TV Lamps of The 1950's - A Brief History

article by Jim Hoyle

That 50" wide screen plasma TV that takes up nearly half the wall and dominates the entire room had some relatively humble beginnings that also fostered the development of a new and unique lamp style.

In the early days of television people compensated for the bright TV screen with ingenious small lamps developed to help offset the light from the TV set. These lamps were thought to protect the eyes.

TV lamps were usually very small ceramic lamps and they were set on top or near the television. Popular themes were animals such as gazelles, cats, lions, dogs, birds, cars, ships, wagons, etc. Some were also planters. The light bulb was typically located behind the body of the lamp in such a way as to emit a soft indirect light that would help to light up the general area around the TV set.

It was also a common practice for people to gather around the radio to listen to their favorite "theatre" or other radio program. The TV lamp would provide a warm and cozy indirect light. This was home theater of the 1950's.

Today TV lamps from the 1950's are highly collectible. They are usually very easily identified and they represent a very nostalgic period of our history.

For the complete history and appraisal of your lamp read Lamp Appraisals Plus Lamp History.

- Jim Hoyle

PS: I locate special antique lamps for customers and I can be contacted through this website.

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

We do everything for lamps and chandeliers - buy, sell, repair, restore, rewire, refinish, lamp appraisals.