"There are eras and styles within eras," she continues. "There were many manufacturers of gas and electric lighting fixtures. After everything was totally electrified in the early 20th century, many manufacturers came into existence, particularly from 1910 through the 1940s. A lot of them manufactured very similar pieces, but would often change out one part or the other to change the look of the fixture. It's not too much different than what manufacturers do even today. You can see product lines from certain companies and they'll look almost identical. What they have done is changed out one or two parts just so that they can differentiate their products from one another, but they may be very similar because everybody is using the same parts. There is not even a difference in colors."
Antique lighting includes exterior lighting fixtures such as porch lights, lanterns and street lights. "Street lights and stands are very specialized products, Nunnally continues. "They are not necessarily things that the average person would be all that interested in. Most people don't need a street light for their renovation project. Many of the old street lights are big and heavy and they're hard to manage. And so, there are times when people think they want those, but once they figure out how much they weigh, they ask me 'now what do I do?'"
Interior lighting fixtures include a variety of styles including ceiling lights, chandeliers, wall sconces, floor lamps, hanging lamps, and all sizes of table lamps. They can be made of many materials including metals such as brass or copper, all types of glass, and wood. The styles of antique lighting fixtures can help turn your room into a chic English garden, a rustic lodge, an elegant Victorian parlor, or something in between.
When using antique lighting in your home, you can get as involved as you like. You can visit historic homes, chat with expert dealers, and read about antique lighting so that you have a real feel for the time period that your duplicating. You can tour the country, in person or online, in search of that perfect piece to complement your home. For many, the thrill of the hunt is as exciting as the final purchase. Or, you may not be interested in investing a great deal of time in research. You may choose an antique lighting piece just because it appeals to you, and that's fine.
Many antiques are as affordable as new lighting pieces and add more style. For example, a clear glass kerosene lamp can be the perfect feminine accent in a girl's bedroom, even if it is never lit. Or a sturdy brass table lamp may be a great choice for a family room in an active household. It's possible to also change the lamp shades with the seasons. The beautiful golden glow of old brass presents a wonderful color palette from which to work. Use a lighter color or pattern on a lamp shade in the warmer months. Darker earth tones will add a warmth during the cooler months.
