Tips on Buying Tiffany Lamps

Easily recognizable due to their colored glass shades and heavy iron stands, Tiffany lamps were first created in 1895 as part of the Art Nouveau movement. These lamps bring the beauty of a stained glass window into your home with small tabletop styles and more elaborate track-lighting fixtures. For the look of an authentic Tiffany lamp without the high price tag, shop for Tiffany-style light fixtures. Before you buy, here are a few suggestions for finding the perfect lamp for your home.

Buying Tiffany-style Lamps:

1. Look at design details. Tiffany-style lamps can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. If the rest of your room is plain, use a Tiffany lamp to add color and intricate design. The most popular Tiffany lamps feature botanical themes, like vintage flowers or dragonflies with vibrant red and purple hues, but if you want something less flashy, choose Mission-style Tiffany lamps. The Mission-style lamps tend to use white or light colored glass for a more subtle effect; the square pieces of glass form a modern and artistic look.

2. Made in the shade. Most Tiffany lamps feature one of two basic shade styles. Table lamps and suspended floor lamps typically use rounded overhanging shades to direct light downward and make the perfect bedside companion for reading. If you're using a Tiffany-style lamp to light an entire room, you're better off using top-mounted shades that direct the light upwards.

3. Placement is key. Floor lamps come in two styles: torchiere and overhanging. Torchiere refers to lamps with a slender base that attaches to an upward-facing shade; overhanging lamps have a suspended shade mounted on a curved base with an intricate design. These lamps are perfect if you have plenty of floor space. Portable Tiffany-style table lamps work well if you frequently redecorate or are looking for something to accessorize a table or nightstand. A wall-mounted Tiffany-style lamp requires some extra electrical work but is ideal if you're lacking in both floor and table space. They can be used to illuminate a dark hall or frame a bathroom mirror.