The Stiffel Lamps and Lampshade In Decorating
The Stiffel lamps and lampshades are an inherent part of most decorators and designers. Manufactured by the Stiffel company, founded by Ted Stiffel in Chicago in Chicago in around 1932. The Stiffel Company has long based its business on the talents of its great designers and specialized in the old world antique style and charm. With an excellence of design and high product standards, The Stiffel Company is known and recognized as a leader in the arena of innovative lamp designs and lighting.
LOWES INTERIOR
I was first introduced to the Stiffel lamps and lampshades when we were furnishing a new home during one of my many career moves. Prior to this time, my lamp experience had been the type of lamp from a K-Mart or if you were really splurging, a furniture store. My wife picked out lamps that I regarded as very expensive. They were also the heaviest lamps I had ever come across. Her reply and justification.."they're Stiffel lamps."
If you are preparing to change the appearance or decor of a room in your room, you should keep in mind the lighting. Changing the lighting in any room can make a dramatic difference in any room. The ambiance can be easily changed by softening the light. This can be accomplished by using one of the "soft white bulbs, such as those by GE. Another way to accomplish this is by changing a lampshade. Most bedrooms have a lamp on each side of the bed. They should be identical lamps to provide a uniformity as well as continuity.
You can use the internet to research the many types of lamps that are available. Sources might include tips by interior designers or decorators. Lamp manufacturers also provide information on their lamps. If you utilize the search capabilities of one of the internet browsers, such as Google or Yahoo, you can immediately have at your finger tips all the information you could ever need. I would suggest that you consider the theme you have in mind for your room whether it be colonial, western, country or antique. Search on each of those terms and decide the path you wish to pursue.
You would need to consider the type of base. Are you interested in metal, or ceramic? Do you want pewter or brass or maybe bronze? All of these have their place. Again, research can help you to an answer. If your interest is in antique, consider visiting an antique mall where many different types of lamps would abound, including those made by Stiffel. There are quite a few such establishments in and around Houston where I live.
Another source might be garage or estate sales. During your search, don't be thrown off too much by the condition of the lamp or lampshade. One caution would be to carefully inspect the wiring and socket. I would even suggest replacing both. A kit can be purchased at a low price from one of your Home Depot or Lowes stores. A lampshade can easily be made like new via recovering the material in the shade. There are many "how-to" videos on YouTube that show how easily this can be accomplished.
As with anything of great popularity, the Stiffel Lamps and lampshades are frequently imitated and passed on as authentic "Stiffel". If I were to suggest ways of determining whether a lamp or lampshade is authentic, I would be remiss since there is no surefire method of doing this to my knowledge. I would look at the quality of material and workmanship. Pick it up, turn it over, and examine it closely. Stiffel lamps are quite heavy and very well made. No one bests Stiffel when it comes to their well made lamps. Ours are close to 40 years old and still have a distinguishing quality that you would be hard put to match or exceed. If you are in a store, look at the dealer's reputation. If possible, talk to satisfied customers of the dealer. When it comes down to it, if you cannot definitively identify your choice of lamp via normal provenance as authentic and it satisfies your needs and planned decor, then go for it. The main consideration of any purchase should be, whether it fulfills the need you have in mind. If the lamp you have in front of you is one you would be proud to have in your home and to display for friends and visitors, that is all that matters.
My name is Rick I was introduced to the Stiffel Lamps after we had purchased a new home in Humble, TX. For me, a lamp was something that provided light to read by. For my wife, it was the type of item to be collected and passed on through our family. I have to admit, they were beautiful.
Decorating With Stiffel Lamps and Lampshades
My name is Rick and I am a computer geek. I have worked on and around computers for over 40 years. I have been involved in retail sales and am currently involved in internet marketing. At the current time I am involved in promoting my new website. It is http://linensandlampshades.com
LOWES INTERIOR
0 comments:
Post a Comment