There are few lighting styles more iconic than Tiffany. With their gorgeously patterned stained glass shades and ornate stands, they have been wowing the world since the 1890s. And if you’ve got the cash to splash, an original can set you back thousands of pounds. In fact, in 1997, Christie’s auction house sold a single Tiffany lamp for $2.8 million. There’s little wonder that the style has been endlessly replicated – as a classic that will always have its place… But is that place in the contemporary home? If you prefer a more pared-back aesthetic, will Tiffany ever work for you?
How to Incorporate Tiffany Lighting into the Modern Home
Plain perfection
Contrary to popular opinion, not all Tiffany-inspired lamps and light shades are ablaze with colour. And with the Quoizel collection, you gain the archetypal Tiffany shape, rendered in clean, contemporary polished chrome, finished with opal etched glass. Bathroom safe, the lights in this collection were originally designed with wet rooms in mind. But their elegance would easily transfer to any part of your home. Nodding to minimalism, while lifting the style stakes.
Attractive table settings
If your home can accommodate a large dining table, a low pendant light can be a beautiful way to illuminate dinners. And while there are plenty of contemporary options available, few set the mood like a Tiffany-style pendant. The softer shades, as seen on the Inglenook, are warm and inviting. But with collections like the Astoria and its monochrome colourway, you gain the best of both worlds. Classic style paired with a more modern restraint.
Mood makers
Wall lights can be wonderful when you want a little ambience. But contemporary interiors needn’t rule out period-inspired lighting. While a lot of the classic Tiffany designs display floral patterns, the geometric patterns of the Art Deco period also play their part. And with wall lights like the Pearl collection, you again profit from the benefits of a contemporary monochrome colourway, paired with the Tiffany-inspired design. The effect is a union of the traditional and contemporary aesthetic. As wall lights, they won’t intrude too heavily into your living space. Instead, adding quiet character – and atmosphere whenever you need it.
Feature lighting
Tiffany lights are certainly functional, but their form has always been their greatest draw. And that’s a really lovely way to look at it, if you adore a lamp like the Josette, but it simply doesn’t sit with your usual style. Make a feature of it. Sit it in on a bookcase, shelf, or alcove, and treat it like the piece of art that it is. If it gives you pleasure, who cares if it stands out from your décor. Art is meant to.
Tiffany lighting does, inevitably, carry something of a retro vibe. But that doesn’t mean that there’s no place for it in the modern home. As with all your décor choices, you simply need to take your time and choose well. Working with the mantra of ‘right piece, right place’ will see your interiors shine.
