Archive for the ‘Accent Lamps’ Category
In 1893, Louis Comfort Tiffany designed the Tiffany Chapel as a showpiece for the Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building at the World Exhibition. The magnificent chapel was described by Tiffany as “a chapel in which to worship art.” The architecture and décor was a cross between Byzantine and Art Nouveau. Over one million people viewed the chapel, which boosted Tiffany’s international reputation and garnered him an astounding 54 awards.
After the Exhibition, the Tiffany Chapel was bought for $50,000 with the intention of being installed in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. However, when a new architect took the project over the style of the chapel did not sync up, so it was sold off and eventually re-acquired by Louis. It’s now on display in Florida at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. With a Tiffany accent lamp, shoppers can incorporate some of the chapel’s grandeur into their own homes or offices.
My grandmother recently moved to an assisted living facility. It was difficult for her to leave the house she had raised her children in and lived in with my grandfather until his death a few years ago; however, given her deteriorating health, staying in a big house by herself was not a safe option. Her treasures that she’s accumulated over the years will not fit in her new living space, so she decided to divvy them up among her grandchildren as housewarming presents.
My sister, an enthusiastic entertainer, received grandma’s good china. My brother was given my grandfather’s antique model train collection. I think I lucked out because grandma gifted me two matching Tiffany accent lamps that will look lovely in my formal sitting room. I’ll have to take a picture of the lamps on display to show my grandma next time I visit. I know it will make her happy to see that her treasures are being well looked after.
Though many consumers are familiar with the value of their Tiffany lamps, not everyone knows how to properly care for the antique lighting fixtures. Tiffany lamps made from lithophane porcelain in particular are often left to gather dust, as the owners are too afraid of damaging the detail work. With the right instructions, you can feel confident in caring for your gorgeous lamps.
When cleaning lithophane porcelain Tiffany lamps, begin by unplugging the lamps from the wall. Mix together four cups of warm water with a few drops of mild dish detergent. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and firmly, but gently, rub the porcelain portions of the lamps. With a clean, dry cloth, dry the lamps.
As any interior decorator will tell you, lamps are not only employed for illumination, but for decoration as well. The lamps that you choose for your home should complement the theme of a room and reflect your personality. For over a hundred years, Tiffany lighting has provided people with a variety of artistic options to illuminate their home.
If you are looking for an original and creative lamp for your abode, consider a Tiffany accent lamp. These pieces utilize the classic stained-glass Tiffany look to display landscapes, novelty characters and seasonal settings. You can find everything from Santa Clause to a picturesque sunset.
When we were planning on upgrading our bathroom we wanted a more romantic feel to the décor. We had really harsh track lighting. I was going for more of a Victorian feel. We looked everywhere fro the right type of accent lighting.
We finally decided on a tiffany accent lamp next to the sink. The one that we chose had multiple colors to eat so we were able to paint the wall whatever color we wanted. It gave of f just enough light that it wasn’t to harsh first thing in the morning. It worked really well for what we were looking for.
While the traditional Tiffany table lamp is beautiful, if you want a more unusual look for your room, consider using a pedestal lamp. Pedestal lamps are either circular or square and stand approximately 30 inches tall. The column all the way around is covered in beautiful Tiffany glass in bright hues. It’s a more unusual look because the lampshade is in the center rather than on top.
A pedestal Tiffany lamp can be placed on the ground like a traditional floor lamp, though it won’t be as tall. If you wish to decorate with pedestal lamps on the floor, consider using two to frame an element close to the ground, like a fireplace. A pedestal lamp placed on a table can add height to a room. It can also stand as a strong architectural detail or simply a 3D piece of art.
It was recently discovered that Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany, was the designer of many of the famous Tiffany leaded lamps. Driscoll was the director of the Tiffany Studios’ Women’s Glass Cutting Department, commonly referred to as the “Tiffany Girls,” in New York City. The Tiffany Girls were in charge of choosing the colors and type of glass used in many famous glass items. Before Driscoll’s arrival, the lamps had been static and geometric.
