Metal Art Lamps and Metal Art Overview

As much as the furniture and the decorative items, the way a home is lit defines its character and the personality of the owner. Lamps and light fittings are available in all kinds of materials and metal lamps, chandeliers, sconces and other light fixtures are among the most common. While these may be just holders in which to fit light bulbs, using metal art lamps can add a distinctive touch of class and sophistication to the home. Metal art lamps are those where the functionality is married to design to produce a fitting or piece of furniture that stands alone as a complement to the décor of the house.

Until the introduction of the electric light bulb in the 1880s, all indoor lighting was provided by oil or wax fed lamps. Oil lamps have bee around since man first learned to work and shape metal. Since wood was affected by oil and could easily catch fire, and hewing a map out of stone was a time consuming process, metal lamps were the best option. Metal lamps soon progressed from merely a functional item to works of art. Intricate designs and scrolling allowed them to become decorative items that added to the appeal of a house. Ancient archeological sites are littered with intricately designed metal lamps. The advent of glass that ensconced the flame but allowed the light to pass allowed the metal artist even greater flexibility in creating what we call today metal art lamps.

There are two main types of art metal lamps. The first is the piece of metal sculpture which has a light fitting as an integral part of it. These are usually hand crafted either by individual artists or companies using the services of artists under contract to them. These are usually stand alone sculptures, and can be of any size, form the smallest table piece to a large free standing one. Since they are primarily sculptures, the main function of the light they emit is to enhance their appeal and the lighting of the surrounding area is secondary. You can choose from a wide range of one of a kind pieces by visiting art galleries, art stores, and looking on the internet. If you are not able to find the piece that is exactly what you are looking for, there is no need to compromise. An internet search will find a host of artists who will work with you to create the pieces you are looking for.

Large metal art lamps can be used as freestanding sculptures in a garden and will add to the after dark atmosphere with the presence.

The more common type of metal art lamp is the intricately designed indoor lighting fixture. They made be made from a variety of metals including wrought iron, stainless steel, brushed copper, bronze, aluminum, and even sterling silver and gold. A wide range of finishes and colors are available to either complement an existing décor or to use as a starting point where the metal art lamp and the light it emits are the focal points around which the rest of a room or a full house are designed.