Monday, August 1, 2011

Antique Lighting - Using Old To Create A New Style

By Jack Michaels


Adding a charm of its own, antique lighting can bring to your home just the right rustic touch. We often feel that the decor of the modern household would be incapable of complimenting the antique lighting fixtures. However, this is not always correct. The trick is to blend the modern with the ancient, to prepare a setting that would compliment the antique lighting in your home.

Lighting fixtures such as a chandelier, lamp and lantern have existed from time immemorial. They were symbols of royalty and class. Many of the kings and noblemen used to decorate their houses and courts with such invaluable lighting fixtures. These lighting fixtures either burned candles or oiled wicks in order to provide the light. This style of lighting fixtures being passed down by generations is commonly known as antique lighting.

One common form of antique lighting used with the modern decor is the lighting fixture with the candlelight effect. This effect can be created by using a special type of bulb which can actually shimmer giving the appearance of a burning candle. With this you can have the desired lighting for your room and not be bothered about changing the candles everyday.

Antique lighting fixtures made from glass are not only beautiful; they are also valuable pieces of art. They reveal a lot about the times in which they were crafted and the cultural influences that were present at that time. Possessing such lighting fixtures can add to your signature style statement. However, you need to be really careful if you wish to try your hands on the authentic object for the right price.

The authenticity of a particular piece of antique lighting is what makes it valuable. You can be easily fooled if you have no idea about these fixtures. The best way is to avail the assistance of a professional for assessing the piece. Buying from a reliable store is also helpful in getting original pieces. Pay regular visits to action houses dealing with such artifacts, and you are sure to pick up important bits of information about antique lighting fixtures.

Apart from auction houses, curio or antique shops also keep these articles. The more exclusive your light is, the more expensive the cost could be. Naturally, antique lightings are not newly manufactured and brand new. There has been a cost of maintenance which contributes to the antique value and the final price. Some of the popular fixtures are:

-Smoke and Bells-This type of lighting was introduced in the 1870s. These antique lighting were so popular at that time that it created a deep impact on our society that time. The uniqueness of this lighting was the smoke bell used to diffuse the smoke emitted from the burning gas flames.

-Tasso Sconce- This fixture has old brass like finish with the exclusive shades of Beaux Arts.

-Moose Antlers- Crafted during the 1850s, this antique lighting style utilized 8 lamps arranged in two tiers. The width of the lamp stretched to about five feet.

The latest trend of interior design uses antique lighting as a tool of experimentation, to enable the fusion of modern and antique. As a matter of fact, the antique lighting has improved the modern decor and in many households they go hand in hand, together.




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