I found a beautiful chaise lounge that fit perfectly in the space. Since you’re meant to recline on the chaise I didn’t have to worry about head space. On the outside edge of the chaise lounge I placed one of two Tiffany floor lamps that I own. I finished the reading nook off with a few colorful pillows and a throw blanket.

After the death of Louis Comfort Tiffany some glass workers tried to capitalize on the founder’s fame by forging his initials. An expert can correctly identify which initials are real and which ones are forgeries. If you do have a forgery this does not mean the quality of the lamp is damaged; it just won’t fetch as high a price at auction as it might have with authentic initials.

Not all Tiffany desk lamps are made using favrile glass. If you happen to own one, particularly a dragonfly lamp shade, then consider yourself incredibly lucky. The favrile glass lamps are exquisite, rare, and valuable; an irreplaceable commodity.

Not all Tiffany desk lamps are made using favrile glass. If you happen to own one, particularly a dragonfly lamp shade, then consider yourself incredibly lucky. The favrile glass lamps are exquisite, rare, and valuable; an irreplaceable commodity.

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.

The Tiffany Chapel, constructed for the 1893 Columbian Exposition, was also kept on the property in a separate gallery. Unfortunately, when Louis Comfort Tiffany died, Laurelton Hall fell into disrepair and was sold in 1949. It burned down in 1957. Some of the magnificent Tiffany windows and architectural pieces were salvaged and are now housed in the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

Since the house was sold it went from a private residence to a school to coal storage facility to a subdivision. Finally, a group of Hartford residents bought the property and had it restored. Now it is a National Historic Landmark restored to the glory of the period when the Twains called it home. It includes incredible examples of art and architecture, including Tiffany hanging lamps – after all, Louis Comfort Tiffany himself was commissioned by Twain to complete the interior decorating in 1881.

First, be aware that Tiffany made six types of lamps: floor, desk, hanging shade, wall sconce, table, and chandelier. If the lamp you’re inspecting isn’t one of the aforementioned then it is not an authentic Tiffany lamp. Second, a Tiffany floor lamp would have been crafted by hand, meaning there would have been minor imperfections and variations. If the lamp you’re inspecting is perfectly smooth with no flaws, then it is not authentic. Finally, look for “Tiffany Studios New York” or L.C.T. CO. marks that can be found on the bottom rim of authentic shades.

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.

After WWII Laurelton Hall was closed and the foundation changed its purpose to awarding grants to artists. Some notable Tiffany grant recipients include Karen LaMont, who has a permanent collection in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Paul Meltsner, who was famous for his portraits and murals. Marc Trujillo, a Guggenheim fellow, has also been a Tiffany grant recipient.