Edwardian Lighting

The majority of homes relied on a combination of gas lighting, candles and oil lamps as electric lighting did not become widespread until after The Great War (1918). Where gas lighting was limited in its shade and arm placement (due to the nature of the flame position) electrical lighting could use arms, necks and shades that could be positioned downwards or even at an angle it also featured delicate metalwork and intricate designs, scrolling arms and pretty shades. It proved to be a refreshing break from the darker lighting trends from years gone by.

While the Edwardian Period lasted a mere nine years and is generally considered to span from 1901 to 1910 (during the reign of King Edward VII) one could also potentially include style trends that started in the late 1890’s to the 1920’s. It ushered in the invention of electrical lighting for (mainly wealthy) households and while being influenced by continental Europe (due to the burgeoning European travels of the the wealthy) along with the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements, Edwardian lighting designs also became more eclectic and focused on using the unique properties of electrical lighting as inspiration for the lighting designs.