Friday, November 02, 2007

Let There Be Light

I'm going to warn you straight off...this probably won't be the most exciting post for many of you. But last week I had the pleasure of visiting with Cheryl over at Free Range Living. For those of you who don't know, she's in the midst of building a house. So we got to talking about all those fabulous finds that one incorporates into their living space that gives the space its charm and makes it yours. Now I love antiques and for the past couple of years have been collecting, of all things, light fixtures. I know, it sounds positively boring, and if you were to send me into a regular lighting store I would be bored silly for sure. But just look at these gems! Character and charm and most of them probably cost way less than what you'd pay for some gaudy bauble in your regular lighting store. Where do I find them...well, let's see.

This one is one of my absolute favorites. I wasn't sure when I first got it, but I must say that I think it looks fabulous. There's a little store in Spokane called Revival Lighting that carries about the best selection of antique fixtures I've ever seen. They also carry some reproductions but this one is an oldie. They clean up and rewire anything that comes into their possession, so all you need to do is have it installed. Although they have a website, most of their antique selection is not online, so you would have to actually visit the store if you would like to see what they carry.

I hung this charmer in my entryway. I can't remember if it was found in Fort Langley or Cloverdale. In either case, there are lots of little antique shops in those areas for perusing. None of them specialize specifically in light fixtures, however, if you mull around enough, you just might happen upon one or two. I was told this one came from Belgium, I don't know how I would verify it, but I like it just the same.

This is another one of my all time favorites. I purchased this one off of a friend who deals antiques (one of the many things she does). This one she got a real steal on from of all places, EBay. I had to get the thing rewired, but that really wasn't very complicated and I think it was well worth the effort. The funny thing is that my parents have a very similar light fixture in their house. They live in an old heritage house that was built in 1895, although I think the light fixture is probably from about the 1920's

This little art deco number from the 30's comes as a pair. I have them installed on both sides of a little desk nook.

And this final find, also a pair, was another EBay special. They were just what I was wanting for my bedroom. Well, there you have it...a whole post on my collection of light fixtures. Happy hunting.

27 comments:

kevin said...

Old lighting is great-one of the things I like is finding old fixtures and repairing them (or having Revival do it, but that's a bit $$$). I guess what really fascinates me about the older stuff are the diversity of styles and craft that went into creating them.

thailandchani said...

How'd you know that light fixtures are my favorite? (No. I'm not joking!) I've always liked old antique lamps and used to make Victorian lampshades when I was just a bit more agile.

Now you've given me the idea for a post. :)

Simon said...

Not at all boring, Carla! Great post.

I wonder...where is the line (if there is one) between "a piece of art" and "an antique?"

Cheryl said...

Oh my gosh, your lighting collection is absolutely gorgeous!!
I'm off to do some hunting on Ebay, and then I'll hit Main Street tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing them!

Carla said...

Kevin, I totally agree about the diversity and craft. I find the older lights so much more interesting. And most of the older fixtures seem to be of much better quality that the new stuff that we're able to buy.

Chani, Really? I would love to see some of your Victorian lampshades. I bet they're fabulous.

Carla said...

Winters, Good question. I am sure that often it depends on what one does with the piece. Although somethings are so interesting that to me they will always seem like art.

Cheryl, Have fun...but be warned, Ebay can be very time consuming. I always feel like a kid in a candy shop looking through the antique fixtures on Ebay. Such eye candy.

Anonymous said...

Those are pretty cool. I like the little pink sconce. Our house was built of recycled stuff, and we have some Tiffany type hanging lamps, but I am not sure if they are very old. Our wood cook stove is old fashioned, but is brand new.

Anonymous said...

Love the old lights. Some of the older stuff has way more character than the new stuff.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning - they have so much character.

A joy to display in any home..

Guilty Secret said...

They're beautiful! So much nicer than getting everything from Ikea...

The Fool said...

Terrific detailing, Nomad. What a nice way to personalize and enrich your environment. It says a lot. Thanks for sharing. I like the art-deco model from the 30's...I'll bet the mirrors are an interesting touch when it is lit. Way cool. Have a great wekend.

Carla said...

Dawn, I'm thinking that your new wood cook stove is pretty cool. I wish I had one of those now that we are having so many cold November nights.

Sirdar, A lot of the older stuff really does have a lot more character, doesn't it? Often the same with people too.

Carla said...

Philosophy of Life, I'm glad you think so. I certainly enjoy them.

Guilty Secret, I thoroughly agree.

Carla said...

Fool, I really like that little art-deco model as well. And yes, those mirrors really add another dimension.

Annie Wicking said...

Lovely, Carla, and as for ebay... It's madding I love it..;-)

Best wishes

Annie

Carrie said...

Wow... those are gorgeous!! What finds!!!

JBelle said...

I loved reading this! It was unexpected and lovely. I like light fixtures, too and really enjoyed seeing your finds. Buying them is one thing and I have light fixtures I have bought out of the showroom, but finding them and breathing new life into them; that's fabulous. i have a dusty pink globe with a parrot painted on it that hung at the top of my grandmother's staircase in her home in Coeur d'Alene. It now hangs above my staircase. I love that. When they were tearing down the old Logan School here, my husband got on the job site and removed several of the old school house light fixtures. They now hang in the kitchen here at Bellemaison. I love to clean them and fuss with them when people are coming over. I have all of the lights here on a dimmer switch so as to adjust for the mood...

Carla said...

Annie, Ebay truly is, isn't it? I could spend hours perusing the site.

Carrie, Thanks. I think so too.

Carla said...

JBelle, I totally agree. I too have a beautiful light fixture from my grandmother's house, but unfortunately there was a little hairline fracture in it, so I haven't hung it yet. I'm not sure if I can do anything about it. I also have another that is hanging that was rescued out of an old heritage church in Nelson when they were doing renovations. I really like it as well. I've seen some old school house light fixtures. They are quite lovely. I think they would be perfect for a kitchen.

Steffi said...

Wow Carla,your lighting collection is absolutely beautiful.I can´t say what is my favourite.Very nice idea to post it!

Ed & Jeanne said...

Very nice. I hate all the sameness to things today; which is why I hate strip malls, chain stores and the like. No originality; no personality. These, thankfully have plenty of both.

Carla said...

Steffi, I'm glad you like it. It certainly was fun collecting all these different fixtures.

VE, You and me both. I would much rather find something unique and with a bit of character.

jillie said...

Those look like the kind of lighting I would LOVE to have in my home! I agree they have a lot of character.

Carla said...

Jillie, And you too can have similar light fixtures in your place. Check out ebay sometime.

paris parfait said...

These are wonderful - don't get me started about light fixtures! I'm addicted and my husband and daughter can attest to that - I have lots of extras stored in the cave for the elusive day when we'll have a bigger place. :)

Anonymous said...

This is a very cool hobby. I won't be able to see an old light fixture without thinking about you.

Carla said...

Paris Parfait, I would love to see you collection. I bet it's fabulous.

Mark, I certainly have enjoyed hunting all these fixtures down.