What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is an art and design style that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and the use of new materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. The style is often associated with luxury and glamour, and it was used in architecture, fashion, jewelry, and other decorative arts. Some notable examples of Art Deco architecture include the Empire State Building in New York City and the Daily Express Building in Manchester, England.
Art Deco lamps are lighting fixtures that are designed in the Art Deco style. They typically feature bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and the use of new materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. Art Deco lamps can take many different forms, including table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling fixtures. They were popular in the 1920s and 1930s and were often used to add a touch of luxury and glamour to a room. They are considered very elegant and can be found in many different designs, some of them are very simple and others are quite elaborate and detailed. Many Art Deco lamps are considered collectible items and can be quite valuable.
What is an Art Deco Lamp
Art Deco Lamps often feature bright, vibrant colors, such as red, blue, and yellow. These colors are often used to create a striking contrast with the geometric shapes of the lamp. Some of the features that give away a lamp as being in the Art Deco Style include:
- Use of new materials: Art Deco lamps often feature the use of new materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and Bakelite. These materials were considered cutting-edge during the 1920s and 1930s and were often used to create a sense of modernity and innovation in the design of the lamp.
- Artistic motifs: Art Deco lamps often feature stylized artistic motifs such as sunbursts, geometric patterns, and stylized animals and plants. These motifs were often used to add a sense of elegance and luxury to the design of the lamp.
- Attention to detail: Art Deco lamps are known for their attention to detail. The lamps are carefully crafted and are often made with high-quality materials. Many of them are considered collectible items and can be quite valuable.
- Simplicity: Art Deco lamps also feature a simplicity in its design, using clean lines and shapes that are easy on the eyes.
- Functionality: Art Deco lamps are not only beautiful to look at but also very functional in nature. They provide good lighting while not compromising on style or design.
What are the Best Vintage Art Deco Lamps
There are many different vintage Art Deco lamps to choose from, and what is considered “best” can be subjective. However, some popular and highly sought after vintage Art Deco lamps include:
- The “Clamper” Table Lamp: This iconic Art Deco lamp features a unique, scallop-shaped base and a frosted glass shade.
- The “Reversed Painted Glass” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a colorful, reverse-painted glass shade that is often adorned with geometric patterns.
- The “Skyscraper” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a tall, slender base that resembles the shape of a skyscraper, and it is often made of metal and glass.
- The “Femme Fatale” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a sleek, curvaceous base that is often adorned with a female figure.
- The “Geometric” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a base that is made up of intersecting geometric shapes, often with colorful glass shades.
- The “Atomizer” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a unique, atomizer-shaped base and a frosted glass shade.
- The “Sunburst” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a base that is adorned with a sunburst motif, often with a frosted glass shade.
- The “Sputnik” Table Lamp: This type of lamp features a sputnik-like design, often with multiple arms and frosted glass shades.
These are some examples of vintage art deco lamps, but there are many other types and designs available. It’s always best to check the authenticity and condition of a vintage piece before purchasing.
Are Antique Art Deco Lamps Valuable
Antique Art Deco lamps can be quite valuable, depending on a number of factors such as their age, rarity, condition, and designer. Some antique Art Deco lamps can fetch high prices at auction or from dealers and collectors.
One of the key factors that determines the value of an antique Art Deco lamp is its age. Lamps that were produced during the height of the Art Deco period in the 1920s and 1930s are generally considered more valuable than those produced later.
Rarity is another important factor that can affect the value of an antique Art Deco lamp. Limited-edition or one-of-a-kind lamps are more valuable than those that were mass-produced.
The condition of the lamp is also important. Lamps that are in good condition with minimal wear and tear will be more valuable than those that are damaged or in poor condition.
Designer or maker is also important, lamps made by well-known or prestigious designers or manufacturers will be more valuable than those made by lesser-known or anonymous makers. It is always best to consult with an expert or check prices at auction to get an idea of the value of an antique Art Deco lamp.
Where do you Find Original Art Deco Lamps
Original Art Deco lamps can be found in a variety of places, depending on what you are looking for. Some popular options include:
- Antique shops and dealers: Many antique shops and dealers specialize in Art Deco lamps and other vintage lighting fixtures. These shops may have a wide variety of original Art Deco lamps available, and the staff may be able to provide information about the age, condition, and value of each piece.
- Auctions: Original Art Deco lamps can occasionally be found at auction, either online or in-person. Auctions can be a great way to find unique and rare pieces, but it’s important to keep in mind that prices at auction can be quite high.
- Online marketplaces: Online marketplaces such as Etsy, Ebay, and Chairish, can be a great place to find original Art Deco lamps. However, it’s important to be careful when buying from online marketplaces and make sure to check the seller’s reputation and the condition of the item before making a purchase.
- Specialized Art Deco dealers: Some dealers specialize in art deco lamps and can provide you a wide range of options, from vintage to contemporary reproductions.
- Estate sales: Estate sales can be a great place to find original Art Deco lamps, as they often feature items from the estates of people who lived during the Art Deco period.
- Flea markets: Flea markets can be a great place to find original Art Deco lamps, but it’s important to be aware that many of the lamps at flea markets may be reproductions or knock-offs, so be sure to check the authenticity of the item before making a purchase.