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Types Of Antique Lamps and Antique Chandeliers

When it comes to vintage and antique lighting, the choices are as endless as the beauty and value. Whetheryou love a simple oil lamp or an intricate antique chandelier, you can find a whole host of options availablefor your decor, especially with the added convenience of internet shopping for antiques. If you are looking forfine restored antiques for your home decor, or reproduction lighting back to the 1830s, you may be a littleoverwhelmed at the many different styles and options to choose from. Here are a few basics about antiquehanging lamps, which is one style of period lamps popular in the past several decades.

Angle lamps were manufactured around the turn of the century and were advertised as ?lights that neverfail? because the construction of the burner emitted a steady and non-flickering light. The shape of theangles between the elbow and chimney caused there to be no under shadow which was unusual during thekerosene era.

A bracket hanging lamp was a oil lamp with a font inside that held whale oil or kerosene which was burnedwith a wick and made of metal or glass. These came in several different styles including the Victorian hangingoil and parlor lamps

The antique chandelier was especially popular during the 1400s and was seen as a status symbol for therichest people who could afford the high costs of illuminating a home at night. By the 1700s, these ornatelamps started to become more popular among the middle classes. After World War I, chandeliers and wallsconces became more common and were found in many American homes. Shaded chandeliers are a modernadaptation for stylizing all types of beautiful antique chandeliers.

Combination electric and gas hanging lamps came into use in the late 1800s as electric lighting became morecommon, especially in the cities. Because electricity was still undependable, a series of lamps fitted forelectricity with gas as a backup source of fuel were popular. This was a short-lived trend, as electricityservice became more steady, making these types of original lamps rare. You can tell which lamps were madefor gas or electric by which direction the shades faced. If they face upwards they are generally gas burnerlights, and if the shades face downward, they are most likely made for electricity. Fun wall models with ashade facing each direction are reproductions of this style of lamp.

The most traditional chandelier is the crystal and glass lamps with intricate glass prisms, chains, strings ofcrystals and delicate ornamentation. These were first available only to the wealthiest because of the rarenessof rock crystal, but as leaded glass became available, more people could afford them. Even in today?smodern homes and businesses, the glass and crystal chandelier is seen as a sign of opulence and luxury.

There are many other types of hanging lamps, from gravity hook fixtures to iron horse lamps, to theVictorian parlor lamps. A simple web search for antique hanging lamps will help you find a selection ofvarious beautiful light fixtures for your home.

When it comes to antiques, it?s important to look for pieces that have been restored carefully and cleanedby an antique specialist. By choosing the right dealer, you will find that the quality of your antique lamp willbe better, whether you choose a simple gas lamp or a fancy antique chandelier. You will also benefit frombetter longevity and accurate appraisals for all your antique lighting needs.

Document Tags: antique lighting, vintage lighting, chandeliers