Whelen Lights

Front Interior Lamps

Antique Lamps – Decorative Lamps for Interior Design

I must first admit to being a convinced photophobic, a term defined as "an intense aversion to strong light".  On entering a brightly lit room, I find myself subconsciously groping for the dimmer switch!  Bright light is good - in an operating room, an airport or film shoot!  but, definitely not in a comfortable room.  In fact, a room ceases to be comfortable when lit like a night time tennis tournament!

A successful interior project must have successful lighting, lighting being an integral component.  One can have the finest of everything; stunning interior design, fabrics and furniture, but in the end, an interior lives or dies by lighting.

Decorative lighting, as the name suggests, is principally seen as a class of decorative art with the secondary benefit of providing light.  If intensive, bright light is required, then decorative lighting will not be effective.

When an antique lamp is being considered, it can be thought of in similar terms to decorating a room with a painting, antique rug, or antique furniture.  Firstly, to classify a lamp as antique, the lamp must be a minimum of 100 years old, as this is the age requirement for an antique to be an antique.

If a decorative theme is required, lamps can be selected to compliment a specific interior such as Chinese, or a more eclectic Oriental theme, an English country look, or a formal classic style, in fact, the style of lamp chosen can really match any period of design required.

Table lamps fall into one of two categories:- 

The first would classify as accent lamps, which usually have an overall height of no more than 15" / 38cm when fitted with a lamp shade.  As the name suggests, the accent lamp is meant to accentuate a particular object, or, to draw attention to a specific area. This may be a mantelpiece, bookshelf or small side table in an entrance hall or perhaps amongst a group of photo frames or collection of small objects.  The careful placement of accent lighting will add a further dimension to the feel & comfort of a room.

The second category being the standard table lamp, usually measured to a total height of up to 35" / 89cm. 

Illustrated is a fine pair of "Purely Decorative" antique accent lamps -:

 

A delightful pair of mid19th century, decorative accent lamps as well modelled, Chinese, Sancai figures of two of the Taoist immortals. These spiritual beings, central to religious Taoism number eight in total and perhaps are intended to be allegorical.

These super-humans or perfect persons, came to be worshipped and emulated by Taoists. The Eight Immortals frequently appear in Chinese literature, mythology and art; each carries a symbol, or attribute, and is imbued with a special power.

These perfect eight, dwell far away in an untroubled place, (the isle of the blessed),

where they experience an effortless existence of physical freedom. They are ageless, eat nothing but air, drink nothing but dew, and enjoy the power of flight.  They truly exemplify the Taoist virtue of spontaneity and spiritual transcendence.  

The male figure illustrated is "Lan Caihe", who carries his attribute, a basket of flowers. The female figure is a young girl, "He Xiangu", - the last of the Immortals,   She carries with her, her attribute, a magical Lotus flower.  

Both immortals dressed in Ming dynasty tunic robes and glazed in the Chinese three-colour combination of manganese, yellow and green, known as "Sancai".

The immortals shown skimming across the surface of the ocean on their journey to the isle of the blessed,

The two immortals standing on custom made, gilt wood, square shaped, Chinese table stands.

Each lamp fitted with a custom made, rich butter yellow silk, square lamp shade, piped in Spring Grass green silk.    Both figures are in original condition.

Circa 1850                                             Overall height (including shades) 18" / 46cm

The lamp base, however, is only half of the story.  The partnering of the right lamp shade is essential in producing the desired effect.  Once selected it should bring the look together by a thoughtful combination of style, size, shape, colour, appropriate fabric and passementerie.  Both lamp and shade should be chosen to compliment the existing, or planned interior.

Decorative lamps are purely decorative.  They are meant to be decorative, not a principal source of interior lighting.  Lamps of this type can also be divided by gender!

Everyone is familiar with the concept of decorative objects considered as feminine or masculine.  There are, of course, no fixed rules; however, general observations can be made. 

Typically, feminine will be seen as pretty, i.e., flowers, song birds, cupids etc and whilst this is a sweeping statement, it will serve to separate masculine as being, robust, handsome, sculptured, i.e. architectural elements, horses etc.

