Would a Stiffel light add brightness to your home? You are entirely correct! Stiffel lamps fit in various situations thanks to their large assortment of vintage items and more contemporary components.
It can be tempting to choose the first person who captures your heart. Determining precisely what you need is recommended, as they are both aesthetic and practical elements.
Be astute! Begin here.
Which type of lamp—a Stiffel or a Stiffel-inspired one—will you choose?
Let’s dispel the most widespread misunderstanding surrounding this name: Stiffel is not a fashion or lamp style. It’s both the founder’s name and the business’s name that makes them! The Stiffel firm was founded in Chicago in 1932, and it rose to fame for giving lights that were primarily considered to be purely functional objects at the time a beautiful twist.
You should opt for an original Stiffel lamp if you want the real deal and are eager to make a bold decorative statement; However, you can always choose a Stiffel-inspired design if you merely like their aesthetic or have a smaller budget.
Discover how to spot a genuine Stiffel lamp
Have you made up your mind that you want the real thing? Stay away from anyone’s con, then! Stiffel lamps are available from independent merchants, but you should ensure that the original company’s name is mentioned in their online description.
How can you be sure? As soon as you get it, do the following:
Verify the lamp’s shade: the interior of genuine Stiffel lights typically bears a tiny foil decal bearing the name of the manufacturer;
Need help locating it there? Examine its base as well. You should discover another decal there, or if yours has a felt cover on its interior, to check this, unscrew the cap from the light fixture. It could also be on the light socket. Look at the switch for the light.
Although it has been abandoned in more modern designs, most Stiffel lamps initially relied on a specific mechanism that was patented at the time. The base must be made of metal (not cheap substitutes! ), not plastic, and you must pull down the top half of the stem to turn it on and off. Additionally, it will likely be quite hefty if it’s Stiffel.
Make a decision regarding its placement and intended purpose
One of the most typical errors made while purchasing a Stiffel lamp (or table light)? Look at the switch for the morning. Although it has been abandoned in more modern designs, most Stiffel lamps initially relied on a specific mechanism that was patented at the time. The base must be made of metal (not cheap substitutes! ), not plastic, and you must pull down the top half of the stem to turn it on and off. Additionally, it will likely be quite hefty if it’s Stiffel.
Choosing something simply because you enjoy the way it looks without having the foggiest idea of where you’re going to put it or what you’ll use it for:
Have a look around your home to see if there are any tables or corners that seem a little dark or lacking in anything; Will you primarily use your Stiffel lamp for decoration to create a moody environment with pools of light, or will you require its brilliance to complete a task?
If you’re planning to design a workspace or reading corner, give white and ivory shades that let light through priority. Instead, if you want a darker outcome, stay with black or other more opaque colors.
Take accurate measurements
Knowing exactly where your new Stiffel lamp will go now, measure the area (including its height!) to determine how much room you have to work with:
If you want a balanced appearance:
- Choose a shade whose diameter is no more than 2 inches smaller than the base’s length.
- If you’re going to set it on a table close to a chair or a couch, sit down and take a measurement from your eye level to the shade’s surface.
- Please search for a Stiffel light whose height is within that range (measuring it from the bottom of the base to that of its shadow).
Aspect the color scheme of your room
You might want to take a look at your area and identify its three primary colors as well as the most prevalent fixtures and accent materials to ensure that the new Stiffel lamp must not seem out of place:
Typically, Stiffel lamps have neutral hues like white, cream, ivory, and pale yellow that fit perfectly with most decor. Although Stiffel lights are renowned for their metal bases, you can occasionally find some adaptable black variants or other colors. They are typically available in copper, bronze, iron, brass, nickel, and brass. Do you currently have any fixtures made of one of these materials? Can one of these be made to match your lampshade?
Choose a model that complements the look of your home
The finishing touch for the ideal interiors is a consistent décor, which you can find now that you know what color, size, and finish to search for:
- Finding the perfect Stiffel lamp will be simple peasy if your interiors are modern or retro-inspired: its most classic versions from the 1930s or later decades would suit nicely.
- Even if you’ve chosen a different or more modern style, you may still discover the perfect Stiffel light for your interiors.
- For a modern space, choose a sleek drum-shaped design; for industrial designs, go for rectangular, darker, or drum shades with bronze, copper, or iron base. Smooth lines and simple patterns for minimalist or Scandinavian settings that emphasize natural hues like white, cream, or yellow. Why not look for one of those uncommon wooden replicas as well?
- For Shabby chic and French country decor, ornate white lamps with the most ornate bases; the wackiest designs with an exotic or strange twist for a bohemian vibe.
How to Recognize
The unique foil signature on the lamp base or shade is the quickest method to recognize a Stiffel lamp. Unfortunately, it has happened that these foil signatures have come off, making it challenging to identify authentic Stiffel lamps. You might try separating the lamp’s base and looking inside for the letters “SLC” as a maker’s mark. Learn about the appearance and materials used to create Stiffel lights if you need help discovering any distinguishing marks or labeling.
What Does It Cost?
If you own a Stiffel lamp and want to have it valued, Lamp and Shade Outlet will provide a thorough professional evaluation that includes background details, the lamp’s history, and the time it was produced. The total market value and maintenance and insurance advice are also offered. An exhaustive evaluation takes four to five weeks. The turnaround time is merely two days if you prefer a value-only analysis.
Selecting the Style of a Stiffel Lamp
Whether you select an antique or a “Stiffel-inspired” lamp, you can be sure that it will bring character, quality, and depth to the decor of your area. A genuine Stiffel light is a purchase whose value will undoubtedly rise as none are currently being produced. The lamp is a work of craftsmanship and design that you and your family may enjoy for a very long time, in addition to the collector value of possessing a Stiffel lamp and a piece of Americana.
