Tiffany lamps can be a great addition to your home. As extravagant pieces reminiscent of the early 20th century, you can display them throughout your home for an elegant, classic look with your interior design. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about how to style your home with them.
A Brief History
These unique lamps originate from the Art Nouveau movement of the early 1900s. They feature intricate lampshades of handmade glass and unique metal latticework. The base is also essential to the look, most of them being coated with bronze, enamel, or mosaic.
Louis Comfort Tiffany was an artist who specialized in glassblowing and first popularized the design. The most common styles of Tiffany lighting include:
- Flowered globe
- Flowered cone
- Favrile
- Transition to flowers
- Irregular lower border
- Irregular upper border
- Geometric
Modern Tiffany Lamps
The Tiffany lamps that were originally produced by Louis Comfort Tiffany are well sought-after today. These antiques are highly collectible and worth thousands of dollars.
There are, however, modern Tiffany lamp companies. The lamps they make are often modeled after original designs and come in many varieties (mission and Victoria styles, dragonfly patterns, wall sconces, pedestal fixtures, etc.). Even though they are reproductions, modern Tiffany lamps still offer the same appeal as the originals. Plus, they are much more affordable than the antiques.
Art Movement Influences to Keep In Mind
As part of the Art Nouveau, Tiffany lamps pair well with certain elements. When going about your design journey, remember that this art movement focuses on things such as elegant silhouettes, floral patterns, linear designs, and curves.
The original design was also influenced by Aestheticism, a movement that was focused on “art for art’s sake.” Pieces don’t necessarily have to have deeper symbolic meaning and should rather focus on physical beauty and appeal.
Which Lamp Should I Use?
You might require a certain style to pull together a room’s look. After all, floral versus dragonfly patterns complement different looks. Even the color of Tiffany lighting can affect a room’s mood and make a statement.
With so many varieties available, you are bound to find a lamp that fits your design needs.
How to Use Tiffany Lamps
Tiffany lamps are relatively loud pieces. Because they are so bold, they are often the centerpiece of whatever room they are in. With this in mind, you shouldn’t just throw a Tiffany lamp into any room. The choices you make should be deliberate in order to capture the essence of the Art Nouveau movement.
Some ideas to consider when styling around a Tiffany lamp includes:
- Arrangements and spacing. Don’t place too many lamps in a smaller room as this will create a sense of chaos. In larger rooms, however, grouping lamps of similar styles will create a cohesive feel.
- Accessories. Use items such as frames, tea sets, and jewelry boxes that feature complementary colors and designs.
- Furniture. Pair your lamp with pieces that feature rounded, relaxed shapes, flowing lines, and clear varnishes.
- Wall Finishes. Wallpapers featuring nature motifs work great and should be balanced with large areas of earth tones.
Finding a Place in Modern Spaces
Even though they are reminiscent of an older art movement, Tiffany lamps are a popular choice among decorators today. Their interesting patterns and vibrant colors offer a sense of luxury while retaining a nostalgic feel.
That being said, they might not meld well with a completely modern apartment. As previously mentioned, you should complement a Tiffany lamp with other elements of the Art Nouveau movement.
With these tips, you’ll be able to incorporate any Tiffany lamp into your home and get the effect you are going for.
