Design by Decade – 1900s

Welcome to the first in our Design by Decade series, where we explore the evolution of design trends and lighting technology over time. Looking for period pieces that perfectly capture the vintage feel of turn-of-the-century lighting? Check out some of our favorite selections that embody lighting from the first decade of the 1900s.

1890s
Vintage Bulbs

Carbon-filament light bulbs debuted in the 1890s and lit the way until 1912, when bright and powerful tungsten-filament bulbs transformed the industry. At a time when LED technology is advancing at the speed of light, replicas of vintage, turn-of-the-century bulbs have made a modern resurgence. Although notably energy-inefficient, these bulbs have an undeniable charm that hearkens back to a simpler time.

Today’s nostalgia for simplicity in a mile-a-minute world, coupled with the cozy glow that Edison and Squirrel Cage bulbs provide, explain the current popularity of this whimsical illumination trend. Pair with rustic finishes in exposed-bulb fixtures to really let these bulbs shine. We love the Nostalgic Bulb collection from Bulbrite, and Retro Tube Filament bulbs from Stone Lighting.

Keep your eye out for filament-style LEDs bulbs. Finally, the historic charm and warm glow of an Edison is also eco-friendly, thanks to brands like Tala.

Shop Inc Edison Bulbs

1907
Fortuny Moda Lamp
by Pallucco Italia

Surprisingly contemporary in its profile, the Fortuny Moda Lamp was originally designed in 1907 by Mariano Fortuny as stage lighting equipment that revolutionized theatrical lighting. The domed cloth shade diffuses and reflects light to create the soft, indirect illumination still favored by photographers and cinematographers today. Reproductions of the original design take center stage as striking and alluring contemporary floor lamps at the height of interior fashion.

The Pallucco Italia replica is available in plain or printed cotton, while brands like Flos take the Fortuny concept to an incredibly minimalist and contemporary place.

This lamp stands alone as a striking conversation piece.

Shop Fortuny Lamp