The Georgian era was named after King George I of the British throne. Although it originated
in Great Britain, Georgian architecture and interior design was and still is prominent in North
America. Houses were either row or freehold and featured expansive interiors combining
symmetry and decorative embellishments like wainscoting, acanthus leaves,
egg and dart motifs and scroll and tassel details.

Georgian Revival evolved into a paired down extension of Georgian designs
complete with modern conveniences such as electric light.
Georgian Lighting

Georgian lighting fixtures were strong, symmetrical fixtures featuring
decorative details such as wreaths, scrolls, shields, urns and acanthus leaves.
The majority of lighting was made of brass or silver which featured either
high polished or burnished brass finishes. Authentic Georgian ceiling lighting
and wall sconces were always open candles or enclosed in hurricane shades.
The same goes for Georgian revival lighting with electric candle
style light being used in replacement of wax.

Rococo 1715 – 1725 | Rococo Revival 1900 – 1930

The Rococo style was a more decorative and playful successor
to the Baroque period. Although it was originally confined to 16th century
Europe it did enter the design styles of the early 20th century.
Rococo was an interior design movement as opposed to an architectural one.
Interiors featured heavy use of gilt finishes, mirrors, ivory, gold and marble
finishes and acanthus and foliate motifs.

Rococo Lighting

Rococo lighting was often the centerpiece in a room with central
chandelier matching the accompanying wall sconces. Period lighting cast
brass or bronze and featured climbing foliate details ascending up a
flowing organic frame. Crystals and cut glass were often
used with Rococo lighting further enhancing the rich, formal
quality of the fixtures.

Colonial 1740 -1820

Colonial design was a confluence of English, French and Dutch
design crafted by early North American settlers in the 18th century.
Architecture and interiors were often simple affairs combining styles from
the motherland with locally found materials. Wing chairs,
spindle back chairs and simple cabinets and tables are hallmarks of Colonial design.

Colonial Lighting

Colonial lighting fixtures are very simple designs often featuring,
scroll arms, candles (candle style light bulbs) and hurricane shades.
Colonial lighting is a bit more rusticated than its Georgian predecessor
and finishes range from black to polished brass.

Regency 1811 –1820 | Regency Revival 1930-1950

Although it was not as formal as it’s Georgian predecessor, Regency
still retains a British formality about it but with a more casualtone.
This was due to the fact that many Regency dwellings were cottages on the
outskirts of the city or in the country. Regency's balance and simplicity are
retained along with more restrained decorative detailing.
Greek key motifs, acanthus details, wainscoting and wreath and garland motifs
were notable ornamentations incorporated at the time.

Regency revival was a very popular style in North America as it came
to define traditionalism in many new urban and suburban developments.

Regency Lighting

Unlike Georgian lighting, Regency fixtures tend to be heavier have more neo
classical details and well as cut glass cylinders and panels. Polished
and burnished brass finishes are very suitable in combination with rich
brown and black patinas. Chandeliers are balanced and formal although
with wall sconces and hall lanterns. As Regency revival became popular
electric light fixtures were often fitted with inverted glass shades to echo
the popularity of electric style lights.

Victorian 1840 - 1900

The Victorian era comprises many different aesthetic styles which include,
Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Eastlake and Richarsonian
Romanesque. With each style being different, common elements include an
emphasis on substance and form, ornate allegorical and figural details,
an emphasis on vertical scale and asymmetric layouts.

Lighting

In cities and larger towns, gas lighting was frequently used in households
well into the 20th century. Traditionally hallways often featured gas hoops or
j-arms while parlours and dining areas displayed more prominent and decorative
gasoliers. Wall sconces were used frequently in interiors and often complimented
or matched the central ceiling fixture.

Arts and Crafts 1900 -1930

Although it had developed in the U.K much earlier the Arts and
Crafts movement didn’t take root in North American till the early
20th century. With an emphasis on craft and workmanship, Arts and
Crafts styles are very earnest and are meant to reflect the integrity
of the materials used. Largely confined to residential architecture,
Arts and Crafts houses often feature simple, symmetrical designs on a horizontal plain.
Common elements include large overhanging porches, shingle siding,
rusticated store work and warm wood trimmed interiors. Variations of the Arts and Crafts
style are still being built today as it is a popular choice for chalets, cottages and
country houses.

Lighting

Arts and Crafts lighting fixtures are often very simple in design and
are comprised of balance, symmetry and geometric design.
Hammered appliqués, warm coloured glass, mica and rich brown and
verde patina finishes are all hallmarks of Arts and Crafts lighting. Mission lighting
(simple variation on Arts and Crafts) features square and rectangular
details with little to no decorative detailing. More detailed Arts and Crafts
fixtures feature cast and hammered details including art nouveau
inspired leaf and vine motifs.

Art Nouveau 1895 - 1910

Artists like Louis Majorelle, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Alphonese
Mucha are conjured up when one seeks to describe the Art Nouveau
movement. As a design movement directly inspired by nature, Art
Nouveau designs are awash in asymmetrical and fluid designs often
featuring leaf, vine and floral motifs. Most art nouveau architecture
was confined to Europe but some notable buildings and interiors
did appear in North America.

Lighting

Art Nouveau lighting can be divided into two categories. European and
North American. European designs are often more fluid and delicate and
feature etched and lightly coloured glass in combination with antique
brass and verde patina finishes. Due to the confluence of styles in
North America at the time, Art Nouveau designs are often combined with
elements of Edwardian and Arts and Crafts styles. Richly coloured luster
art glass with floral shapes and patterns was commonly used on many
North American fixtures giving them a very organic feel.

Art Deco 1925 -1940

Art Deco was ushered in with the jazz and industrial age of
the 1920s & 30s. First appearing in France in 1925, high styled deco
architecture, interiors and furnishings were inspired by early Bauhaus
modernism, ancient African, Egyptian and Aztec designs along with rich
polished and lacquered finishes. Upon crossing over to America, designs
were expanded to include American industrialism and a greater
use of iron, steel, glass and aluminum.

Art Deco Lighting

Art Deco lighting fixtures are often fitted with decorative pressed and molded
glass featuring an array of stylized motifs such as starbursts, waterfalls,
birds, animals and sunbursts. The glass often fitted in similarly styled iron or
bronze frames. One of the most popular lighting fixtures of the Deco era was
the slipper shade fixture. Ceiling and wall lights featured an unusual array of
decorative and angular shades which slipped into the lighting frames.