Antique Glass Lamp Shades
Antique glass shades became popular as early as the early 1800s. They were created primarily because of the kerosene lamp, which had a much harsher and brighter light than gas lamps. Glass shades were made to soften the glow of the kerosene lamp.
After kerosene lamps were made, electric lighting was created, and these lights also required shades. They became trendy in the 1880s when manufacturers made millions of them available to the public. Today, antique dealers and enthusiasts also seek them out for their collections.
There are many different sizes and shapes of antique glass shades. Below you will find a list of antique glass shades that can still be found today and are also functional and the most popular shapes. They are also made with pressed glass, stained glass, regular glass, or something more artistically created and expensive.
Flower-shaped Glass Lampshades
Shades in the shape of tulips and upside-down tulips are what many homes had, and many collectors still have. But they were also shaped like roses or had small glass flowers all around the shade.
These oddly shaped lampshades exude class while bringing a bit of playfulness into a person’s home, which is why they were, and still are, so popular. The soft glow emitted by lamps of this style can cast a subdued light into a room, allowing the homeowner to create an atmosphere that the harshness of a light bulb cannot compete with.
In a more modern setting, a glass shade in the shape of a flower will add an elegant touch to your home decor. Whether you use it as a centerpiece in your living room or as a soft light source when you’re entertaining guests, you’ll find that your shade will bring a sense of softness and beauty to your room.
Shell Glass Lamp Shade
They have been shaped like the many varieties of shells that can be found. Or ordinary glass shades adorned with glass shells like those in the shape of a flower.
Nothing says art deco like a seashell, so if you love the style that the 1920s and 1930s made famous, then make a fashion statement with a seashell-shaped glass shade. Not only will you be able to show off your chic side, but you’ll also bring a nautical touch to your home.
Some of the first lamps used by early humans were made from seashells. There’s a reason why this shape has remained a timeless classic in lighting. It started as a functional tool but has evolved to become a symbol of carefree living by the ocean. Completing your modern decor with a seashell lamp is a great way to add a touch of personality and style to your room. There are many types of seashells, so finding the right seashell glass shade will be easy.
Glass Shades in the shape of a ball
They gained popularity around the time of the release of the movie Gone With the Wind and continued to be popular in the late 19th century, many years after the Civil War.
Ball shades are great for table lamps and ceiling lights, thanks to the way they emit light. Rather than being limited to one direction with other shade styles, the light is dispersed evenly in all directions when using a ball shade. This allows the shade to act as a conduit for the light rather than inhibiting it. You’ll find that you get a strong but not overwhelming light emission throughout your room.
These shades can be plain or patterned and work well with any decor style. Whether you have a salon-style living room or a modern, minimalist condo, the glass ball shade is versatile enough to add the perfect finish to your style. There’s a reason this particular style of shade has stood the test of time.
Cylinder-shaped glass shades.
These shades are shaped like large or small cylinders. These are the most straightforward-shaped glass shades.
While these are the most popular shapes for glass shades made for vintage desk lamps and other types of lamps that need shades to soften the lighting, there are still many shapes and sizes to choose from like square, rectangular, triangular, and almost any shape you can dream of can be made with glass.
Different types of antique glass shades are also used to create these masterpieces. Some are made of stained glass, while others are made of plain glass, frosted glass, etched glass, and more. But the most sought-after glass shades are made from some of the rarest glass, and die-hard collectors will seek out the following types of glass and pay incredibly high prices to get them. If you come across one of these treasures, consider yourself very lucky.
These shades represent order, so choose a cylinder-shaped glass lamp if you want to add a professional edge to a home office, dining room, or living room. Cylinder shades make perfect centerpieces when they feature patterns, engravings, or trim that draw the eye from all four corners of the room.
Cranberry Glass Shade
Tiny amounts of gold are added to the glass mixture to create cranberry glass. By adding these small amounts of gold to a batch, the color of the glass ends up being a striking pink-red color, hence the name. A variation of cranberry glass is hobnail. This is when polished, raised white dots were added to it. It was during the Victorian era that this variant became the most popular. Now, trying to find an original can cost over $5,000. This very rare commodity attracts the attention of many people and collectors.
Cranberry glass has been delighting designers and collectors since the 17th century. And this classic style gives a touch of the wonder and shimmer for which this period was known.
Although you can pay a lot of money for real glass, many newer versions of the glass are made in the same style that can be found if you look hard enough.
This glass’s decorative and unique style added to your room gives it a special warmth. Cranberry glass is usually hand-blown in the original style of classic Victorian pieces, so you can get the same beautiful look without spending a fortune. Cranberry glass is used to make antique lampshades in many shapes, so finding one that compliments your decor will be easy.
Peach Blown Glass Shades
Probably the rarest type of glass used to make antique glass lamp shades. A complete lamp is a rare find and will be very, very expensive. Even the shades alone are costly. The peach-blown glass lampshade comes in colors like pink, yellow, blush pink and deep pink. They are a treasure if found, but be prepared to pay much more than even cranberry glass.
Peach blowing has roots that go back to the late 19th century, and the more modern peach blow glass is based on the original Morgan vase made of Chinese porcelain. Peach-blow is made with a glossy or matte finish, and you’ll often find a milky white lining. Because of the value of peach blow glass, you will find many reproductions that have been made since the original pieces were created.
