Antique Lighting, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

The age of an item normally defines it as antique. In reality, it is more to do with availability rather than age. An item which is no longer available at a regular retail outlet but has to be found at an auction, a second-hand shop, a garage sale, or in the local newspaper can be classified 'antique'. Original lava lamps from the sixties and seventies are now classified as antiques as they belonged in a past era. Even though the lava lamp is now readily available, the original ones in their original form are not.

In fact every decade since the turn of the previous century has produced a standout light that can be seen as an antique. Victorian lighting from the turn of the previous century, ornate Tiffany lighting, oil powered Aladdin lamps, the lava lamp as mentioned already, the list goes on. Each antique light highlights the best of that era. Each is a bona-fide antique.

The value of the lighting piece is often defined by the etched markings as well as the style. Certain manufacturers hold more value and kudos than others. If you have an actual Tiffany lamp, as opposed to a Tiffany Style lamp created by one of the many designers inspired by the style, even though the glimmer and the sparkle may be the same the value may differ greatly.

The value is unimportant to many as it is the use they get which holds the real value. Anyway, if you keep your lighting piece for a long period of time your light may join the long list of antiques out there. It may be just as gratifying to say to your friends ‘Do you like my soon-to-be antique’, but save yourself some time and get one that has that status.