The Art Deco lamp traces its roots to the mid-1920s. The term “Art Deco” originates from an art exhibition in Paris, at Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in 1925. Art Deco was essentially a modern interpretation of the preceding movement, Art Nouveau. As a result, the naturalistic, rounded themes of Art Nouveau were replaced with geometric, angular, and mechanical motifs, featuring more linear elements. From 1925 until 1939, this stylistic change found its way into many designs, including lamps.
An Art Deco lamp typically displays a very simplistic theme. The traditional materials that were used were wrought iron, chrome, steel, and bronze. Many of these lamps appear to be made with only a single element and sport a sleek, futuristic style that continues to enhance rooms to this day. Both colored and frosted glass were extensively used in Art Deco lamp shades, along with metallic designs, replacing traditional fabric shades.
Often abstract in appearance, Art Deco lamps frequently utilize angular and parallel lines and sometimes resemble fountains or sunbursts. Another innovation during this period, the Anglepoise lamp, remains in use to this day. It is characterized by its highly functional, balanced-arm design, which makes it perfectly suited for tables and desktops.
Art Deco floor lamps, often known as torchieres, focus the light upwards for a softer, ambient glow, and many of these are often very tall. Wall sconces of this period adopted a similar role for effective accent lighting, while, depending upon the design, adding a futuristic look to an otherwise traditional room.
Even the chandelier was fashioned in Art Deco mode and styles ranged from those that resembled a wedding cake to creations more in the shape of a set of pistons. These can still be found today hanging over kitchen islands or dining room tables.
Notable manufacturers of the period included the Markel Company of Buffalo, NY, Frenchmen Edgar Brandt and Muller Frères, and Maison Desny, especially well known for their fine metallic lighting designs. Several Tiffany lamps fall within this classification. An Art Deco lamp from manufacturers such as these is not only functional but is a highly sought after collectible,
No mention of Art Deco lamps would be complete, of course, without including the sensuality that was often displayed in nude forms gracing many of the lamp bases. It has long been believed that the inspiration for this aspect of the design came from the infamous Moulin Rouge in the Montmartre district of Paris.
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