Tiffany meets Mission style lamp. Is this wrong?

I really don't know about this. When I was searching around various lighting websites today, I came across a few examples of 'hybrid' table lamps. They were roughly the shape of a mission style lamp, but they were as ornate as a Tiffany style lamp. I won't post any pictures here, because I don't own any, but do a quick search and you'll find lots of examples (or just press the following link: http://www.google.com/images?q=tiffany+style+mission+table+lamps)

To me, both styles are beautiful in their own distinct way, but they are very different styles. Tiffany style table lamps are ornate, with lots of organic details and flourishes. Mission style was opposed to such opulence, and therein lies its beauty. Putting them together doesn't feel quite right.

And yet... some of the examples seem to work quite well! I particularly like when the stained glass lamp shade uses simple geometric shapes (although one could argue that such a style moves away from the organic lines of a true Tiffany piece). Others may prefer examples that lean more towards the ornate. Either way, we live in interesting times, where there is such a rich history of table lamp design to draw from, and adapt to create a new aesthetic!

Halloween Table Lamp

Well, Halloween is fast approaching once again, and one of the most famous table lamps of all will be making an appearance: the Jack O'Latern!

If you've got kids, they may be old enough to start carving up a pumpkin into weird and wonderful faces, and putting a little night light into it. For very young kids, it's better to leave all that to the grown-ups!

But all is not lost: a quick search on eBay turned up a few cute 'Winnie the Pooh' Halloween table lamps, complete with cute, friendly ghosts and pumpkins.

As I write this, there are 5 days left to bid, so check it out at: http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Disney-Sega-Halloween-POOH-Piglet-Pumpkin-Table-Lamp-AB-/150506100618

The REAL genius behind Tiffany Lamps

Among our recent selection of classic table lamps, we included the Dragonfly lamp. This is one of the most iconic Tiffany lamps available, but in fact, there are many styles of stained glass lamp created, or inspired, by the genius of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

However, recent evidence now credits many of the designs to Clara Driscoll, a previously unknown designer who worked for Tiffany Studios. It is now thought that Tiffany led the studio, but was not the sole designer.

So who is Clara Driscoll? Well, I came across a nice article today that introduces readers to this talented lady: http://www.sample-grasscutting-flyers.co.cc/sample-grass-cutting-flyers/who-is-the-woman-behind-tiffany-lamps/

Yale exhibition on pioneer of architectural lighting

In 1977, the world lost one of lighting's true pioneers, Richard Kelly.

His early career was a struggle, because 'architectural lighting', as a discipline, was not something that people understood, nor were willing to pay for. His perseverance paid off in time, however, and he went on to work alongside some of the leading names in 20th Century American architecture, including Philip Johnson and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

During his prolific career, he worked on some iconic projects, particularly in New York where he was based, including the David H. Koch Theater (formerly the New York State Theater), and the Seagram Building.

The exhibition currently on view at Yale School of Architecture Gallery is entitled “The Structure of Light: Richard Kelly and the Illumination of Modern Architecture”. It features Kelly's work center stage, and is placed in context with the addition of two other sections, entitled “The Rise of Architectural Illumination” and “Architectural Lighting Today”.

It runs from August 23 until October 2, 2010, and further details can be found at: http://calendar.yale.edu/cal/opa/day/20100914/Exhibitions_ArtsAndArchitecture/CAL-2c9cb3cd-29d2d486-012a-48185311-00000f5cbedework@yale.edu/20100914T130000Z. Admission is free.

A modern twist on Tiffany Dragonfly Lamps

I blogged about dragonfly lamps earlier today, amongst other classic designs from the past, and afterwards I thought it would be fun to check out what was available on eBay.

Here's one modern twist to the dragonfly themed lamp. This time, there are three lamps, shaped like flowers, and the dragonfly has flown away from the shade to create a wonderful centerpiece lamp.

