How To Select Tiffany Style Stained Glass Lamps

First lets clarify that we are not necessarily referring to genuine original Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass lamps but to the style of which there are thousands (or even millions). These stained glass lamps are composed of numerous hand cut stained glass pieces in a variety of colors and possibly textures which have been soldered together using a copper or lead border around each individual piece of glass. The glass pieces form a pattern traditionally involving an aspect of nature but often in many wide variety of styles ranging from Art Nouveau and Mission to modernistic. I have written a separate history of Louis Comfort Tiffany whom this stained glass lamp style is named after and also the process of how stained glass lamps are made so those subjects will not be covered here.

Many of the usual considerations of selecting stained glass lamps simply do not apply. You can somewhat forget your current home decor theme and whether it is formal, casual, country, contemporary, etc. You will not necessarily want your Tiffany style stained glass lamp to fit in with what you already have in your home the way you might another lamp type.

The main purpose for the Tiffany style stained glass lamp is very important: reading, writing, work project, area lighting, accent lighting, an object of art, a beautiful specimen lamp, just something pretty that will light up an area? It is usually not the first style choice for reading and projects unless the shade is very large and holds at least 3 sockets. Even then, the stained glass lamp should generally be brighter in color so as no to absorb the light. Darker glass absorbs more light and is less efficient for reading, etc.

What colors are you using in the room where you are putting your new stained glass lamp? You may incorporate one or more of these colors but NOT NECESSARILY SO. This may seem counter intuitive and possibly come as a surprise because you normally consider this characteristic near the top of the list with another stained glass lamp style.

This speaks to the very nature of the Tiffany style stained glass lamp: It is a specimen stained glass lamp which inherently stands out and does not blend in. Psychologically we see a specimen as standing alone without peer and without compliment. This allows you a tremendous amount of latitude in decorating that can tread the outer limits of what would otherwise be considered unacceptable.

When helping a customer in our showroom select a stained glass lamp, I will often suggest that the customer begin consideration with what they really love. Normal size limitations not withstanding, passion is of prime importance. If you do not love it then do not buy it. If you do - then do. It really is about that simple.

Here are a few RULES that apply to all stained glass lamps: Size of home decor items are very important as they relate to each other in the same room. How big is the table, counter, shelf, etc. where the stained glass lamp will sit ? A large stained glass lamp on a small table or small area will appear overpowering. A small stained glass lamp by itself on a large table or in a large area will appear lost.

How large is the room where the stained glass lamp is to be used? A tiny stained glass lamp left exposed in a huge room will appear lost and vice versa. How high are the ceilings? Many medium to large homes today have 17' or taller ceilings in the great room. Generally a 30" tall (or above) end table stained glass lamp is right at home in a room this size. Of course a stained glass lamp sitting on the bookcase in this same room may only be 12-15" tall. The mantel lamp in this same room may be 25-35" tall. Think of relativity (remember Einstein).

You should already be well on your way to fine tuning your ideas about purchasing a Tiffany style stained glass lamp. Just remember to keep your passion in the forefront.

- Jim Hoyle

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp Outlet - North Carolina's Most Exclusive Unique Lamps and Lamp Shades. Jim designs and manufactures fine cast metal table lamps and floor lamps and collects, sells, repairs, restores and appraises antique lamps from special acquisitions and estates worldwide. His company also specializes in lamp and home decor factory buyouts and warehouse closings. All comments and questions are answered personally: LampHomeOutlet@bellsouth.net His company's website contains a wealth of free information about lamps and lighting: http://www.hoylelamps.com. See Tiffany - World's Most Expensive Lamp. Get the complete history and appraisal of your lamp. Visit his store personally at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte.

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