vintage glass shades (2024)

FAQs

How can you tell if a lamp shade is vintage? ›

Check For Makers' Marks

As with many types of antiques, vintage lamps are likely to have a date stamp or maker's mark somewhere. Typically, these marks are on the base of the lamp, but sometimes there are also stickers on the light fixing itself that will include a name or date or manufacturer.

Too thick or opaque, and you render the lamp useless. For this reason, a glass lamp shade may well be the perfect choice every time. Glass shades diffuse light,protect the eyes from sharp rays, and create a unique design element all at the same time.

Glass shades were very popular when kerosene or gas lights were being used from the late 18th through the early 20th century.

Go over the lamp shade with a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dry dust. In a sink or basin, mix warm water and a gentle fabric detergent. Submerge the lamp shade in the water and let it soak for 15 minutes.

One way to determine the worth of your lamp is by researching comparable sales and market trends. Look for lamps that are similar to yours and see how much they sold for. This will give you an idea of what your lamp is worth.

Should your lampshade have stains, a toothbrush or a soft brush can come to the rescue. Simply wet it with warm soapy water and gently tackle the trouble spot on the fabric lampshade. For a glass lampshade (like those cute mushroom lamps), use a dry microfiber cloth to buff away fingerprints and other smudges.

There are three types of lamp shade attachment types: spider, clip-on, and Uno. If you are replacing a lamp shade on an existing lamp, you need to ensure the new lamp shade attachment type is compatible with the lamp base.

Yes, it is safe to paint a glass lampshade as long as you are using glass-specific paint.

An uncut sheet of glass will vibrate with a “ting” sound when tapped. However once it is cut into many small pieces that are soldered together to form a shade, its properties are changed. It will now produce a “thud” sound when tapped. The “tapper” will surmise the shade is made of plastic.

The green-tinted light was supposed to make reading and writing easier for people who spent long hours doing those things. Some sources point to the green visors, or eyeshades, that accountants once wore as proof of this.

What were old lampshades made of? ›

Tracing its modern roots to the 17th Century, lampshades began as pragmatic coverings often made simple materials such as parchment, glass, or metal, used for the diffusion of flickering candle or oil lamp light.

Remove greasy spots from your lampshade with a vinegar solution. Make a solution that's equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Gently wipe the solution onto the surface with a damp cloth until the grease is completely removed. Wash the lampshade with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush.

Lampshades come all wrapped in plastic and you may be tempted to leave the plastic on because you think it will protect your lampshade. But, actually, you always want to take that off, because the plastic holds the heat in and, while you think you're helping them, you're actually harming them.

Glass Lampshades

You can actually place your glass lampshade in the dishwasher to get rid of dust, hair and most stains.

According to the antique industry, the common consensus is that for a work to be accurately labeled an antique, it must be at least one hundred years old. This rule is for any item, including furniture and more delicate goods.

Know The Look

Like midcentury architecture, furniture and textiles, the lamps from this period have geometric shapes, simple lines and a space-age feel. Look for shapes such as globes, hourglasses and rings to kickstart your search.

Tracing its modern roots to the 17th Century, lampshades began as pragmatic coverings often made simple materials such as parchment, glass, or metal, used for the diffusion of flickering candle or oil lamp light.

Your shade should be about two-thirds the height of your lamp base (give or take an inch). Proportion is the key – too tall and the effect will be top heavy, but too short and your lamp will look out of balance.