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Introduction

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the major lighting styles. Think of this book as a reference tool that anyone can use to help

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which offers a full catalog of elegant, high-quality lighting and accessories for your home. With

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Glossary AND Lighting Styles 101

Table of Contents:

Lighting A-Z

Art Deco and Art Nouveau Lighting 101

Asian Lighting 101

Coastal and Nautical Lighting 101

Country Lighting 101

Crystal Lighting 101

Mission Lighting 101

Modern and Contemporary Lighting 101

Natural and Organic Lighting 101

Tiffany Lighting 101

Traditional and European Lighting 101

Transitional Lighting 101

Lighting A - Z

A Lamp: The shape of a standard household bulb. The A stands for arbitrary.

Accent Lighting: The local and directional light used to highlight and dramatize artwork, plants,

collectibles and special possessions, as well as architectural features and furnishings.

ADA Compliant: Meets requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA-

compliant fixtures must be used in public circulation areas of commercial and institutional

buildings when mounted below 80" from the floor. To be ADA compliant, a wall fixture must

extend no more than 4" from the wall.

ALA: Acronym for the American Lighting Association, the trade organization representing

lighting designers, manufacturers and retailers.

Alabaster: A compact gypsum mineral like stone that creates a warm, rich diffuser of light.

Often used in European or high-end chandeliers, alabaster is unique in its tint and the character

of its veining. No piece of stone is identical to another.

Aluminum: Aluminum is a pure metal that forms and finishes easily. It can be dyed to a brass-

like finish, but it lacks the depth and luster of real brass.

Ambient Lighting: General lighting that provides overall illumination for atmosphere, safety,

security and the performance of simple activities. Ambient lighting also provides background

brightness that reduces excessive contrast from localized task or accent lighting.

Anodized Aluminum: Refers to aluminum that is chemically treated to prevent the fixture from

corroding and to protect the finish.

Architectural Fixture: Refers to built-in fixtures in a residence or building, like recessed lighting

in the ceiling or strip lights in a cove.

Art Deco: An industrial aesthetic used in lighting design that harkens back to the 1920s. Art

Deco is typified by geometric forms, lavish decoration and vivid, high-contrast colors.

Art Glass: These are glass creations individually produced by a glass artisan. Art glass may fuse

several types of glass or incorporate pigments and other types of materials to deliver one-of-a-

kind patterns.

Art Nouveau: A highly ornate style popular in early 20th Century art and architecture. Art

Nouveau lighting is typically characterized by intertwined organic forms like stems and flowers.

Ballast: an electrical device for fluorescent light sources that is typically located in the fixture.

The ballast provides the high initial current that starts the fluorescent lamp (called "striking an

arc") and then delivers the correct current to maintain the arc in the lamp. Ballasts must match

the lamp type and wattage to assure proper operation.

Bearings: Ceiling fan bearings separate the moving part of the motor from the housing around

it and reduce friction and wear. Ceiling fan bearings are precisely formed spheres of hard metal

or composite that revolve as the motor spins against them. High-quality bearings contribute to

quiet, vibration-free operation and long life.

Beveled Glass: Glass with edges that are cut to an angle to add depth and glitter.

Blade Pitch: The angle of the blades on a ceiling fan. This helps determine the efficiency of the

air movement produced by the ceiling fan.

Blade Sweep: Diameter of the ceiling fan, from blade tip to blade tip.

Blown Glass: Blowing glass permits a hollow form that is almost fully rounded, where the

opening at the bottom is smaller than the diameter. Hand blown glass is created by artisans

who blow air into a molten "balloon" of glass. The artisan's skill determines the shape and

texture of the outcome. Expect the small variations in form that distinguish hand-made

materials.

Brass: An alloy of zinc and copper. Brass forms and polishes easily, but unless it's protected by a

lacquer finish, it will tarnish. Solid brass means the fixture is made entirely of brass, rather than

a brass-plated metal.

Cased glass: Glass with a layer of clear glass fused to a layer of opal (or other tinted) glass.

Chrome: Chrome takes a high-lustrous polish. It is plated to steel to make flat parts and to brass

or bronze for cast parts. A softly brushed chrome finish simulates stainless steel.

Circuit: A closed path of electricity. A circuit in the home includes a breaker or fuse, the wiring,

and the load.

Circuit Breaker: A circuit breaker (or fuse) protects a circuit from being overloaded.

Color Rendering: The presence or absence of color in a light source, which determines how it

renders light. Therefore, two sources of the same color temperature will render objects

differently, depending on the spectrum of color that makes up each source. For example, colors

appear different under a "cool white" fluorescent than they do outdoors at five in the

afternoon, although the color temperature is similar.

Color Rendering Index (CRI): Measures how well a lamp illuminates an object's color tones. The

index runs from 0 to 100 and a perfect 100 score is daylight.

