With their gorgeous stained glass panels in rich colors, Tiffany style lamps are easily recognizable. While paying $4,000 or more for an original created by Tiffany Studios may be out of your price range, you can easily use this Tiffany lamps style guide to add this stunning look to the decor throughout your home.
A Rich History
Production of the first Tiffany lamps began in 1895, under the direction of Louis Comfort Tiffany and artist Clara Driscoll. These leaded glass lamps were handmade, with each one becoming a masterpiece of color and glass. Louis Tiffany’s designs, which focused on using iridescent colored glass, quickly earned him worldwide recognition for his glass production skills, and his style helped to kick off the Art Nouveau movement.
While the original Tiffany lamps made between 1895 and the 1930s are highly sought after in the art world, most of the options available today are reproductions. These options provide the intricate beauty and style of the handmade originals, but at a price that allows nearly anyone to add them to the decor in their home.
What Exactly is Tiffany Glass?
Tiffany glass consists of individual pieces of vibrantly colored leaded glass. The pieces have different textures and are set in copper or bronze fixtures. These lamps often have nature themes, with borders of dragonflies, peacock feathers, flowers, butterflies, spiders, and webs.
Glass That Sounds Like Plastic?
The motifs of Tiffany lamps are made up of individual pieces of colored glass in rich hues. The original lamps featured individual pieces wrapped in thin paper and covered with copper foil. This wrapping technique results in a dull sound similar to plastic when tapped, rather than the bell-like sound associated with traditional glass.
Glossary of Terms
Diving into the world of Tiffany style lamps requires a bit of knowledge of the terms you’ll come across as you discover the different styles.
- Opalescent – Glass containing two or more colors which create a wave or marbled effect.
- Favrile – Handmade glass with distinctive, iridescent coloring that is ingrained into itself.
- Geometric – A category of lamps that feature patterns of triangles, ovals, rectangles, and squares. With original Tiffany lamps, the geometric designs were generally created by male craftsmen.
- Copper Foil Method – Lamps with designation include pieces of glass that are traced, cut and ground to the chosen shape. Then, each is wrapped in copper foil that ensures the pieces stick together for the soldering phase.
The Timeless Appeal of Tiffany Lamps
While the original Tiffany lamps came in cone or globe shapes, the designs available today feature both classic and modern styles. Choose from a wide variety of Tiffany floor and table lamps in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns to match any decor style. Art glass lamps let you incorporate the Art Nouveau movement into any room in the home. Include dome-shaped Tiffany shades for a softer look, or install Tiffany sconces to add ambient lighting and additional interest.
Patterns range from detailed depictions of natural scenes to intricate knotwork to simple designs. A pendant featuring grapes or fruit complements the kitchen. Flowers and hummingbirds can grace a bathroom with their tranquil beauty. Subtle, sweeping lines add elegance to sitting rooms. Add geometric patterns for a modern space or to mimic various shapes found in the room.
Tiffany lamps are timeless pieces that fit well with any decorating scheme. The combination of colored glass and intricate designs captures the imagination and the eye. For contemporary spaces, bowl and dome shades fit well and add a touch of glamour to traditional and vintage designs.
Where Would I Put a Tiffany Lamp?
A Tiffany lamp offers versatility that fits in any space. With a variety of fixtures, lamp styles and shades available, it’s easy to add this unmistakable style to any room when you keep the following in mind.
Where to Use Various Types of Tiffany Lamps
Tiffany lamps are available in floor, accent and table lamp styles. Use floor lamps to brighten corners in family rooms. Tiffany accent lamps work well for highlighting decorative touches in a room or showing off artwork. Tiffany-style shades can be attached to ceiling light fixtures to soften the ambient light in rooms and hallways. Use Tiffany-style table lamps for task lighting in reading areas and bedrooms.
Tiffany lamps add beauty and elegance to any space, and their versatility ensures they’ll pair well with any decorating style. Add Tiffany lamps to your home decor and discover the unmistakable style that stands the test of time.
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