American 1930s Light Fixtures

Arts and Crafts

• The arts and crafts movement began in the late 19th century, but the bungalow-style subgenre was alive and well into the '30s. Look for brass or copper fixtures with etched globes, ruffled glass and "beaded" edging that looks like little balls. Floral patterns were common but not as audacious as its precursor, art nouveau. Fixtures were small and relatively simple, and lamps had regular or Tiffany-style shades. Milk glass was another popular element, but real vintage pieces can fetch exorbitant prices. Purchase opaque white globes at your local home improvement store to mimic the look.

Bauhaus

• The Bauhaus school closed in the early '30s, but the products lived on because they were designed specifically for mass production, which made fine decor affordable. Think functional rather than decorative design -- embellishments were considered unnecessary and distracting. The use of tubular steel made the chrome finish popular, especially when combined with opaque glass. Floor lamps with globes appeared during this time, and ceiling fixtures were unobtrusive and minimalist. Clean lines and modern materials were the order of the day.

Revival

• Rebelling against the rise of modernism, certain design circles brought back older styles. Victorian and Gothic revival were common in the brownstones of the wealthy, and Spanish revival took over the newly created suburban neighborhoods, especially in Florida and California. All three styles revolved around the ornate designs, such as elaborate chandeliers, beaded lampshades, and scrollwork-heavy sconces. Shades might be cut crystal, veridian or tortoiseshell, or Tiffany-style creations inlaid with mother-of-pearl and coral. This movement was considered politically incorrect at the time because the opulence of the design made it unavailable to most of the populace emerging from the Great Depression.

Art Deco

• Art deco picked up steam in the '30s, with pieces evoking the line, form and majesty of trains and ocean liners. In fact, the characteristic look of art deco design was based on transportation design as travel became more accessible and the world felt suddenly smaller. Ceiling fixtures with repeating chrome bands, tiered geometric globes and glossy, baked enamel accents were the look of the jazz age. American art deco included cleaner, straighter lines than French art deco, and ushered in the globed wall sconce and the geometric torchiere lamp. Chandeliers were designed with flat, glass plates rather than faceted crystal, and clear, glass shades and globes finally made a comeback.