Color Temperature: Refers to how "warm" (reddish) or cool (bluish) a tint of white appears.

Color temperature is a number that quantifies the appearance of light with the terms "warm"

and "cool," which refer to subjective experiences like a warm flame or a cool winter sky. Color

temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin.

Contemporary: Contemporary design refers to products designed to be of the current time. As

current styles change, contemporary design sometimes becomes less "modern" in feel. Like

fashion in clothing, fashion in lighting (and all home furnishings) is cyclical.

Crystal: Clear glass.

Decorative Lighting: Lighting that is designed to be a focal point, adding a festive sparkle and

appealing glow to a room to enhance décor. Functional lighting can also be decorative.

Diffusion: Tinted and gently textured materials, such as cloth shades and specialty glass.

Diffusion softens light by spreading it out, making it more comfortable.

Downlight: When illumination is projected down toward the ground.

Downrod: The ceiling fan downrod is the pipe that suspends the fan from the ceiling box. Most

fans include a very short downrod, but other lengths and extenders are available so you can

hang the fan at the desired height.

Efficiency: Relates light output (lumens) to the electric power required to produce it (watts).

Measured as lumens per watt. Light source efficiency is the best measure of the lifecycle cost.

Etched Glass: Etched glass is bathed in acid, which eats the surface to produce a light diffusing

texture.

European: Refers to traditional lighting styles that are elaborate, "heavy" in appearance and

crafted of fine materials like crystal, alabaster and bronze.

Finish: The way a fixture is polished, painted, lacquered or chemically treated.

Fluorescent: Light source that creates light through a 3-step process. First, the lamp generates

an arc (electric current through gas). Then, the arc stimulates the gas inside the tube, which

emits ultraviolet energy. This in turn stimulates a phosphor coating insure the lamp.

Fluorescent lights create light very efficiently and last a long time (up to 30,000 hours), thus

dominating commercial, industrial and institutional applications. Due to improvements in color

rendering, fluorescent sources are becoming more popular in homes.

Foot-candles: A measurement of how much light falls on a surface. One lumen of light falling on

one square foot equals a single foot-candle.

Halogen: Type of incandescent lighting offering longer life, higher efficiency and a whiter light.

The lamp contains halogen gas that recycles tungsten, helping to keep the bulb clean and

maintain lumen output.

Incandescent: The most common source of light. Incandescent bulbs create illumination by

causing a filament to glow by heating it with electricity.

Junction Box: A metal or plastic enclosure in which wires are joined or spliced. Surface-

mounted fixtures attach to junction boxes. Junction boxes must be accessible.

Lead Crystal: Crystal that contains at least 24% lead oxide. The lead content softens the glass,

permitting very precise cutting and smooth polishing. Fine lead crystal–hand-cut, sharply

faceted, pure and highly polished–refracts light with brilliance and clarity.

LED: Stands for Light Emitting Diode, a form of solid state lighting that is at the leading edge of

evolving lighting technology. Known for longevity and versatility, companies are also starting to

produce A bulb-shaped LED bulbs for residential applications.

Light Kit: Ceiling fan light kits are accessories that attach to the bottom of a fan, providing a

choice of lighting options.

Line Voltage Bulb (or lamp): Operates directly off the household current at the North American

standard of 120 volts. Most incandescent light sources for general and decorative lighting are

line voltage. Available in 120 volt or 130 volt. The latter is typically used in commercial

applications. You can dim line voltage bulbs lights with basic, inexpensive dimmers.

Low Voltage Bulb (or lamp): Operates at a reduced voltage, most often at 12 volts. A

transformer is required as part of the fixture or the current to change the 120 volt household

current to the lower 12 volts. The chief benefit is the ability to make the light source very small

and deliver a precise beam of light. Low voltage systems are most often used in accent and

landscape lighting.

Lumens: The raw quantity of light given by a light source. All common electrical sources are

rated in lumens.

Mission: Lighting style defined by simple, geometric angles and handcrafted elements. Mission

style is an outgrowth of the Arts & Crafts movement.

Modern: Modern light fixtures tend to have clean lines, forms that follow the intended function

and new materials. Many of the fixtures we think of as modern have their inspiration in the

International Style of the 1930s-1950s.

Motor: The heart of every ceiling fan is its motor. An electric motor converts electric energy

into mechanical energy into mechanical energy or motion. Most fan motors can be reversed to

change the airflow pattern. The quality of a ceiling fan is heavily determined by the quality of

the motor. There are 2 types of fan motors. The most common is called a "pancake" due to its

flat shape. Pancake motors are described by size: diameter x height. "Stacked" motors with a

more elaborate construction are used in some premium fans.

Opal Glass: Opal glass is tinted white throughout and has a milky white translucence that

diffuses light.

