Has antique lighting become collectable? Tips for beginning an antique lighting collection. Antique light fixtures, especially outdoor light fixtures, are very collectable but they're getting harder and...
Antique light fixtures, especially outdoor light fixtures, are very collectable but they're getting harder and harder to find, according to Denver resident Sharon Nunnally, who has been in the antique lighting business for two decades and is the owner of Antique Lighting and Restoration. She was the preservation commissioner of the Denver Landmark Commission. She is now a board member of the National Preservation Commission. "A lot of people are now keeping antique outdoor fixtures on their older homes instead of throwing them out," Nunnally continues.
"Outdoor antique lighting is the most collectable," Nunnally continues. "Because homes don't use as many exterior lights as they do interior lights, there are fewer of them available from older homes. Usually if there were exterior lights on a home, there would be a pair of sconces and maybe one porch light. But inside a house, if there were six rooms there would be at least six ceiling light fixtures. Because there were a smaller number of exterior lights from the beginning, there are fewer in the market place to start with. In fact, for dealers who are in the antique lighting business, exterior lighting is generally the one type lighting that customers are always looking for. That's especially true if the fixture is a quality piece in good condition or really unusual."
Preservation efforts create another problem, according to Nunnally, who a board member of the National Preservation Commission and also consults individuals in preservation at her antique lighting shop. "When there is a lot of demolition or fast moving redevelopment, sometimes there is not an opportunity for people to salvage the exterior lighting so it gets thrown away," she explains.
As recently as the 1980s American homeowners purchasing older homes would usually take down the antique lighting fixtures and replace them with modern fixtures. That's because during the 1950s and 1960s, there was limited interest in anything old. This is when the suburbs rapidly expanded. America was experiencing one of its most prosperous periods and homeowners flocked to buy new houses. Many of these new houses had a garage as a focal point because a new car was also a big part of the American dream. Inside, light woods and bright colors were the most popular decorating choices. The focal point inside was the brand new television set. Antique lighting didn't have a place in this decorating trend, either indoors or outdoors. Many old lamps, chandeliers, and outdoor lighting fixtures were either junked or tossed in grandmother's basement or attic along with radios and Victorian furniture.
During the late 1980s and 1990s there was great interest throughout America in restoring old homes and buildings. Many communities set up tax incentives for homeowners and business leaders who wanted to restore old structures. The media gave a lot of attention to the importance of restoring America through a blitz of television shows and magazine articles.
The old became new again, and this trend continues into the beginning of the 21st century. Across America, many people from young couples starting their careers through retirees are eagerly and energetically restoring some of their community's architectural gems that have fallen on hard times.
