Antique Lighting Lights My World
Living in an old house has made me more of a perfectionist than ever before. I can fight it all I want but I can’t win. I like things to go together. My favorite song from Sesame Street is “Which of these things go together, which of these things just doesn’t belong?”
So I am very aware of living in a 1910 house…and when I shop on eBay for items to use in the restoration I generally will type in 1910 whatever. That is how I found this amazing light fixture:
1910 Chandelier, original light covers
The fixture came out of a 1910 mansion in New Orleans. It was perfect for the hallway. Even the color of the glass shades matched my decor. I was in love immediately.
the coolest thing is several years after I bought this I was looking for a sconce to go on the back wall of the stair landing and I found one that matched this fixture perfectly, except without the bulb covers!
There are a couple of things I learned about by hunting for just the right antique lighting. For me it is more than ambiance – it is about accuracy. I am not going to be happy with a new light that kind of has an antique look to it. I want it to be authentic. So, my best advice is for you to know yourself. If you aren’t going to be happy with anything but the real McCoy then don’t buy a fake. Save up until you can afford the real thing. If you are o.k. with a reproduction then buy something you like how ever old or new it is.
Then, of course, read the comments about the seller. Make sure that they have a good rating. Make sure you understand what you are getting and the seller’s return policies. Read all the fine print and email with questions before bidding.
Antique lighting is often converted to electricity but it usually isn’t the same as putting up a new fixture. Even if you are an avid do-it-yourselfer you may want to just hire a professional for this job. Remember, you are dealing with a one of a kind light fixture and messing it up may mean you can’t replace it.
You can buy all kinds of vintage look bulbs, amber bulbs, or even candle flicker bulbs. I have those on the sconce on the back wall of the stairs because at night it makes it look like a gas lamp.
Antique houses call for antique lighting. At least I think so.
image: Marye Audet
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