Oxidized: Rusted.

PAR Lamps: Parabolic-shaped hard glass with an aluminized coating and a molded glass lens.

Low voltage PAR lamps are popular for sophisticated accent lighting and landscape lighting.

Their thick glass makes them ideal for outdoor use.

Patina: The natural and beautiful effect of age or exposure to the elements. Patina can be

simulated by any of the antiquing processes.

Pin-Based Lamp: Type of compact fluorescent light bulb in which the ballast is separated from

the bulb and housed in the fixture.

Reflectance: The quality of surfaces that determines how much light is reflected. Reflectance is

shown as a percentage. A black painted surface, for example, reflects less than 5% of the light

striking it, whereas white paint reflects up to 90%.

Reflectorized Lamps: Light bulbs that have a glass envelope shaped and finished to direct light

into a beam. Primarily used for accent and task lighting, as well as in high ceilings.

Sand Blasted Glass: Glass diffused with a light texture that is coarser than etching. Bead

blasting abrades the surface of the glass with larger particles for a still rougher texture.

Scavo Glass: Glass that is "antiqued" by applying hot abrasives to create a roughly textured

finish that suggests great age.

Sconce: A wall-mounted light fixture.

Screw-Based Lamps: Type of bulb with a screw-on base, compatible with most fixtures. Many

compact fluorescent and LED bulbs have screw bases so they can fit in light fixtures designed to

accept incandescent bulbs.

Seeded Glass: Seeded glass has tiny air bubbles in it that refract the light to create visual

interest. Seeded glass can often have an antiqued look because old glass often had impurities in

it.

Task Lighting: Provides the higher level of localized light needed for specific visual activities,

such as reading, hobbies, workshop repairs, sewing, grooming and food preparation.

Tiffany: Lighting designs with brightly colored glass or other material forming a mosaic pattern.

Tiffany lighting was named for renowned American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Tinted Glass: Tinted glass is pigmented, like opal glass. This produces color throughout that will

not chip or peel.

Traditional: Traditional light fixtures have origins in a specific historical period. In North

America, traditional light fixtures most often reflect styles from the 18th and 19th centuries,

themselves inspired by Greek and Roman design.

Transformer: Device that is required to convert one level of voltage to another.

Transitional: Transitional light fixtures are compatible with a number of décor styles, from

traditional to contemporary.

Uplight: When illumination is projected up toward the ceiling.

Voltage: Measures the electrical "pressure" that creates a current. Electric utilities distribute

power efficiently over long distances at high voltage. Transformers reduce the voltage to safe

and practical levels for household use. Most lighting and household appliances operate at 110-

120 volts. Heavy appliances use 220-240 volts. Low voltage is defined as less than 30 volts.

Most low voltage lighting operates at 12 volts.

Voltage Drop: A negative effect that occurs as an electrical current travels over extensive

lengths of relatively small conductors. Voltage drop will dim the lights at the end of the wiring

compared to the rest of the circuit.

Wall Lighting: Light directed onto vertical surfaces that has the ability to make a room seem

larger. Also sometimes called "wall washing," this technique can help bring textures to life or

illuminate a group of paintings.

Watts: The power required to operate electric lighting is measured in watts. The wattage of a

light bulb does not tell you how much light it produces. Instead, wattage refers to how much

power the light will consume and therefore how expensive it will be to operate.

Art Deco and Art Nouveau Lighting 101

Art Deco is a style that originated in the early 20th Century, although it was most prominent in

the 1920s and 30s. During this time, there was an increased fascination with archaeology and

artifacts uncovered during excavations influenced artists and designers in a major way.

Characterized by the "modernization" of artistic themes from the past, Art Deco style contains

fascinating remnants from ancient Greek, Egyptian and Aztec styles. Art deco lighting often

contains elements like zigzag lines, jumbled forms and geometric shapes. These bold and

abstract designs represented a sharp break from the more "natural" Art Nouveau style that was

prominent before Art Deco style took off.

Another influence on Art Deco style was technology. Many Art Deco lighting designs have an

"industrial" feel, with sharp silhouettes influenced by the distinctive lines seen in the period's

"hot rod" cars and airplanes. The style saw a strong resurgence in

the 1960s, where it had an influence on "modern" artistic

movements; one of the most popular of these was Andy Warhol's

"Pop Art" style.

Many of today's celebrated lighting designers relish in creating Art

Deco lighting collections. The Americana feel and clean lines seen

in Art Deco lighting are both modern and timeless. Because of

these qualities, Art Deco style lighting also tends to be very

versatile.

Although Art Deco style is a mash-up of several unique style elements, all Art Deco lighting

pieces reflect a certain Old Hollywood glamour that enhances modern spaces with ease!

Quoizel, Troy Lighting and Uttermost are top brands for Art Deco lighting.

