Different styles of glass lamp shades can be seen in homes of decor-conscious residents around the country. Glass shades are famous for their practical use as light in addition to their beauty that is amplified by the central light source. They are important “anchor pieces”, which are elements of decor that carry so much weight that they can be central pieces around which other decorative elements are added. For example, furniture sets or distinctive old antique cabinets can serve as anchor pieces.
A beaded lamp shade is one that is decorated extensively on the surface with beads. The shade material itself may be fabric but also common are glass lamp shades. The beads are added onto the surface with the help of adhesive cement. If the beads are made of glass, they provide additional sparkle when light passes through, much as stained glass shades change the character of the light coming from the bulb. Another place beads may be added is on the edge as trim.
However there is a problem with beaded lamp shades. Often times the beads will fall out of their sockets. Acquiring the help of a restorer is possible for restoring the beads to their proper locations. This can entail both finding new, matching beads, or removal of all existing beads and replacement with a new set. Another option is to go to a local craft store yourself and pick up some bead materials for self-repair. Again this can be light repair or extensive depending on whether the displaced beads are lost or not.
It is somewhat rare to find beads on antique shades like Tiffany styles. Louis Comfort Tiffany, a creative personality from the 1900s, was the genius behind the development of Tiffany lamp shades. He was a son of the entrepreneur who initiated the store of the same name that is scattered in areas around the globe currently. Tiffany was in charge of his own business. He took advantage of this fact to innovate profusely, aided by classical techniques in glass windows and migrating them to the new form.
Another type of shade that only occasionally has beads is the torchiere. The term torchiere brings up the image of a standing light with a single source of bulb on top. In many homes torchiere light shades are situated in areas that require soothing lighting. The shade is usually a broad cone opening toward the ceiling to direct the light across a wide area, which means the light shines softly evenly across the area.
A number of other beaded lamp shades are available in many shapes and sizes. The designs are given descriptive names, such as hurricane glass shades and gas lamp shades. The hurricane design has a distinctive profile, taller than wide, reminiscent of a vase. It meshes well with vaulted ceilings that can accommodate the high, slender profile of the hurricane. One other fascinating shade is the historical Victorian shade that was installed in many homes during Victorian England. The period saw the rise of gas lighting and therefore a increase in usage and production.
You may find more information on lamp shades. Niche resources on custom-made lamp shades are available.
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