Colonial Revival

History

As the bungalow boom faded, American taste swung back toward the nation's own past. Colonial Revival lighting borrowed from Federal and early-Republic silver and brasswork: graceful curved arms ending in candle cups, central urns and ball finials, and a clean, symmetrical balance a world away from Victorian density.

The fixtures were almost always electric but dressed as candlelight — slender 'candle' sleeves over the sockets, flame-tip bulbs, and minimal or no shades. Polished and lacquered brass dominated, occasionally paired with painted tole or silver-plate for higher-end work.

This style has been reproduced continuously for a century, so dating an original relies on construction: heavier cast (not stamped) arms, period socket hardware, hand-soldered joints, and the warm, uneven tone of old lacquered brass rather than a flawless modern plating.

Common forms

• ◆Candle-arm chandeliers
• ◆Single- and double-candle wall sconces
• ◆Brass hall lanterns
• ◆Urn-form semi-flush fixtures