Art Nouveau style lighting is a fascinating design aesthetic with roots in the early 20th Century

Art Nouveau (or "New Art") movement. Characterized by a break from traditional or

"academic" art of the 19th century, Art Nouveau style encompasses some of the most ornate

and vibrant art, architecture and furnishing styles.

It is widely believed that Art Nouveau style was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and the

influx of mass-produced goods. Art Nouveau pieces showcased the highest level of

craftsmanship and design, inspired heavily by nature. New technologies during this time also

helped designers create ornate lighting designs.

Since the popularity of Art Nouveau coincided with the proliferation of the electric bulb, cloth

shades and translucent materials like alabaster became popular to soften the bulb's glare.

Other characteristics of Art Nouveau style lighting

Unique Materials: Hand-blown glass, semi-precious stones, Tiffany mosaics, animal

horns, etc.

Whimsical Curves: Rhythmic, "non-uniform" curves mimic the beautiful lines found in

vines, flowers, and other natural elements.

Organic Subject Matter: Art Nouveau lighting often incorporates florals, vines, birds,

branches and other natural imagery.

Art Nouveau lighting could be a perfect fit in your home if your décor is vintage or

internationally inspired. Choose an Art Nouveau chandelier as a focal point in your dining room

and you're sure to wow your houseguests for years to come.

Elk, Quoizel and Savoy House are top brands for Art Nouveau lighting.

Asian Lighting 101

Asian is a broad term often used to describe home décor and furnishings with a certain calming,

Zen-like vibe. The most recognizable styles within the category are Chinese and Japanese styles,

both of which are fascinating aesthetics, but with few similarities. Chinese-inspired interiors are

typically characterized by bold colors, glossy surfaces and cultural design motifs (for example,

dragons). Most of what we consider Asian style lighting is Japanese in influence.

The simple, uncomplicated designs and natural materials that typically define Japanese interior

design have been adapted into lighting design too. Asian style

lighting is one of today's hottest trends and has many similarities

to what we consider modern or contemporary lighting. Because

of its versatility and feng shui-friendliness, it's no wonder more

and more homeowners are gravitating toward Asian style

lighting!

Some of the most common design elements in Asian style

lighting include:

Clean, harmonious lines

Use of natural materials (like bamboo, stone or natural

fibers)

Natural, earthy hues

Silken fabric or rice paper shades or warm

amber glass

If you're looking to update your home's design with

a style that is both timeless and memorable, Asian

style lighting could be perfect for you. In the dining

room or living room, an Asian-inspired chandelier

can be instrumental in defining the style of the

space. From there, keep your decorations simple

and clean with pops of color (like a red rug or a

unique souvenir from an Asian trip, perhaps) to

keep things interesting.

You can complement your Asian design scheme

with scented candles or fragrance diffusers for a truly soothing ambience.

George Kovacs, Varaluz and Savoy House are top brands for Asian-style lighting.

Coastal and Nautical Lighting 101

Whether you have retired to a beach community, own a special vacation home or want to

create a coastal paradise in the suburbs, proper lighting is key to creating a peaceful, serene

seaside effect! Coastal lighting is rising dramatically in popularity and widely available.

If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to bring rustic elements indoors or just seeking a coastal-

yet-modern look, there is a coastal lighting style for you. When you're shopping for coastal

lighting, look for these features:

Nautical Elements. Many coastal lighting styles feature nautical looks: clean, simple lines

combined with rust or metallic finishes. If it makes you think of a submarine or a

lighthouse, it has nautical elements. From outdoor lighting to mini pendant designs,

nautical-inspired styles always work well in coastal homes. Lanterns are also a common

coastal design standby.

Shells and Natural Materials. The natural beauty of shells and stone are used more and

more frequently in lighting design, producing absolutely stunning results. Capiz shells

are an especially common element used in coastal lighting and it's easy to see why: their

beautiful, iridescent hues lend themselves well to providing decoration and illumination.

When genuine capiz shells are used, that means each piece is unique and features a

handcrafted appeal. Other coastal materials used in lighting include coral, rattan, rope

and wood.

Tropical Fans. Indoor and outdoor ceiling fans with oversized blades, often palm-shaped

or made of wicker, provide an easygoing touch and an ocean breeze on demand! These

help keep any home comfortable and can even reduce your air conditioning bill.

With a couple of key coastal lighting pieces in your home, you can truly transform your space

into a seafaring paradise!

Nautical lighting has many appeals: maybe it’s the simple, comfortable lines or the timeless

design elements and finishes. Whatever the reason, nautical lighting has risen dramatically in

popularity and is more widely available than ever before. A wonderful complement to both

traditional and contemporary settings, nautical lighting lends a maritime flair that is certain to

enhance any interior or outdoor space.

