in today's market, were usually made of reverse-painted fabrics and stained glass materials. Many regarded Handel lamp shades as affordable yet equally crafted alternatives of the expensive Tiffany lamp shades. Nowadays, reverse-painted lamp shades are still in demand and they are known for having intricate designs on the inside part. The true beauty of each design can be best seen when the lamp is lit.
Antique lamp shades can cost thousands or even millions of dollars, especially if the lighting fixture has proper documentation stating its authenticity. True Handel and Tiffany lamp shades are sometimes hard to find or distinguish; there are many floor lamp shade manufacturers who claim to have designs based on Tiffany's or Handel's original creations.
Popular shades nowadays range from antique pieces to eclectic table lamp shades with interesting shapes and styles. Some modern table lamp shades even have designs based on famous icons or characters. The materials used today include plastic, glass, painted fabric, iron and probably any material that could be bent or shaped into a perfect lamp shade. Contemporary artists use a wide range of elements that could be smoldered or molded into floor lamp shades, table lamp coverings or intricately-designed cones that could jazz up any lamp. Current prices of lamp shades are dictated by their quality, authenticity and design details. A popular option among those who are on a tight budget is discount lamp shades. These discount lamp shades are widely available in furniture stores and can also be purchased directly from lamp manufacturers.
Unique lamp shades are an ideal way to dress up any ordinary lamp. Stained glass designs impart a sense of romanticism and elegance to any room's design.
Sources:
"Lighting: A Short Historical Account." Reggiani: Lamps History. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.reggiani.net/pag/museo02.htm.
"Table Lamps." Arcadian Lighting. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.arcadianlighting.com/lamps101.html.
Hoyle, Jim. "Tiffany and His Lamps -- A History." Ezine Articles. 19 Sept. 2007. Ezine Articles. 24 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Tiffany-and-His-Lamps--- A-History&id=737363.
Hoyle, Jim. "Handel Lamp History." Ezine Articles. 01 Feb. 2006. Ezine Articles. 24 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Handel-Lamp-History& id=138001.
"A New Experience In Lighting." Ye Olde Lamp Shoppe. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yeoldelampshoppe.com/.
Brown, David. "Designer Tips." Brown's Lampshades. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.brownslampshades.com/lightingtips.html.
Considered as both a necessary and decorative covering, the art of using lamp shades goes way back during the early years of electric lighting. When electric light bulbs made of incandescent filaments where introduced during the 18th century, lamp shades were used to protect users from the bright glare of electric bulbs. Early versions of lamp shades were created by various artists and furniture designers such as Tiffany, Handel and other creative individuals who became known for their one-of-a-kind lamp shade designs. Artists at that time used unique materials such as fabric, metal, copper, glass, wood, tin, iron, copper and mica to create useful yet decorative lamp shades.
One of the best known designers was Louis Comfort Tiffany, the brains behind the world-renowned Tiffany lamps. Tiffany lamp pieces were popular items that represented the Art Nouveau period from 1890 to 1920. They are best known for their stained glass shades that emit spectacular colors when lit. A true antique Tiffany lamp will usually have bubbles, seeds or lines on its stained glass, since these are natural characteristics of handcrafted stained glass pieces.
Another genius recognized for his contributions on Art Nouveau was Philip Handel. His lamp shades, also considered as precious antique pieces in today's market, were usually made of reverse-painted fabrics and stained glass materials. Many regarded Handel lamp shades as affordable yet equally crafted alternatives of the expensive Tiffany lamp shades. Nowadays, reverse-painted lamp shades are still in demand and they are known for having intricate designs on the inside part. The true beauty of each design can be best seen when the lamp is lit.
Antique lamp shades can cost thousands or even millions of dollars, especially if the lighting fixture has proper documentation stating its authenticity. True Handel and Tiffany lamp shades are sometimes hard to find or distinguish; there are many floor lamp shade manufacturers who claim to have designs based on Tiffany's or Handel's original creations.
Popular shades nowadays range from antique pieces to eclectic table lamp shades with interesting shapes and styles. Some modern table lamp shades even have designs based on famous icons or characters. The materials used today include plastic, glass, painted fabric, iron and probably any material that could be bent or shaped into a perfect lamp shade. Contemporary artists use a wide range of elements that could be smoldered or molded into floor lamp shades, table lamp coverings or intricately-designed cones that could jazz up any lamp. Current prices of lamp shades are dictated by their quality, authenticity and design details. A popular option among those who are on a tight budget is discount lamp shades. These discount lamp shades are widely available in furniture stores and can also be purchased directly from lamp manufacturers.
Unique lamp shades are an ideal way to dress up any ordinary lamp. Stained glass designs impart a sense of romanticism and elegance to any room's design.
Sources:
"Lighting: A Short Historical Account." Reggiani: Lamps History. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.reggiani.net/pag/museo02.htm.
"Table Lamps." Arcadian Lighting. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.arcadianlighting.com/lamps101.html.
Hoyle, Jim. "Tiffany and His Lamps -- A History." Ezine Articles. 19 Sept. 2007. Ezine Articles. 24 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Tiffany-and-His-Lamps--- A-History&id=737363.
Hoyle, Jim. "Handel Lamp History." Ezine Articles. 01 Feb. 2006. Ezine Articles. 24 Oct. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?Handel-Lamp-History& id=138001.
"A New Experience In Lighting." Ye Olde Lamp Shoppe. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.yeoldelampshoppe.com/.
Brown, David. "Designer Tips." Brown's Lampshades. 24 Oct. 2007. http://www.brownslampshades.com/lightingtips.html.
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