Typical Lighting Fixtures of the 
Twentieth Century 
l^Y ELIZABETH FOSTER 
T he installation of artistic and appropri¬ 
ate lighting fixtures is a matter which 
should receive very serious considera¬ 
tion by every house builder. In many instan¬ 
ces, the lighting fixtures are looked upon as a 
minor detail. These, having been left until tbe 
rest of tbe house is finished and ready for occu¬ 
pancy, are often selected hastily and without due 
consideration as to their suitability. 
One should, before selecting their fixtures, have 
in mind a general idea of the style of furnishing 
they will employ, as lighting fixtures, especially those 
designed for electricity, are made adaptable to all 
periods. There are also those which will add 
character and be suitable for rooms where no par¬ 
ticular style is carried out. Fixtures for such 
interiors should be very simple in design and free 
from the superfluous ornamentation that is so fre¬ 
quently seen in many of the houses that are for 
rent. The first of importance are the placing and 
distribution of light. 
Great care should be taken that the lights are 
placed out of line of vision in order to avoid the 
direct rays as much as possible. The glare of the 
incandescent electric light may be softened to a 
great extent by the use of the frosted bulbs 
The most essential room 
in the house to be evenly 
lighted is undoubtedly the 
living-room. Here the light 
should come from several 
producing a soft 
sources. 
illustrated is of good, simple design, and sells 
for $20.00. The finish of the metal is called 
by tbe trade “ smoked old brass,” the effect 
being very similar to old bronze. There are 
also side brackets designed to go with the central 
fixtures at $6.00 each. For high ceilinged living- 
rooms the central fixture is often lowered by 
means of a chain. 
For dining-rooms a brilliant illumination is not 
necessary, and therefore the hanging shades are 
most desirable, as these throw the light down over 
the table where it is most needed. A good effect 
may be obtained if there is a mantel in tbe room 
by placing a candelabra at either end of the shelf, 
these being designed for either gas or electricity, 
or both. 
Where the craftsman idea is carried out in the 
decorations and furnishings, a newel post light 
similar to the illustration, will be found to add 
greatly to the completed effect. The hanging 
lanterns of brass or wrought Iron with panels of 
amber-tinted antique glass are also much in vogue. 
The fixtures designed, using hammered copper 
for the metal trimmings, and mica in place of 
glass, are very beautiful. The amber mica 
throws a particularly soft and beautiful light. 
In many instances gas and 
electricity are both installed 
for lighting purposes, and 
tbe combination fixture is 
used in the majority of such 
cases. If, when the house 
HANGING 
SHADE FOR STRAIGHT ELECTRIC 
diffusion of light most rest¬ 
ful to the eyes. The side 
lights are a very important 
and decorative feature and 
the portable gas or electric 
table light for reading or 
close work is almost indis¬ 
pensable. 
For low ceilinged living- 
- rooms there are fixtures 
Combination Light Showing designed tO set close tO 
Emergency Gas Tip the ceiling. The one 
The sketches and photographs used in this article were furnished by the 
Reading Hardware Co., Philadelphia; The Enos Co., New York, and The Crafts¬ 
man Workshop, New York. 
is being wired and piped, 
the lighting question is 
given due consideration, a 
great deal of expense will 
be saved, and much added 
to the artistic effect of the 
interior, by distributing the 
lights so as to enable the 
use of straight electric for 
some and straight gas for 
others rather than the com¬ 
bination. A good arrange¬ 
ment is to use the electric for 
the central illumination and 
gas for the side lights. This arrangement could be 
A Side Light for 
Electricity 
129 