Driscoll proved to be a creative force behind Tiffany lamps. She directed, designed and crafted more than thirty lamps produced by the company. Among her works are the famous Wisteria, Dragonfly, Peony, and the Daffodil. Driscoll had studied design school in Cleveland before enrolling at New York’s Metropolitan Museum Art School. It was there that her talents were recognized by Tiffany Studios. She worked for the company for more than 20 years, leaving in 1909 when she re-married, as married women were not allowed to work in the studios. After the studio closed in the 1930s, the records were lost, which is why Driscoll’s work was mistakenly attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany for so long. It was through the efforts of Rutgers professor Martin Eidelberg and curator Margaret k. Hofer that Driscoll’s involvement was brought to light.
Not everyone feels comfortable letting their child have valuable decorative pieces in their room for fear of paint smears or breakage. In my experience, giving a child a small valuable piece to keep is a way of fostering responsibility. My mother gave me a set of porcelain figurines when I was a young girl. She explained that they were my responsibility to clean and care for. Those figurines are still in tip top shape and I keep them out on my coffee table.
For my own daughter, I chose to give her a small tiffany accent lamp. For a child, I would recommend an animal shaped lamp, such as a butterfly or parrot. The beautiful colors and exquisite craftsmanship compliment every room. The classic designs will grow with your child and are even appropriate for adult rooms. Tiffany accent lamp ranges in price from less than $50 to close to $200, so a parent can pick what price they are comfortable entrusting to the care of a child.
Medieval Lighting with Modern Flair
Wall candleholders have been around for thousands of years. They date back to medieval times where these wall candleholders were used for lighting the hallways of castles. Although candles are rarely used for lighting in Western society, there modern ancestor, the wall sconce, is quite prominent. Today these charming pieces of decorative art are used to add a feeling of warmth and tranquility to the room whose walls adorn them.
A Tiffany wall sconce can be a functional work of art that provides illumination while flooding a room with iridescent light. They add comfort to the overall feeling of any room in which they are placed on the wall. With a small amount of effort you can add these to several rooms of your home and enjoy a simple but pleasing touch of art passed on down through the centuries.
Lighting Shows Off Your Space To Its Best Advantage
How many hours did you spend picking out the paint for your room? Now, how long did it take you to decide on the lighting? No other single element influences what we do and how we feel, yet we overlook this element of design.
Each room in your house is unique and needs to be illuminated to meet your needs day and night.
Ambient lighting is the base from which all lighting is layered. It is the natural light from windows and those lights that fill the space with an overall glow. These usually include ceiling fixtures, pendant, track, recessed lights and wall sconces.
While a pendant light might be your first choice for over the breakfast bar, don’t forget what they can add to a living area, entry or stairwell. Pendants can be hung in pairs or groups for added effect.
Task lighting is illumination for a single activity. This is achieved by using desk lamps, table lamps, under-counter lights, pendants and swing arm lights. You should use this type of lighting near your sewing machine, office desk, kitchen counter or any place you may sit to read.
Accent lighting will give you shape and depth. This type of lighting may show off a particular piece of artwork or lighten a dark corner. Wall sconces, torchieres and pedestal lamps would be appropriate fixtures for this type of lighting.
Chandeliers and wall sconces with dimmer switches can provide accent or mood lighting as well.
Decorative lighting is a design element. It is meant to look good while providing a little light as a bonus. Unique candle stands and novelty lamps work well here. Your choices are almost unlimited.
Beware of the common mistake of using one overpowering bright overhead lamp. That is usually harsh and unflattering to your decor. Instead, use a varity of lamps and lighting fixtures that will give you soft and warm light.
If you have high ceilings and want to cozy up the room, use light shades with pierced patterns that will cast patterns on the wall or tiffany style lamps that throw off varying colors.