Tips for selecting fixtures for your period home
Choose a time period. If, for example, your house was built
in 1860, not all the light fixtures in the house have to be
from that year. On average, people redecorated and updated
their homes every 20 years. So, to be authentic, select light
fixtures the same age or newer than your home.
- 19th century Americans spent their money in rooms that
were seen. Typically, updates were done first to public
rooms such as the entry hall, parlor & dining room.
Select showier light fixtures, and more of them, for these
areas.
- Second floor rooms & bedrooms were typically lit
by candle or kerosene. After the advent of electricity,
these rooms would have had simple electric lights, such
as plain wall sconces, by the 1890's, and possibly ceiling
mounted lights by the 1930's.
Size and Length. Period light fixtures were hung lower than
light fixtures are today, because each gas light fixture or
early electric light fixture only produced about 10 watts.
They were thus hung lower to make more light available.
- Today, 7 feet is standard clearance for fixtures that
people will walk under. For a more graceful, period look,
hang light fixtures as low as 6' over center parlor tables,
even lower over desks or work areas. Add wall sconces
around the outside of rooms for additional light. For
a period look, use more lights at lower wattage.
- Dining rooms- we are frequently asked what the proper
size and length is for a light fixture in a dining room.
Fixtures should be hung 30" to 42" off the top
of the table, depending on the light fixture and personal
preference. Keep in mind that the lower a light fixture
is hung, the larger it will appear. The light fixture
should be sized to the table, not the room; for a 60"
table, a fixture 24" or 25" wide is suitable.
For a very large table, consider a fixture up to 30"
wide. If your table is 12" long or longer, you may
want to use two smaller light fixtures. Avoid trying to
light a large room with one light fixture; using high
wattage bulbs will not only ruin a period look but may
also blind your dinner guests. Instead, use secondary
lighting, such as wall sconces, or select a ceiling light
fixture with multiple arms.
In summary, for an authentic look in a period home, try using
more antique light fixtures at lower wattage than what is
found in today's new construction. Light fixtures hung lower
will look larger, more authentic and will also provide more
light. However, remember to keep them at least 7 feet high
where people might walk underneath!
We hope you find these general guidelines helpful when selecting
your antique lighting products. Use our antique lighting tips
to capture an authentic feel in your period home.
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