How do I choose between a table lamp and a floor lamp?

Table lamps suit side tables, desks and sideboards where they provide localized task or accent lighting. They rely on nearby furniture height to sit comfortably in a room. Floor lamps, often called standard lamps, stand directly on the floor to fill dark corners or anchor seating areas. Their height allows them to distribute light across a wider space without needing a supporting surface.

What periods do these lamps come from?

The pieces span from the 19th Century and Victorian eras through the Edwardian period into the 1930s. Each era brings distinct stylistic touches, from ornate classical revival columns to clean Art Deco lines. Design influences range from continental Art Nouveau and Amsterdam School craftsmanship to traditional British and French domestic forms.

Were these lamps originally electric?

Many older examples started as oil lamps, candlesticks or gas fittings before being converted to use electricity. This repurposing is common among metal and wooden pieces from the 1900s and earlier. Later pieces from the 1920s and 1930s were frequently manufactured directly as electric light fittings.

How do I clean a vintage fabric shade?

Dust fabric shades gently using a soft brush or a low-suction vacuum attachment to protect delicate textiles, silk and attached trims. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or water immersion, which can damage aged glues and fabrics. Beaded and fringed elements require particular care to prevent tangling or pulling the threads loose from the shade frame.