#electric lighting

[nemfrog]

"Maxim's lamp." Modern applications of electricity. 1883.

Hiram Maxim, who held seventeen patents on incandescent lamps, considered himself to be the inventor of the commercial light bulb.

Internet Archive

[hagleyvault]

On this date in 1883, the first electric lighting system used overhead wires began service in Roselle, New Jersey. The system was built by Thomas Edison as part of an experiment; he wanted to see whether he could light an entire neighborhood with electricity using a shared  central generating station.

Thirty-two years later to the day, in 1915, French engineer and inventor Georges Claude made his own contribution to lighting history when he patented the neon discharge tube. This patent gave his company, Claude Neon Lights, a monopoly in the United States through the early 1930s on the production of the neon signs that his patent made possible.

Both inventors have left a complicated legacy. Claude was later imprisoned from 1945 to 1950 for propaganda work favoring collaboration during the German occupation of France. And, as far as Edison goes, an elephant never forgets (R.I.P. Topsy). But we could all use a little extra light now and then, so in honor of their achievements, here’s a photograph of the NOMA Electric Corporation’s display at the Electrical Association of New York’s 1934 National Electrical and Radio Exposition. NOMA was formed in 1925 as the National Outfit Manufacturer's Association out of a trade group of around 14 small manufacturers who consolidated to better compete against large manufacturers.

The company became best known for making Christmas lights, seen here, and was once the world’s largest manufacturer of the products. It’s also credited with inventing the Christmas bubble light in 1946, and, to the best of our knowledge, never electrocuted an elephant or collaborated with Nazis. So that’s nice.

This photograph is part of Hagley Library’s National Electrical and Radio Exposition album (Accession 2015.289). The trade show was held in New York City at Madison Square Garden from September 19th to the 29th, and was one of the annual radio and electronic products trade shows held in the city in the 1920s through the 1940s.

Similar radio expositions during the era were hosted in other major U.S. cities sponsored by local trade associations that brought together manufacturers, retailers, and customers.The expositions included national manufacturers and large retailers from around the country to display, demonstrate, and sell their products.

Among the more prominent products featured at the expositions during this period were radios, household appliances (vacuums, ovens, refrigerators, etc.), home/industrial lighting, and heating/air conditioning technology.This collection includes 45 photographs taken during the exposition. The photographs are primarily of various companies' individual displays. Companies represented include RCA, Westinghouse Electric, Singer Sewing Machine, General Electric, Hoover, Leonard, among others. To view more photographs from this album online now, click here.

[auburnandamberangel]

//Art deco lamps I think or in style of - Chiddingstone Castle; Kent, UK - So many photos from my birthday day out on Monday.

[hagleyvault]

Thomas Edison’s Edison Electric Light Company began operations on this date, October 15, in 1878. One of many business entities founded by Edison, the Electric Light Company was a patent-holding corporate entity backed by J. P. Morgan and the Vanderbilt family for the purposes of funding Edison’s experiments with the incandescent bulb and electric lighting.

In 1890, the company would merge with By 1890, several other Edison companies to become the Edison General Electric Company, which then merged with the competing Thomson-Houston Electric Company in 1892 to become the General Electric Company. This ca. 1890 photograph shows the Edison Electric Light Company of Philadelphia, which once stood at 908 Sansom Street. The subsidiary company was organized in December 1886 with the backing of the Edison Electric Light Company of New York. The company used the Edison system and constructed what was then the largest central generating station in the world in 1889.

By 1895, the Edison company was the largest and most profitable electric company in Philadelphia, but it was facing a number of competitors, each running their own lines of wires above city streets to provide service. By 1902, Philadelphia decided to consolidate these services, and the Philadelphia Electric Company was formed to operate as the city’s sole provider of electricity in the city.

This image is part of Hagley Library’s collection of Warren-Ehret Company photograph albums (Accession 2002.251). The company, who provided roofing services for the Edison Electric Light Company of Philadelphia, was a roofing company founded in 1852. The collection has not been digitized in its entirety, but you can view an online collection of 178 images selected from three unbound albums (circa 1900) which were used as sales portfolios to show the variety and extent of Warren-Ehret's roofing jobs on a variety of buildings. The buildings are predominately industrial structures, but the collection also includes: railroad company buildings, offices, stores, apartments and private homes. The collection covers buildings in the greater Philadelphia area and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York City, and Connecticut. Click here to view it now in our Digital Archive.

[cmipooja]

How to Choose the Perfect Lamp Shade for Any Room

Lamp shades might seem like small, insignificant details, but they play a pivotal role in determining the ambiance, functionality, and overall style of a room. The right lamp shade can enhance the quality of light, complement the room’s décor, and even serve as a statement piece.