Nautical lighting is typically defined by the following design elements:

Metallic finishes, particularly antique-style finishes like pewter or copper

Clean, simple lines

Lantern-inspired styling

Exposed bulbs

Nautical lighting has always been a wonderful choice for ocean-side homes, vacation getaways

or yachts, but it's also making its way into trendy homes thousands of miles away from the

water. If you're keen on the nautical look, here are some ideas for incorporating this aesthetic

into your space:

Bath Lights

Add charm to your bathroom with nautical bath lighting. Supplement your vanity lighting with a

nautical ceiling light or wall light to fill in the space. These work great in the shower, too, but be

sure to check your local codes before installing and ensure the lights you want can be installed

in wet areas.

Chandeliers

If your living room or dining room décor is eclectic, a nautical style chandelier could make a

wonderful statement in your home.

Lamps

Looking for a no-fuss way to spruce up any space with some nautical charm? Try adding a table

lamp.

Mini Pendants

Popular nautical mini pendant styles include triangular shades with exposed bulbs, lanterns or

glass shades with a simple cage. Try hanging two or three over your kitchen island for a chic

look.

Nautical style lighting is sure to make a warm, inviting statement in your home for years.

Country Lighting 101

If you have a quaint country home or cottage, outfitting it with beautiful and harmonious

country style lighting can be a fun and rewarding task! Thanks to today's resurgence of antique-

inspired rustic pieces, it's easier than ever to find country lighting to complement your home.

Here are some country lighting ideas to inspire

you!

Weathered Finishes. Distressed finishes

add character to light fixtures and decor,

offering a touch of antique charm that is

perfect for creating a country lighting

scheme! Look for words like "rust,"

"patina," "old," "antique" and

"weathered" in the finish. These terms all

suggest the trendy antiqued look.

Hand-Painted Designs. Many country

lighting fixtures and decor pieces feature

colorful hand-painted patterns and

designs, which recall the beauty and

workmanship of simpler times.

The "Gas Lantern" Look. For country

lighting, the antique "gas lantern" look is

one of today's hottest outdoor trends. To

get a truly authentic look, choose a vintage-inspired outdoor light and use a "flicker"

light bulb designed to mimic the look of gas lanterns. Some enterprising country decor

lovers are also bringing outdoor lighting fixtures indoors.

Nostalgic Accents. From antique crystal to weathervane designs in the framework,

vintage-inspired accents add the unique, whimsical touches that take any country

lighting scheme to the next level and bring in a touch of glamour. Or how about

choosing a chandelier that looks as if it's made from deer antlers?

Top brands for country lighting include Feiss, Savoy House and Troy.

Crystal Lighting 101

For centuries, the crystal chandelier has been a symbol of elegance, class and status. Named for

the Greek word for ice--"krystallos"--crystal lighting possesses an ethereal beauty that has

enchanted mankind throughout the ages.

Crystal lighting dates back to the 16th century, when gem cutters in Milan began cutting rock

crystal (clear quartz) into pendants, rosettes and drops to adorn the metal chandeliers that

were prominent at the time. The gilt metal crystal chandelier decorated with rock crystals soon

became the epitome of luxury, a must-have for Europe's most illustrious palaces and chateaus.

Many traditional crystal lighting styles are still prominent today. However, crystal lighting has

evolved to include many applications and highly modern styles. Heavy crystal chandeliers can

overpower smaller spaces, but thanks to the emergence of crystal ceiling lights, mini

chandeliers and sconces, anyone can add the sparkle

and pizzazz of crystal to their homes.

Crystal lighting is a timeless choice, adding glamour and

visual interest to any space! It is also more affordable

than ever.

If you’re dreaming of a crystal chandelier, follow these

guidelines to choose one that you’ll want to show off

for years.

European vs. Standard: Aside from the price tag,

the main factors that define a European crystal

chandelier are the quality of the materials and

the workmanship. European crystal is cut with lead, which enhances the brilliance of

each crystal. (The amount of lead used is not enough to make you sick, so you do not

need to worry.) European fixtures are often plated with high-quality materials like

bronze or even gold. If you're looking for the best of the best, a European crystal

chandelier may just be perfect for you.

Choosing a Size: Crystal chandeliers are no longer limited to the huge and heavy variety.

There is a wealth of sizes available to suit different lifestyles. Try a crystal mini

chandelier for adding sparkle to smaller spaces.

Choosing a Style: Although traditional crystal chandeliers are still the most prevalent,

contemporary crystal styles are quickly making their way into trendy homes

everywhere. If you're craving crystal but love the clean lines of modern design, consider

a contemporary crystal chandelier or even a crystal pendant.

Remember: Crystal chandeliers in general tend to be very formal in tone and work best as focal

points in more formal rooms. For more informal areas in the home, a slightly more casual piece

like a crystal accent pendant or sconce may work best.