I'm not sure how long bidding will last on the item, but here's the link anyway: http://cgi.ebay.com/Dale-Tiffany-Lily-Pad-Dragonfly-Lamp-Light-Green-NEW-/140451782087?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b3941dc7#ht_500wt_928

The table lamp of the future?

Found this on YouTube today. More a proof of concept than a finished product, but could it be the table lamp of the future?

Very impressive indeed! Those clever folks at MIT are constantly innovating, and it will be interesting to see if this experiment makes it into mass production, and how it will be received by the public.

Table lamps lighting, meets...plumbing?

Just had to share this. As you may already know, Etzy is a great website for artists to get their wares to a worldwide audience. Well here's an example from a design co-op, makers of Kozo Lamps.

Handmade from bits of plumbing, these fun table lamps are perfect for that funky, raw, industrial aesthetic. Strong and durable, with an authentic faucet light switch, they're bound to impress for many years to come!

Show your support for small, independent design studios, and visit their Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Design2009

Guide to buying the best table lamp for your home

So you want to buy a table lamp for your home, but don't know where to start?

http://www.thesocialmediamentors.com/guide-to-buying-table-lamps-for-your-home/

This quick guide goes into everything from choosing the perfect surface area, to figuring out where the power outlets are. Common sense stuff in many ways, but it's not unusual for people to buy a lovely new table lamp, and then find that they also need to get an additional power extension lead!

I have to admit, I don't necessarily agree with everything here. For a start, cheap table lamps can be a great buy, but it's good to get other opinions too!

Space Age Table Lamps

From: http://www.digsdigs.com/retro-and-sci-fi-like-looking-table-lamps-space-age-lights/

Oh boy, if you're a fan of the golden age of space exploration back in the '60s and '70s, you'll love this exhibition of retro table lamps designed in the same period.

Swooping curves, brightly colored plastics and shapes that are out of this world!

The exhibition runs until 5th September in the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, Italy. If you can't make it, check out the pictures anyway at their website: http://www.triennaledesignmuseum.it/mostre?lang=EN#

Touch Table Lamp

If you've never used a touch table lamp before, they're a funky way of turning a table lamp on and off. Check out this video below that I made today to see one in action.

Note: My video camera has an auto-brightness feature, so it may be difficult to see that each time the base is touched, it actually gets slightly brighter. There are 3 levels of brightness, and then touching it again turns it off.



This is a great bedside lamp, as you can turn it on simply by touching the base gently, perfect for those early mornings when you're not quite awake! It's also suitable for kids, because they don't have to fumble around with stiff switches near the hot bulb.

There's more information on touch table lamps on our blog.

Chandelier Table Lamp anyone?

So, somebody here is looking for a chandelier, but without the hassle of attaching it to the ceiling. A nice crystal table lamp is the answer!

A few people have given suggestions for some really beautiful examples. Maybe you can help too? Go to http://crystaltable-lamps.com/crystal-lamps/chandelier-table-lamp/

Are Mission Lamps Expensive?

From http://markestglobal.com/data/con521566965a/page_25274232

Here's the dilemma: you love the handcrafted, mission style of craftsmanship... but your credit card has already weathered some bad times. What do you do about your table lamps lighting dreams?

Thankfully, there are budget brands available, so you can still get the mission lamp look you crave, without breaking the bank!

Table Lamps Lighting

There's something special about table lamps lighting that you just don't get with other home improvements. You could say that it can turn a house into a home!

Think about the lighting that comes as standard in any building: just about all you can say about it is that it's practical. Yes, you can see every corner of a room, but sometimes that just doesn't matter. When you're winding down at night in front of the TV, or having a meal with your loved one, do you really want a glaring overhead light shining down on you?

No, you'd probably prefer something subtle and stylish. That's where a table lamp comes in, because it gives you enough light, where you want it, and provides a relaxing atmosphere that's hard to beat. There are other practical uses too, as anyone with a desk lamp at their office can attest to, and from an interior design point of view, they can provide a versatile accent light under a picture or even against a feature wall.

So when you're next considering a facelift for your home, keep it simple, and consider the wonderful impact of table lamps lighting!