Traditional attitudes have generally placed interior design in the feminine compartment, but attitudes change and men are now widely accepted as partners in sharing an interest in interior design and decoration.

From a purely male perspective, men will see table lamps as a subject that allows for creative expression.  Lamps for the den, for the office, for a library, or simply to add to the pleasure derived from their living space.

Finally, antique decorative lighting is not "novelty lighting" which is another subject altogether!  In point of fact, I very recently saw a table lamp as a figure of the Virgin Mary, which, when the lamp was switched on, the Virgins hallo lit up and the lamp base played a tinkly little version of the Ave Maria!    

There is a generally acceptable level of comfortable interior lighting, which, of course, will swing wildly from person to person, (except, of course for the photophobic)!  From a psychological point of view, interior lighting is a major contributor to well being.  Soft interior lighting is sensed as an atmosphere that is calming and relaxing - combined with a favourite chair and a good magazine, it's positively therapeutic!

 

The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique lamps with an exclusive on-line range of over 100 unique lamps.

Custom made silk lamp shades can be ordered.  Lamps are shipped ready wired to the US, the UK and Australia.

For further information you are invited to visit their web site at -:

http://www.antiquelampshop.com

© The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co 2010

 

About the Author

Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co, has had a lifetime's association with antique porcelain and pottery, with his commercial experience spanning a period of over 45 years,including valuer to the Australian Government's Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company's site and is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects. He has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.

Interior Or, the Salon with Three Lamps, 1899 $34.99 Edouard Vuillard Interior Or, the Salon with Three Lamps, 1899 - Giclee Print

Interior with a Woman in Yellow in Front of a Window $44.99 Edouard Vuillard Interior with a Woman in Yellow in Front of a Window - Giclee Print

Lionel LIO12926 Globe Street Lamps $28.34 Set of three 64 Globe Street lamps with interior illumination. Made of durable materials. Top Quality - manufactured to the highest specifications.

Lamps $7.99 Lamps - Art Print

Roush Body Kit - Front Fascia w/ Fog Lamps [98-03 Ford Ranger] $308.49 Roush Body Kit - Front Fascia w/ Fog Lamps

A Pigeon Takes off in Front of Interior Troops Soldiers $24.99 A Pigeon Takes off in Front of Interior Troops Soldiers - Photographic Print

Dectane VW Golf 3 Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps chrome $42 Data: from year '91 Model: chrome with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Vento Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps chrome $42 Data: from year '91 Model: chrome with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Vento Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps black $45.01 Data: from year '91 Model:black with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Golf 3 Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps black $45.01 Data: from year '91 Model:black with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Golf 3 Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps blackchrome $48 Data: from year '91 Model:blackchrome with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Vento Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps blackchrome $48 Data: from year '91 Model:blackchrome with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Dectane VW Vento LED Front Indicator-Set + Fog Lamps chrome $71.99 Data: from year '91 Model: chrome with E-mark of conformity / approved for street use 1 set consisting of 2front indicators and fog lamps

Seidl Audi 80 B4 Front Bumper Type1 - Fog lamps $156 Data: F�r Sedan, Avant, Cabrio and Coupe Important: Please, provide us with detailed data of your vehicle Material: GFK (fibre-reinforced polyethylene) Optional: Indicator-set, alu mesh, reinforcement, DTM splitter and fog lamps Scope of delivery: Front bumper and installation material

Roush Front End Masks - Stage 1 and 2 Bra Cover (Rectangular Fog Lamps) [99-04 Ford Mustang] $189.75 Roush Front End Masks - Stage 1 and 2 Bra Cover (Rectangular Fog Lamps)

Roush Front End Masks - Stage 3 Bra Cover (Round Fog Lamps) [99-04 Ford Mustang] $189.75 Roush Front End Masks - Stage 3 Bra Cover (Round Fog Lamps)

Hearn's Lamps Tastefully Arranged Round Your Front Door Give Your Visitors a Bright Reception $49.99 Hearn's Lamps Tastefully Arranged Round Your Front Door Give Your Visitors a Bright Reception - Giclee Print

