Stained glass is a decorative trend that dates back to the 7th century, and its kaleidoscope-like colors and patterns still captivate today. This is especially true with Tiffany lamps, a style of stained glass lighting that exudes nostalgia. For some, these vintage lamps bring back memories of grandparents’ homes, full of tchotchkes and clashing patterns. But their history is actually much deeper and richer.
Tiffany lamps date back to the tardy 19th century and were originally created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of Tiffany & Co. founder Charles Lewis Tiffany. These lamps were handmade by craftsmen in his workshop, including: Clara Driscoll, who created some of Tiffany’s first and most treasured designs. The lamps, a symbol of the Art Nouveau era, were made using colored glass and a copper foil technique developed by Tiffany Studios and still used by stained glass artists.
Due to their affluent history and impressive craftsmanship, some may argue that Tiffany lamps have never completely gone out of fashion. However, Gen Z has put the mic back on this timeless and iconic lighting, likely due to its association with a more analog era when social media didn’t exist (nostalgia is a substantial draw for the TikTok generation). From ancient pizzerias to local establishments adorned with stained glass and decorations, this trend symbolizes a simpler moment in time.
According to Alex Bass, interior designer, art curator and founder of the fine art and interior design studio Living room 21, the return of Tiffany lamps comes at a time when “we are moving away from ultra-modern trends and adding more personality and character to homes.” This is also related to the dopamine decorating craze on TikTok, which is all about designing a space that makes you feel content and improves your mood.
Additionally, using antiques to accentuate your style in your home is becoming more and more popular as people look for more sustainable and long-lasting alternatives to rapid furniture and decor. “I think people are tired of how cheaply things are made these days and are looking for craftsmanship and quality again,” says Bethany Struble, the company’s principal designer The whole house.
Whether you want to add moody accent lighting to a gloomy corner or a splash of color to your space, Tiffany lamps are an elegant way to do it. Depending on your style, you can lean into the nostalgic vibe of this trend and pair a Tiffany-style lamp (or the real deal!) with other vintage finds, or add state-of-the-art elements to create a trendy decor. Either way, your lighting is sure to be a conversation starter.
Here are some tips on how to easily introduce the lighting trend into your home, regardless of aesthetics.
Combine ancient and fresh
Tiffany lamps automatically lend themselves to an eclectic vintage style. However, if you don’t want your space to resemble a vintage mall, Struble advises combining classic elements (like a lamp) with more contemporary, elegant items to create a unique look. You can also keep it elementary by making lamps the only point of interest on a more state-of-the-art, geometric piece. “You can place the lamp in a minimalist style on a side table or place it in the corner of your kitchen for an captivating but trendy way to utilize lamps,” he explains. “Tiffany lamps are statement pieces, so let them stand out without cluttering them.”
Create a layered decor
Try to display several decorative elements at once, using the Tiffany lamp to complement similar, artistic elements. “Create vignettes around the lamp by leaning the artwork against the wall behind it and placing books next to it and an object or candle on top,” she explains. Because most Tiffany-style lamps have a more atmospheric look and don’t put out a lot of delicate, Struble recommends using them as accent lighting on a side table or sideboard when creating this look.
Consider the color palette
Tiffany lamps are usually quite colorful, so they provide a fun excuse to play with different shades in your home decor. “Drag the glass colors into other areas of the space to really bring everything together,” Struble says. She recommends accent pieces like a pillow, blanket, or petite framed pieces of art in a similar color palette to the vintage lamp.
Where to buy Tiffany lamps
Estate sales, flea markets, and vintage malls are some of the best places to find genuine Tiffany lamps. You can also check out online vintage stores like 1stDibs and Chairish. To check whether a lamp is real, Struble advises checking the Tiffany logo and serial number, as well as taking into account the overall weight and patina of the piece. “The bronze patinas over time and turns green or brown,” he notes. It’s also worth looking closely at the glass to see if it is actually colored or painted, as genuine Tiffany lamps utilize real colored glass and replacements are often painted to save on production costs.
If you’re on a budget or like the look but aren’t concerned about authenticity, online stores like Amazon, Target and Wayfair have many Tiffany-style lamps for sale. Etsy also offers a collection of stained glass with a similar vibe, including some handmade ones (like this wonderful blue opal lamp). Also watch out for artisans like Autumn Casey who give a fresh perspective to a customary work.