1. Understanding Lamp Shade Shapes

The shape of a Lamp Shades significantly affects both the light distribution and the visual impact of the lamp. Here are some common shapes and their best uses:

Drum Shades: These cylindrical shades are popular for their versatility. With an even width from top to bottom, drum shades provide balanced, ambient light and work well in contemporary or minimalist spaces. They’re ideal for use in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where you want soft, diffuse lighting.

Empire Shades: These shades have a wider base than the top, which directs most of the light downward. This makes them perfect for task lighting, such as on a reading lamp or desk lamp. The classic shape fits well in both traditional and modern interiors.

Bell Shades: With their flared bottom and narrow top, bell shades offer a more formal and elegant look. They diffuse light evenly while adding a touch of vintage charm, making them suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms with a more traditional aesthetic.

Square or Rectangular Shades: These shades are ideal for modern or geometric spaces. Their sharp angles can complement contemporary décor, and they are a great choice for table lamps or floor lamps in minimalist settings.

2. Choosing the Right Size

Size is a critical factor when selecting a lamp shade. A poorly sized shade can throw off the proportions of the entire lamp, making it look awkward or out of place. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right size:

Height: The height of the lamp shade should be about two-thirds the height of the lamp base. For instance, if your lamp base is 18 inches tall, the ideal shade height would be around 12 inches.

Width: The width of the lamp shade should be roughly twice the width of the lamp base at its widest point. If your lamp base is 8 inches wide, aim for a shade that is about 16 inches in diameter.

Fit: Ensure that the lamp shade fully covers the light bulb, but without being too large that it dwarfs the base. For table lamps, make sure the bottom of the shade sits at eye level when seated, to avoid glare.

3. Materials Matter

The material of the lamp shade affects both the appearance and the quality of light. Consider the following materials based on the room’s function:

Fabric Shades: Materials like cotton, linen, and silk offer a soft, diffused light that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. These shades are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms where you want a cozy glow. Silk shades, in particular, add a touch of luxury and elegance.

Paper Shades: Lightweight and often more affordable, paper shades offer a clean, minimalist look. They diffuse light evenly and are a good option for spaces where softer lighting is needed, such as bedrooms or reading nooks.

Metal or Plastic Shades: These materials are more rigid and tend to direct light downward. They are often used for task lighting in kitchens, offices, or workspaces where focused, bright light is needed. Metal shades also add an industrial or modern touch to the décor.

4. Color and Light Diffusion

The color of the lamp shade is another important consideration. Lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray allow more light to pass through, creating a bright and airy feel. These shades are perfect for spaces where you want to maximize illumination, such as kitchens or home offices.

Darker shades, such as black, navy, or deep red, tend to block more light, creating a more intimate and moody atmosphere. These shades are ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where you want a more subdued ambiance. Darker shades also work well with accent lighting or lamps that are meant to be decorative rather than functional.

5. Fitting and Lamp Shade Accessories

Once you’ve chosen the shape, size, material, and color, it’s important to ensure the shade fits properly on your lamp. Most lamp shades come with a spider fitter, which sits on top of the lamp’s harp and is secured by a finial. Other fittings include clip-on (for smaller bulbs like candelabras) and uno fittings, which attach directly to the lamp’s socket.

In addition to the shade itself, consider adding accessories like decorative finials or lamp harps that can enhance the overall look. Finials come in various shapes and materials, from simple brass designs to more ornate or artistic options, allowing you to add a personal touch to your lamp.

Selecting the perfect lamp shade involves balancing form and function. By considering the shape, size, material, and color, you can choose a lamp shade that enhances both the light quality and the aesthetic appeal of your room. Whether you’re looking for a classic, modern, or eclectic style, the right lamp shade can transform your space, creating the perfect ambiance for any room.

Get More Insights on Lamp Shades

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About Author-

Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.

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[tenth-sentence]

Amidst the mass of waters brightly lighted up by the electric lamp glided some of these lampreys, a yard long, that are common to almost every climate; some of the oxyrhynchi, a sort of skate, give feet wide, with white belly and gray-spotted back, spreading out like large shawls, carried along by the currents.

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" - Jules Verne

[jacksonbrag23]

Commercial Electric Lighting

If you're looking for commercial electric lighting solutions, Nuer Lighting, an experienced sign and lighting company, has got you covered. Their team of experts specializes in designing and installing high-quality, energy-efficient lighting systems for all types of commercial spaces, including offices, retail stores, warehouses, and more. They offer a wide range of lighting options, including LED, fluorescent, and incandescent fixtures, to help you achieve the perfect lighting for your space. They are committed to providing top-quality commercial outdoor lighting solutions that meet your unique needs and budget, while also helping you save money on your energy bills. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and discover how our commercial electric lighting solutions can enhance your business.

[energywisesolutions]

Commercial Lighting Solutions for Restaurants, offices, and Retail Stores

Commercial electric light fixtures are used in a variety of settings, such as businesses and commercial establishments. They are often found in restaurants, offices, schools and hospitals because they provide a lot of light for the people that work there.

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