What are Tiffany Lamps?

Tiffany lamps, or stained glass lamps, are made in the style of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Known for their lampshades made of brightly colored glass soldered with copper foil and whimsical bases, Tiffany lamps have made their way into many homes. Usually used as accent pieces, you can find Tiffany floor lamps, wall sconces, and chandelier shades. Read on to learn about the history and styles of Tiffany lampshades and bases.

The History of Tiffany Lamps

Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), artist and son of the founder of Tiffany and Co., wanted to bring decorative art to the same level as fine art. He began using bits of glass leftover from his stained glass window projects to craft striking lamps. Tiffany developed a process of creating glass that allowed for bolder colors, opalescence, and a wider range of textures in his lamps. The bases for Tiffany lamps were highly detailed sculptures made of bronze. Tiffany used copper foil to solder the shade together as it is both lightweight and strong. Dubbed too ornate during the 1930s and 40s, Tiffany style lamps are enjoying a renewed popularity.

Different Styles of Tiffany Lamps

Louis Comfort Tiffany was a man of endless creativity and he made a wide variety of lamp designs that can accent almost any decor:

• Favrile - Typically associated with the first Tiffany lamps made by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself, Favrile lamps are simple blown forms. Favrile means handcrafted.
• Geometric - Geometric shades have standard geometric shapes fitted together with the copper foil. These Tiffany style lamps can be made of a large number of small glass pieces or a small number of large glass pieces.
• Transition to Flowers - Basic geometric designs and botanical motifs categorize the transition to flowers Tiffany lamps. The detailing can either be scattered throughout the lamps or arranged in borders or belts around the lamps.
• Flowered Cone - Cone shaped Tiffany shade that is top to bottom flower patterns held together with copper foil.
• Flowered Globe - Solid flower patterns like the shade above, but globe shaped Tiffany shade.
• Irregular Upper and Lower Borders - The borders of these shades are openwork designs that simulate trees and bushes.
• Irregular Lower Border - Only the bottom of this Tiffany shade is irregularly shaped.

Although most people think of very ornate lamps when they think of Tiffany, you could use a Favrile or geometric lamp in a modern home. Flowered or nature themed Tiffany lamps fit great in homes with an old-world, shabby chic, or rustic decor. With pleasant light and striking shades and bases, Tiffany styles lamps are sure to make an impact on your design.