Schonbek, Elk Lighting and Feiss are among the top brands for crystal lighting.

Mission Lighting 101

Although there are no clear-cut rules as to what defines Mission style lighting, one thing is

certain: this style works exceptionally well in both traditional and contemporary environments.

The clean, simple lines and natural hues generally seen in Mission style lighting have roots in

the Arts & Crafts design movement and are inspired by the famous architecture style of Frank

Lloyd Wright. There's also a dash of Spanish inspiration in Mission style decor, an influence

drawn from the many mission churches of Southern

California and their iconic style.

Mission style lighting often incorporates the following

elements:

Straight, angular lines

Bronze or brown finishes

Amber-tinted glass or specialty art glass

Use of hearty, warm wood

Spanish and Art Deco inspirations

Of course, a wealth of variations and interpretations

exist. In Mission lighting, geometric form suggests

modern style, while the warm, inviting colors and

materials recall lighting designs of the past. Thus, the Mission style harmonizes easily with a

range of surroundings. Their timeless, no-fuss looks are perfect for casual homes.

Landmark, Feiss and The Great Outdoors are top brands for Mission lighting.

Modern and Contemporary Style 101

What exactly defines modern lighting often varies from person to person. But there are a few

general tenets that many people can agree on: clean lines, simplicity, functionality, innovation

and often the use of chrome or other metals. Of course, modern design is sometimes all about

breaking the rules. Some modern lighting looks more like a sculpture and has many different

intricate elements. Some modern lighting breaks the fixture down to little more than the very

basic pieces: base, stem, bulb.

Some modern lighting is

monochromatic while other

fixtures are explosions of

color.

Modern design actually

harkens all the way back to the

1930s, to the times of Frank

Lloyd Wright and his guiding

philosophy of form follows

function. However, modern is

an enduring style of décor and

is still very popular all these

years later because of those

above tenets, especially the

idea of innovation. If you’re

thinking of adding modern

lighting fixtures to your home, they will fit in well if much of your décor is already clean and

contemporary. You can also find modern lights to suit any illumination need you have, big or

small!

General hallmarks of modern and contemporary style

Clean, simple lines. A lot of modern indoor lighting tends to be minimalist in

appearance. Think uncluttered, streamlined and versatile: the bulbs, the base and not

much else.

Abstract or asymmetrical silhouettes. Some of today's bolder lighting designs are, in

essence, contemporary sculptures with a practical use. These pieces contain intriguing,

bold elements often seen in modern art.

Unique splashes of color. Specialty art glass is very popular in contemporary indoor

lighting, particularly in mini pendant and bath light designs. Many of these glass pieces

are hand-crafted so each piece looks slightly different.

Chrome, nickel or silver finishes. These sleek finishes work particularly well with stainless

appliances or fixtures. Lighting with brushed silver or nickel finishes will offer a seamless

look! In modern bathrooms, many people match the finish of their lights to the finish of

their hardware (faucet, drawer handles and so on).

Ceiling Lights

Sure, you can get modern ceiling lights that are basically naught but bulbs inside a simple glass

dome. Those could be perfect for your room. But modern ceiling lights also include ones that

are studded with ‘bling,’ remixes of the chandelier, gold puffs of aluminum, collections of orbs

shaped like molecules and more! For flush or semi-flush applications, modern ceiling lights

provide a great source of ambient light.

Chandeliers

Many modern chandeliers are typified by clean lines and the use of metals, but they tend to

look at least somewhat similar to their more traditional brethren. However, some of them

break the rules and create innovative new silhouettes.

Lamps

Clean and functional, modern lamps make the perfect addition to a room in need of more

accent or task lighting, but some lamps also add pops of bright color or unique structure to your

room.

Pendants

Modern pendant lights are available in all sizes and shapes. Many of them make the light bulbs

a central part of the fixture. Colorful modern pendants suit a contemporary space well. There is

also a subset of modern pendants that are thoroughly inventive and unique.

Sconces

Modern wall sconces are a great way to boost up the lighting in a room and keep the décor

theme going. Simplicity generally reigns when it comes to many modern sconces: a metallic

finish, a bulb in frosted glass and that is it, although that’s not the case for every single modern

sconce.

Modern Brands

If modern design style speaks to you, some brands to look for in lighting include George Kovacs,

Access Lighting, Varaluz, Sonneman and Fredrick Ramond, although many other brands also

offer some modern styles as well.

Natural and Organic Style Lighting 101

A major emerging trend in lighting design is natural and organic style lighting: that is, lighting

that is light and earthy in feel and that may be made from organic materials. With today's heavy

focus on green living and the prominence of more

casual, contemporary design, it's easy to see why

natural style lighting is gaining popularity.

