A guide to arts and crafts lighting

The Arts and Crafts movement was inspired by John Ruskin, Walter Crane and William Morris, socialists and artisans who believed in the worker’s rights. It began in 1860, in England. Known as the Mission Style in the United States, it included Tiffany, Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright. The designs of the Arts and Crafts movement reflected in arts and crafts lighting, which were influenced by Islamic and medieval designs, and featured angular lines. This article provides you with a guide to arts and crafts lighting.

Table lights

Table lights in the English arts and crafts era were made up of copper and porcelain. One of the English craftsmen associated with the movement was W. A. S. Benson, who created table lights in the candlestick style for William Morris' arts and crafts designs, designs that often appeared in Morris fabric. The lights often featured motifs from nature such as twining vines and leaves, stylised figures, or angular, plain, almost austere lines. Antique lights Antique lights, of which some are in gas lamps, are available through the antique stores which often stock antique light fittings as well. If you cannot afford antique lighting, you can buy replicas made in the arts and crafts style. Bases For the American arts and crafts designs, table lights often featured wooden bases as well as porcelain, and copper with stained glass lamp shades.

Wall lights

Wall lights can include wall sconces that feature designs from nature, such as stylised strawberry flowers, owls, and other motifs. These lights also include shades with Morris designs or stained glass shades by Tiffany or Lloyd Wright and others. They range in size to rather small, one-bulb affairs, to larger ones that more closely resemble candle lighting of past eras. These lights are available as antiques and replicas.

Ceiling lights

As might be imagined, the ceiling lights made in the arts and crafts style offer full expression for the designs, thanks to their larger size. This is especially evident in the stained glass shades by Tiffany, or the elaborately stylised bases and arms crafted in metal or wood. The lines between scupltures, mobiles and lighting become almost blurred with the arts and crafts ceiling lights. While antique chandeliers are available. Replicas or lamps inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement are available as well.