Mission Style Lamps
Mission Style lamps, like other Mission Style furniture, was inspired by the writings of author John Ruskin.
It’s a part of the so-called Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th Century. Over a hundred years later, the style is still popular for its simple, clean, yet unique designs.
Because it is so popular, there are lots to choose from. And because of their design, mission style lamps not only provide light, but are true works of art, and can really enhance your homes decor.
I will describe a few specific ones, but first let me give you a general idea of why they are so beautiful, while being useful, too.
First, they come in a large variety of sizes, designs and finishes. The wood parts of the lamps might be cappuccino, cherry, dark or light oak, or other types of wood. The shade part of the lamps are often cream colored with metal parts that are not shiny. Some of the shades come in a wide variet of geometric designs.
Let me describe a few of the huge number of available Mission Style lamps, just to whet your appetite. Then look for the one or more that you like.
Infinity Aurora Ceiling Mount
Made by Cherry Tree…this is a circa-1909 Aurora Arts & Crafts Design. It has a low-profile ceiling mount, and it’s handmade from Authentic Bamboo. Its shade is real Shoji Art Glass. I saw it priced on sale for $124.
It’s 6″ high, 12″ square, and comes with two 18-watt compact flourescent bulbs (150-watts of equivalent energy-saving brightness).
Prairie Corn Chandelier
We love chandeliers.
This one is from Meyda Tiffany of Yorkville, NY. This is considered one of the great masterworks from the First American Mission Movement, reproduced in uplight chandelier format (the light shines toward the ceiling, rather than down from the lamp — beautiful).
The design itself is beatiful. A field of corn shines in the sun. It has a Maize Gold background, and accompanying colors are Chili Red, Mission Wheat and Bronzed Jade. Earthy sublimity.
The metalwork is a Mahogany Bronze finish.
It’s 25″ high, 17″ square, and has 36″ of chain (extra chain is available), plus three 100-watt bulbs. It’s designed for dining rooms with 8′ ceilings or higher, or foyers and great rooms 9.5′ or higher. Versatile, authentic, and beautiful.
Oh, I saw it on sale for $345.99.
Classic Mica Mission Table Lamp
From Lite Source, this is a reproduction of the Classic Mission Mica Table Lamp first designed circa 1905.
It has a Genuine Mica Mineral shade, and it’s beautiful, though simple. If you haven’t seen mica, you’ve got to take a look.
It has a heavy steel base and a Hacienda Bronze finish. The finial (the little thingy on top of the shade) is shaped like an arrowhead, and the detail on this lamp is very cool…er, warm.
It’s 27″ tall, 15″ square shade, and comes with two 60-watt bulbs, and pullchains.
Look at lots of Mission Style lamps before you choose one or more. You will be surprised at the variety, the beauty, and the nostalgia it evokes in you.