Our latest guide to antique lighting explains the different types of light available and how to date them. Plus, we look at maintenance and cleaning tips.
In a previous guide to antique lighting, we focused on identifying antique chandeliers and antique oil lamps and discussed identifying features to help you to recognise a genuine piece. Here, we look at antique ceiling lights, including pendant lights, as well as antique wall lights or sconces.
Antique ceiling lights and how to date them
- An antique chandelier is defined as a suspended fixture with multiple arms incorporated into one single support. A pendant light, however, is a single light suspended from the ceiling often by a chain and sometimes by a metal rod.
- Early pendant lights were oil lamps suspended from the ceiling but by the mid- to late-1800s some fashionable and wealthy homes featured pendant gas lamps. Gas light fittings that pre-date 1897 have mantles that point the light towards the ceiling. In 1897, mantles were adapted and after that, the light was directed downwards.
- Early Victorian pendant lights were typically ornate and often had two or more curved arms cradling a glass shade. Shades were equally elaborate, featuring cut glass or etched embellishment. The glass shades were usually translucent frosted or coloured glass.
- Gas pendant lights remained the norm in the majority of households with new homes continuing to be built with them until the Great War of 1914. After this point, electric light became the predominant light source in homes with the first electric pendant lights giving prominence to the light bulb, as it was something of a novelty.
Antique wall lights and how to date them
- Evidence of sconces has been found that dates back to the Romans, making them one of the earliest forms of lighting. Beyond ancient civilisations and particularly throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it was only the wealthiest of English homes that featured any form of lighting other than portable candles, which were carried to wherever they were needed the most. It was only larger homes that featured fixed fittings which included chandeliers, hall lights and sconces.
- Popular in churches from the Middle Ages, wall sconces became more decorative in the 17th century with the addition of ornate detailing and mirrors or metal backplates to reflect the light.
- Often found either side of fireplaces, sconces were mounted on a plate or bracket which protruded from the wall. Today, it is rare to find original sconces that have survived without being converted to electricity.
How to clean antique lighting
- If your antique lighting has to be cleaned in situ, always make sure it is switched off and try to clean it when the sun is not shining; lights and sunlight can cause streaks.
- Antique metal lights can be regularly maintained by dusting with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or a good old fashioned feather duster. Don’t forget any cables and flexes.
- For a deeper clean, dismantle the light fitting if possible and remove the bulb. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe surfaces and buff dry. Allow to dry before reassembling.
- Light bulbs should be removed to clean. A dry microfibre cloth should be enough but if you need a damp cloth for heavier dirt, do not get the metal part of the bulb wet.
- Antique brass lighting needs a different approach, depending on whether it is brass plated or it has been lacquered. See our 5 top tips for cleaning antique brass lighting for help.
- Glass shades can be dusted but for a deeper clean, should be removed and washed in a mild soap solution in warm water.
Antique lighting from Hemswell Antique Centres
Buying antique lighting online from Hemswell Antique Centres gives you the reassurance that your chosen piece is genuine and will arrive with you intact and carefully wrapped. To see hundreds more examples in all their glory, a visit to our centres in person is a treat not to be missed.