Most peach-blown glass items were created in a round shape, and as such, they are ideal for use as lampshades. The blown peach glass looks very similar to porcelain in most antique pieces, and when lit, it casts a very faint but beautiful glow. Lampshades in this style will look most impressive in rooms with living room-style decor.
Vintage Lampshades
Install a vintage shade on your lamp
Vintage lampshades come in all colors, shapes, and sizes and were more popular in one era than another. But the one aspect they all have in common is that they are at least 50 years old when you follow collector’s standards. If an item is between 50 and 99 years old, it is still considered Vintage in most circles. When its age puts it over 100 years old, it becomes antique.
When looking for the perfect vintage shades for your antique desk lamp, check thrift stores, antique stores, online stores, and online auctions, as they are a popular seller on many sites like Amazon or eBay. Many times you can find treasures at yard sales and craft markets. The selling person probably has no idea that it could be a valuable item. The adage goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Electricity brought lamps to more homes.
In the 19th century, as household electricity became much more popular in homes, manufacturers began creating lampshades of all sizes and colors for customers. The creation of lampshades predates the 19th century, but it post-dates the creation of electricity. Their numbers exponentially grew as manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon to create unique shades for this newly found equipment.
With electricity in almost every home, lampshade manufacturers began to think of different ways to light living spaces. They began making lampshades for customers with various lighting needs, from romance to reading to sitting and relaxing. Nothing was new, whether the shades provided a lot of light or just a little. Some shades generally provided less light, so the race was on to see who could do the most and best for their customers using a soft, unobtrusive glow.
Some of the first shades made were for kerosene lanterns. They were designed to prevent drafts from the flame, as the houses were not very well sealed. The lampshade allowed the flame to stay alive and the light to shine brighter in the houses. Kerosene shades were made of glass and glass of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Many were simple glass globes, but some were created with simple designs or sketches.
After the production of kerosene shades and the advent of electricity, manufacturers began to focus on Art Noveau designs. Drawing inspiration from plants, flowers, and animals, hand-cut glass designs and blown glass patterns appeared. Over time, vintage lampshades became more intricate, and some are extremely rare today and would cost quite a bit.
Vintage lampshades
As the decades pass, more manufacturers continue to move forward with new models and modern designs. Stained glass and more elaborate colored finishes have become mass-produced. However, some companies have stayed true to their vintage roots and have gone backward to recreate the antique designs of history. Whether you end up with a lampshade from decades ago or a more modernized version, vintage lampshades are true treasures to own, and if you are lucky enough to own one without breaking your wallet, they are worth every penny you spend on them. Do your research and see what fits your taste and room decor. No matter your choice, you can be sure that any vintage lampshade in your home will be a great conversation piece with guests.
Antique Lamp Shades
Antique lamp shades come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors. But how do you choose which antique lamp shades to add to the interior of your home? Because of their versatility and popularity, you can still find many styles on the market and in modern homes. Your decision to incorporate antique lampshades into your home will depend on your taste and decor. You really can’t go wrong with any of these ageless lampshades.
Retro Shades
Retro is a name given to lampshades produced in the 1950s to 1980s. Chances are, any design you can dream up is available for purchase. The range of designs you’ll find in retro lampshades could be something as simple as a two-tiered, sewn-in shade or a one-of-a-kind, tye-stained creation. You can even buy your retro lampshade-making kit.
For some vintage retro lampshade buyers, it didn’t hurt to buy a plain white lampshade and coat it with paint to customize it. These shades were made of fabric and paper, and later, fiberglass was added to their manufacture. Some popular designs on retro lampshades included geometric patterns, wavy lines, squares, abstract designs, and many more. A retro lampshade would be a great addition to any vintage desk lamp.
Victorian Lamp Shades
Indeed, Victorian shades are some of the most beautiful ones ever made. They are easily recognized by their beautiful shades, many of which are made of silk, cotton, velvet, and cotton. They have beads or fringe hanging down and are shaped like a woman’s torso, thinner at the top and wider at the bottom. The beads or fringe that adorn them are known to be their signature.
Because Victorian shades are hand-sewn, you will never find two identical ones. Creating one of these shades takes time, but the finished product is almost always a beautiful work of art. If you’re so inclined and good with your hands, you can order a kit to make your own. There are also instructional DVDs that you can purchase to learn how to make your antique lampshades.
Decorative Lamp Shades
Decorative shades come in all sizes and colors as well. Those from the 1960s were often mushroom-shaped.
Shades from the 1970s were best known for being psychedelic. Those from the Art Deco era were created with bright colors like red, orange, and green.
If you find that you’re in the market for vintage lampshades, you can check out antique stores and thrift stores. Even yard sales often have a hidden gem and maybe what you’re looking for. By adding decorative lampshades to your decor, you can be sure that they will catch the attention of your visitors and give your home a nostalgic feel.
If you have an antique desk lamp or other lamps that need a facelift, any of these retroes, Victorian or
decorative shades will do the trick. They can give your old lamp a new lease on life while making a great addition to your home or office.
If you are creative, you can make your retro, Victorian, or decorative lampshade with a bit of imagination and the right tools. Then you can brag that your antique lampshades are one of a kind!