Shedding Some Light on Antique Fixtures

Monday, April 5, 2010

"I think of accents, especially chandeliers, as jewelry for the home." -                                                 Solange  Azuzury Partridge

It seems that lighting is often overlooked when rooms are planned and designed, but for me lighting is one of the most important elements to consider when designing a room!  Lighting is not only a utilitarian element in the room, it is also great opportunity to make a statement and create some drama! 

I love vintage lighting and I know first hand how a beautiful old light fixture can transform an entire room! I first became introduced to period light fixtures when I began restoring historic homes about ten years ago.  Yes, in an old bungalow or a turn of the century victorian these antique lighting fixtures are right at home, but they are beautiful (and unexpected) in a newer home as well. Imagine the contrast of a crusty old light fixture in a modern, airy loft space - wow!

Love the idea of using vintage lighting fixtures but not sure where to find them?  Luckily, there are some great local shops that can help!  My picks for vintage lighting are:

1.  High Point Antiques - 3524 Broad St. 756-9566
2.  Estate of Confusion 301 E. Main St. 266-7846
3.  Architectural Exchange - 1300 McCallie Ave. 697-1243
4.  Ebay (Look in Antiques, Architectural & Garden and Collectibles, Lighting)
5.  Chattanooga Auction House 2423 Broad St. 266-6603
6.  Let Us Light Your World,  5110 Hixson Pike  877-8535 (they don't sell antique fixtures, but they can rewire your flea market and ebay finds for you )

Beautiful old pendant lights with milk glass shades illuminate my kitchen island. (Sorry the photo isn't "styled", this photo was taken as construction was nearing completion )


 Old pagoda chandelier adds a touch of chinoiserie style to the guest bedroom!


Beautiful gold leaf candle sconces




Love this empire crystal chandelier in a previous project




Antique brass sconces and chandelier in the master bath



New fixtures in a vintage style from Rejuvenation.  Looks like jadite.


Beautiful Rejuvenation lanterns illuminate a sparse, collected dining room







Love these simple vintage fixtures in Kathryn Ireland's kitchen (House Beautiful)


Old Empire style crystal chandelier, antique brass wall sconces and crystal candelabras make a set a formal tone in this dining room


Image from Baker, old French chandelier is a standout in this modern setting


Won't find this fixture at Home Depot!


Yes, you can paint an old chandelier in fresh, modern color.  Love this!



Seeing the light?





4 comments:

Kathysue said...

I have a lighting obsession. In my post today on my kitchen I have a 1930-40s vintage chandelier in my kitchen. I like a vintage look so it was perfect for this small kitchen re-do. Loved all of your images,Kathysue

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

What beautiful light fixtures, chandeliers and sconces. I love different styles of lighting. We have slowly been replacing the brass fixtures we put in back in 1995 when we built our house. Still have a few more upstairs to replace.

Marija said...

So many terrific lighting options here - but the one I love most is your master bath (that is yours, correct?!). Such a pretty space! Marija

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I just adore all of the beautiful fixtures you have featured! I am trying to add some new ones in my own home and would love to find some vintage fixtures!

Great post!

Enjoy!
Cathy