While natural and organic lighting is somewhat loosely

defined, it usually contains one or more of the

following characteristics:

Use of earth tones or neutral colors

Art Nouveau influence (that is, floral or natural

designs)

Use of fabrics like rattan or linen

A rugged, "unfinished" look

Use of recycled, reclaimed or sustainable materials like shells, rope, wood, glass and so

on

Natural and organic style lighting is so popular that some companies, like Varaluz, use only

recycled and reclaimed materials in their designs. Today, a plethora of natural style lighting

designs are available to add a breezy, cheerful style to your home!

Some tips on using natural and organic lighting:

Make the most of the sunlight in your home and then use natural style lighting as a

supplement.

Use a natural style drum pendant over your breakfast area for a modern and casual

look.

Complement your natural style lighting with flowing curtains. Linen works particularly

well and helps maximize the natural light.

Tiffany Lighting 101

Tiffany lamps, with their beautiful and colorful designs, are famous for their classical elegance.

But how was the Tiffany style born and how did it get to where it is today?

It all starts with Louis Comfort Tiffany, the son of the man who founded the famous Tiffany

jewelry company. The younger Tiffany did not follow in his father’s footsteps from the start,

though. He began as a painter, but he took an interest in glassmaking in the 1870s and started

working in glasshouses. His dad’s money did come in handy when he started a firm along with

three other American artists.

His firm started designing interiors in New York, turning heads in high society, and soon he was

designing the Mark Twain House in Connecticut. He also landed possibly the biggest client in all

of America: President Chester A. Arthur, who flatly refused to move into the White House in

1882 until it was redecorated because he found that the residence looked bland and dull. The

president picked Tiffany to revamp the White House’s state rooms. He worked on the State

Dining Room, the Entrance Hall, the East Room, the Red Room and the Blue Room. The work

was extensive, involving refurnishing, repainting, putting in wallpaper, installing mantelpieces

and adding Tiffany glass details.

But soon Tiffany decided to concentrate on art in glass and he broke away to create his own

glassmaking firm: the Tiffany Glass Company, later Tiffany Studios. This move towards

independence was inspired in part by the fact that Tiffany used cheap materials like jars and

bottles to craft his glass since they had the mineral impurities he wanted. However, not too

many fine glassmakers enjoyed this tactic, so he

decided to strike out on his own.

In the late 1800s, Tiffany built a factory in Queens,

trademarked the term Favrile to describe his products

and then started making commercially-produced

lamps in about 1895. When the Queens factory was at

its peak, more than 300 artisans worked there,

including many single women who were integral in

designing many of the floral patterns on Tiffany

lamps.

In 1902, the younger Tiffany became a design director

for his dad’s jewelry company. Nine years later, a magnificent Tiffany glass curtain was installed

in the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Mexico. Many consider this a masterpiece.

Tiffany won many awards for his work at exhibitions in the early 1900s. He also became a

Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in France—which requires 25 years of professional activity, a

flawless performance of one’s trade and being creative and supportive of others—in 1900. Over

the course of his life, he married twice and had eight children: six girls and two boys. He died in

1933 at age 84.

Tiffany glass windows are on display at many different churches around America, including in

Boston, Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago, Baltimore and New Orleans. To see some large

collections of Tiffany works, go to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Winter

Park, Florida), the Queens Museum of Art (Queens, New York), the Montreal Museum of Fine

Art (Montreal, Canada), the American Church in Paris (Paris, France), the Haworth Art Gallery

(Accrington, England) or bring some artful Tiffany to your own home!

You can add a touch of Tiffany to any space: desks and tables, walls, outside your home,

suspended from the ceiling—the possibilities are nearly endless. Table lamps are the most

common Tiffany products, but we sell a wide variety of Tiffany fixtures from Quoizel and

Landmark.

Many genuine Tiffany items are mistakenly thought to be fake due to a common

misconception. Tiffany fixtures sound like plastic if you tap them with your finger, even though

genuine Tiffany products are glass. That’s because Tiffany invented a process of wrapping his

pieces of stained glass in a piece of paper covered in copper foil. The foil and paper deaden the

sound you would normally hear when tapping on glass. If you’d like to hear the proper glass

tone, tap the lamp gently with a fork instead. Other ways to spot real versus fake Tiffany

products: real Tiffany features more brilliant and deeper color, especially when lit. Also, plastic

is lighter than glass in terms of weight, regardless of how it sounds when you tap it.

Cleaning your Tiffany products is especially important for making sure they stay as beautiful as

possible. If they have stained glass, art glass or jadestone, don’t use chemicals, especially not

ammonia. Use a lemon oil-based furniture polish on a soft cloth, then wipe gently. If the Tiffany

fixture has beveled or transparent glass, use a glass cleaner like Windex on a soft cloth or a

feather duster.

