How To Select a Tiffany Style Lamp

  article by Jim Hoyle 

Selecting a Tiffany style stained glass lamp is completely different from selecting other types of lamps. There are many special considerations due to the nature of this very unique lamp style.

First lets define a Tiffany style stained glass lamp. We are not necessarily referring to genuine authentic original Louis Comfort Tiffany lamps but to the style of which there are thousands (millions?). Tiffany style lamps are composed of numerous hand cut pieces of glass (stained glass) 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 lamp style is named after and also the process of how Tiffany stained glass lamps are made so those subjects will not be covered here.

Now that we have defined a Tiffany style lamp, let us determine how to select one for your personal use.

Many of the same considerations of selecting a non Tiffany style lamp simply do not apply when considering a Tiffany style lamp. 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  lamp to "fit in" with what you already have in your home the way you might for a non Tiffany style lamp.

The main purpose for the Tiffany style 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? A Tiffany style lamp is usually not the first choice for reading and projects unless the shade is very large and holds at least 3 sockets. Even then, the glass 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 lamp? The Tiffany style lamp you are considering 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 a non Tiffany style lamp.

This speaks to the very nature of the Tiffany style lamp: IT IS A SPECIMEN LAMP. Specimens inherently stand out and do 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 with a Tiffany style lamp that can tread the outer limits of what would otherwise be considered acceptable.

When helping a customer in our showroom select a Tiffany style 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 do not buy it. If you do - then do. It really is about that simple.

Here are a few RULES that apply to all lamps including Tiffany style 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 lamp will sit ? A large lamp on a small table or small area will appear overpowering. A small lamp by itself on a large table or in a large area will appear lost.

How large is the room where the lamp is to be used? A tiny 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 lamp is right at home in a room this size. Of course a 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 lamp. Just remember to keep your passion in the forefront. It's more fun anyway !

Biography: Since 1979 Jim Hoyle has owned and operated Lamp & Home 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. Comments and questions are answered personally: LampHomeOutlet@bellsouth.net. His company's website contains a wealth of free information about lamps and lighting: www.hoylelamps.com. See Tiffany - World's Most Expensive Lamp.

Visit his store personally at 2233 East Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina about 25 minutes from Charlotte.