Old Woman Lighting Butter Lamps in Front of Buddha Statues Draped with New Silk Scarves $24.99 Don Smith Old Woman Lighting Butter Lamps in Front of Buddha Statues Draped with New Silk Scarves - Photographic Print

Apprentice School, Interior of a Workshop, Front Cover of a Schoolbook $34.99 G. Dascher Apprentice School, Interior of a Workshop, Front Cover of a Schoolbook - Giclee Print

Kerscher BMW E90/E91 3series Front Bumper Spirit - Fog lamps $145 Data: suitable for�Sedan and Touring, also for vehicles with headlight washers Material: GFK Optional: DTM splitter, fog lamps und fitting kit for PDC Scope of Delivery: Front bumper, alu mesh and installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 � 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher�s team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

Kerscher BMW E90/E91 3series Front Bumper Spirit 3 - Fog lamps $145 Data: suitable forSedan and Touring Material: GFK Optional: DTM splitter, fog lamps, fitting kit for PDC and carbon-stylingkit Scope of Delivery: Front bumper, alu mesh and installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 - 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher&rsquos team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

Kerscher BMW F10/F11 5series Front Bumper FK10 - Fog lamps $219 Data:from year 03/'10 suitable forSedan and Touring Material: GFK Optional: Carbon-Cover, fog lamps, Fins with LED daytime runninglights,fitting kit for PDC and washers Scope of Delivery: Front bumper, alu mesh and installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 - 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher&rsquos team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

Kerscher BMW E46 3series Front Bumper M-Line - Fog lamps $99 Data: suitable for all models except Compact Material: GFK Optional: Fog lamps, DTM splitter and fitting kit (required forSedan and Touringfrom year 09/'01 ) Scope of Delivery: Front bumper, alu mesh and installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 - 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher&rsquos team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

Kerscher BMW E39 5series Front Bumper K-Line - Fog lamps $145 Data: suitable for Sedan and Touring, also for vehicles with washers Material: GFK Optional: Fitting kit for PDC, fog lamps andDTM splitter Scope of Delivery:Front bumper, meshand installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 - 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher&rsquos team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

Kerscher Audi A4 B6 Front Spoiler - Fitting kit for fog lamps $60 Data: suitable for Sedan and Avant Material: GFK Optional: Fitting kit for original fog lamps andDTM splitter Scope of Delivery:Front spoiler, meshand installation material Kerscher Tuning - Kerscher Tuning was established in 1982 in Falkenberg, Bavaria. - At that time, the company specialized in body and wheel/tire tuning for Porsche and VW Beetle models. - From 1997 - 1998 the company was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. - Kerscher Tuning today is one of the leading companies in the sector of body tuning for Audi, BMW and Volkswagen. - All parts are made of high-quality GFRP and feature excellent fit. - Kerscher&rsquos team of 10 employees strives at all times to satisfy customer demands through constant new developments, studies and designs.

99508 Set of 2 Pharmacy Lamps LT Nickel $196.99 Set of 2 Pharmacy Lamps LT Nickel Finish by Stein WorldWith over 50 years of experience Stein World is dedicated to import from all around the world the finest hand-painted furniture pieces to compliment any interior decor These furniture pieces are ...

B1924PN - Troy Lighting - B1924PN > Wall Lamps $416 INTERIOR COLLINS 4LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1923PN - Troy Lighting - B1923PN > Wall Lamps $328 INTERIOR COLLINS 3LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1921PN - Troy Lighting - B1921PN > Wall Lamps $164 INTERIOR COLLINS 1LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1922PN - Troy Lighting - B1922PN > Wall Lamps $254 INTERIOR COLLINS 2LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1931PN - Troy Lighting - B1931PN > Wall Lamps $152 INTERIOR TATE 1LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1932PN - Troy Lighting - B1932PN > Wall Lamps $218 INTERIOR TATE 2LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT

B1934PN - Troy Lighting - B1934PN > Wall Lamps $372 INTERIOR TATE 4LT BATHSTEELWALL MOUNT