Antique Lighting

An antique light can create the perfect ambiance in a room, whether it be a wall lamp, celling light, lantern or a set of stunning candlesticks. Antique lighting is a popular collectors item, an antique light can be an attractive addition to the home- vintage lighting can also add a special touch when decorating a room. Dependent on what feel you wish to create- be it soft up lighting or brightness will largely determine what antique light you wish to purchase.

History of Lighting

It is thought the lamp was created roughly 70,000 years ago, most likely made from shell or rock that was hollowed out, animal fat was thought to be used to aid the burning of natural fibres. In the 18thC the burner was invented, a controlled flame in the then widely used oil lamps, which were portable in their nature. With progressive designs to lighting came the table lamp, often with a decorative base and shade. Once electricity was discovered, oil lamps largely became redundant although their charm did not disintegrate. Celling lights are largely considered vintage lighting as opposed to antique as electricity has only really been widely used since the beginning of the 20thC. There are a large variety of antique lights to choose from including bedside lights, floor lamps, celling lights, brass lights, table lamps, chandeliers, wall lights, lanterns, as well as stunning lamp bases.

Types of Antique Lighting:

Antique Candlesticks

Antique candlesticks are a popular collectors item, they can be a very valuable investment, either as a practical or display piece. Often ornate and intricate in their detail, they make the perfect table decoration especially during the festive period. Initially made for the wealthy, royalty and churches they were generally made from silver or brass. Candlesticks became more common in households from the 18thC with Georgian candlesticks largely influenced by neo-classical, rococo, gothic and oriental designs. Glass candlesticks became more popular during this period. Victorian candlesticks tended to be influenced by the arts; a good piece in terms of antique lighting is the ‘Diamonds’ range of candlesticks made from brass.
 

Antique Oil Lamps

Antique oil lamps are valuable, representing a good investment piece; they can be purchased for functional use or purely decorative. There are different types of antique oil lamps, namely an Edwardian brass oil lamp with a bonnet shade, a rarity it is considered very valuable. Victorian lamps are also desirable, they tended to be made from ceramic and brass and often featured a colourful design.
 
Other antique lighting of note is the chandelier, a hanging light, it is a lovely decorative addition to a room, with multiple lights illuminating a room. Pendant lights usually use a single source of lighting; this celling light hangs down with an attractive covering. Tiffany lamps made during the late 19thC and early 20thC, made with colourful stained glass and leaded shades, are considered particularly attractive and there are many vintage replicas of this particular light.

The Chinoiserie standard lamp is painted or carved with chinoiserie motifs, a style of decoration that was characterized by the use of painted Chinese motifs, popular in the 18thC and is a lovely addition to a room.