Decorating with stained glass may at first seem to be a daunting task. It may be difficult just to find that perfect table lamp for your newly decorated living room. Once you see the beauty of stained glass, you will want to add stained glass to other rooms.
You have to pick out light fixtures and portable lighting for the rest of your home to compliment your original piece. The choices of colors and styles are almost unlimited. Your choice depends on your likes, tastes, and uses. Of course, there are many lighting fixtures from lamps to sconces to pendants. There are also window hangings and fireplace screens.
Stained Glass Window Decals
Tiffany style lamps are the most popular and least expensive way to add the beauty and atmosphere of stained glass to your home or office. These lamps endure for lifetimes and become family heirlooms.
Stained glass lamps are both beautiful and functional. These lamps can be purchased with table or floor length bases, which are usually made of sturdy metal such as brass or pewter so the lamp is not likely to tip over and break the shade.
Made of Favrile or iridescent glass, invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 19th Century, the iridescence causes the surface to shimmer, but causes some opacity. This iridescent effect of the glass is obtained by mixing different colors of glass together while hot. The sheets are hand cut to the desired shapes and sizes, the edges wrapped in thin copper and soldered together. Many bubbles and irregular surfaces make each piece unique.
This Is Why Decorating With Stained Glass Is So Awesome
A Tiffany style lights provides soft, diffused light that takes on the hues of each color used in a design. When turned on the colors are striking, and when turned off, the shade adds interest and color to the room.
Stained glass lighting accents complement any décor. A Tiffany pattern may have floral, geometric, whimsical or animal designs. You are no longer limited to Traditional choices. There are many different styles from which to choose. There is the Mission or Prairie style made famous by another 19th Century artist Frank Lloyd Wright. There is Victorian style. Today Rustic and Rustic Lodge are becoming very popular styles.
Types of Stained Glass Fixtures
Tiffany style table, accent lamps or desk lamps can enhance an end table, your desk or nightstand. Used for reading or lighting a small area, these are the workhorses of home lighting. Tiffany floor lamps, floor lamp torchieres and bridge arm floor lamps are an interesting addition to any room. They add height, drama, and create an interesting focal point. They can be moved from place to place as ambient (background) lighting, or add task lighting as needed.
Decorating your kitchen with Tiffany Style Island ceiling fixtures or pendants will increase your available light. They will create a smashing colorful effect to your kitchen island.
Billiard table lights with a whimsical, sports, or outdoor theme add interest to any billiard or pool table.
Stained glass wall mounted sconces accent your fireplace or light and dramatize your hallway. Vanity as well as wall mounted sconces will provide excellent bathroom lighting.
Welcome your guests with a beautiful Tiffany or Lodge style chandelier in your entry foyer or hallway. Contemporary glass pendant lights add stunning beauty to your entry, dining room, kitchen, bath, or any room in your home. Some of these pendants are definitely not your grandmother's stained glass.
Points to Consider When Decorating with Stained Glass
1. Think about the mood or ambiance you want to create. 2. Consider the decorative elements you want to accent. 3. Identify what activities will be done in each room (reading, hobby, home work, cooking, bathing, etc) 4. Dark colors need more light. So add brighter background light to darker areas. 5. Identify area of multiple uses, and use more than one type of lighting.
Although many people think of decorating only with lamps when referring to stained glass, there are many other interesting uses.
Of course, you can use stained glass window panels in your decorating scheme. These beautiful panels hang in a window. They add a smashing effect to any room. These panels can be used to hide a not so nice view, thus enhancing a room's atmosphere.
Several artists became famous for their stained glass creations. The two most famous are Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose creations are often inspired by nature. His dragonfly, peacock and cherry blossom motifs are still much sought after today. The other artist is Frank Lloyd Wright, who created in the Mission or Prairie style.
There are stained glass fireplace screens. With candles lit behind them, these screens add charm and warmth to any fireplace setting. These fireplace screens are meant for decorative purposes only as the heat from a fire could melt the solder.
Buy high quality stained glass from reputable manufacturers such as Meyda Tiffany or Dale Tiffany. The glass design and workmanship are among the best, and the bases and electrical components are of the highest quality for long life.