If you’re ready to add Tiffany touches to your home, Quoizel and Landmark offer many Tiffany

products.

Traditional and European Style 101

Traditional style lighting and design has staying power. When you buy a traditional lighting

fixture, it’s going to last a long time and it will never go out of style. Sure, some design fads

come and go, but traditional pieces will always be elegant and sophisticated. But what exactly

defines traditional style?

Traditional is inspired by the past, mainly the decorating and design styles of the 18th and 19th

centuries. However, the way people designed and decorated in those times was, in itself,

inspired by ancient Greek and Roman décor. So, when you choose traditional style, you’re

actually choosing something inspired by thousands of years of well-crafted, timeless design.

You’ll see traditional style in America’s finest and grandest homes, including the Biltmore Estate

in North Carolina, where Elk Lighting products are featured.

Look for aspects like ornate crafting and elaborate detail when you shop for traditional.

Chandeliers are a uniquely noticeable part of traditional style design, especially ones festooned

with crystals. Bronze, brass and gold are commonly-used materials in traditional décor, not

sleek metals like chrome or nickel. Many traditional light fixtures also feature candle covers or

bulbs styled like candles for another nod to the bygone methods of illumination. For traditional

lamps, look for ones with plain lampshades in ivory or white. You can also find many traditional

products with floral patterns to fit your style preferences.

Traditional design is calm, orderly and comfortable. It’s best in a traditional space to pair things:

pairs of chairs, pairs of tables, pairs of matching table lights or wall sconces. Oriental rugs,

available from Surya, are also a must-have for

traditional rooms.

Savoy House, Elk Lighting and Hudson Valley are

top brands for traditional-style lighting.

Now think about the stately royal palaces that

dot Europe to this day: they all feature cavernous

rooms decorated with ornate furniture and

beautiful, decadent lighting. If you want to bring

a touch of royalty to your home, using European

style lighting is a great way to do just that. After

all, your home is a castle, right?

Some of the hallmarks of European style include

the use of fine crystal, marble, alabaster and

shining brass finishes. Intricate detailing, multiple

layers of structure and ornamentation on lighting

fixtures are also common.

European style takes the basic tenets of traditional style, but adds elegant flourishes whenever

possible for a high-class distinction. With European style lighting, you will get an eye-catching

fixture that is sure to start conversations.

European style lighting also includes the internationally renowned Schonbek, which has been

crafting beautiful chandeliers, ceiling lights, wall lights and bathroom lighting solutions, all

adorned with fine crystal, since 1870. Schonbek got its start in the present-day Czech Republic

and its products can be found in Buckingham Palace.

Chandeliers are a great way to bring European luxury into your home, but what if you’d prefer

something smaller? There are mini chandeliers that look just like their elegant full-size

counterparts, including smaller choices from Schonbek. Ceiling lights, whether flush or semi-

flush mount, can also bring ornate design and sparkle to a room. Pendants and wall sconces are

another top option for infusing any space with elegance.

Transitional Lighting Basics

The transitional lighting style is extremely versatile and widespread, yet you might not know

what it even is or how to define it! That’s alright because now you’ll find out, so you will soon

be an expert at finding transitional pieces—and they might just be perfect for your home.

Transitional style is sometimes also known as “classic with a contemporary twist,” “updated

classic” or “new takes on old classics,” though it usually goes by the easier-to-remember name

of transitional. Basically, it is the midway point between traditional and modern styles.

Transitional pieces are less ornate than their traditional counterparts, but not as streamlined

and out-of-the-box as modern fixtures. They combine the best of both worlds for a clean,

comfortable, contemporary look.

Transitional fixtures are simple yet sophisticated,

minimalistic and practical. Neutral colors are very

commonly used, though wood (in light and dark washes) is

also a hallmark of transitional design. Use a few different

neutral tones together to craft a beautifully transitional

room.

Fabric finishes, oft-used in many transitional applications

such as lighting, will also bring a comfortable feel to your

space. You may also see stone or granite in transitional design. Straight lines and simpler curves

define the design as well. For frames of reference, some known furnishing styles that fit the

transitional label include Shaker, Mission and Asian.

Transitional rooms often have a little touch of accent décor, but don’t go overboard: keep it

simple and uncluttered. The basic mission of transitional is to create a warm, light-filled feeling.

“Transitional is a clean line that would blend with anything,” says Michelle Plumley, showroom

manager for Progressive Lighting. “[Transitional is for] those people who choose to streamline

their furniture, or those who tend to be more eclectic and blend old with new. [They] tend to

choose a fixture that would work with anything. That is transitional.”

So if you don’t feel like a good fit for ornate traditional pieces, but don’t really like the way

modern fixtures look either, you could find your perfect match under the transitional umbrella.

Feiss, Savoy House and Quoizel are top brands for transitional style lighting.

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