Mission Style Furniture - History of the Arts and Crafts Style Decor

Many are unaware that terms mission style decor and arts & crafts style decor are synonymous. Often times the terms are used interchangeably to recite furniture pieces and lighting fixtures typified by exacting straight lines, rectangular slats, regularly constructed of wood, iron, or copper. Table lamps and other light pieces are constructed with square wooden bases with colorful glass shades, creating always in vogue elegant piece that is both functional and artistic. The inherent characteristics of this style are functionality, simplicity, and quality craftsmanship.

Wood Table Lamps

Though the popularity of contemporary style furniture and lighting waned a bit after World War Ii (a time during which contemporary designs were prominent) it resurfaced as a favorite style in the late 1980's and into the early 1990's. It remains favorite over discrete manufacturers today.

True contemporary furniture is authentically crafted by hand. Today's versions however are motor made, but they still allege the simplistic design and first-rate elegance. Because of its rugged appeal, craftsman style decor is best coupled with warm tones, resulting in an Earthy look and feel.

Modern style table lamps are unique pieces that boast clean lines, simple geometric shapes, adorned with a glass shade that may have accents of amber and jade. The rustic seeing glass in mission style lighting comes in a cream or white color giving off subtle hints of amber when light passes through. The light emitted from these fixtures is typically dimmer, casting a softer glow.

The contemporary beloved look is very warm and inviting. It gives off a natural and comfortable feel to your home. Pieces are easy to coordinate given their consistent design and style. Given their popularity, it's very easy to find beloved pieces at most furniture retailers. Mission style furniture and lighting is sure to add character and unique appeal to any space.

Mission Style Furniture - History of the Arts and Crafts Style Decor
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Arts and Crafts Lamps and The History of Art Nouveau

The Arts and Crafts era began in England during the late 1800's. Simple clean designs and individual craftsmanship that employed aspects of nature were the main characteristics of this design period. This new movement was in direct variation to the mass yield of products that was made inherent by the commercial revolution. This new art, (Art Nouveau in French) was also many ways a relief from the lavishly ornate designs of the Victorian era which preceded.

Wood Table Lamps

The commercial revolution had dehumanized the process of manufacturing especially as it relates to home decor products. It broke down the work process into assorted components by processes called the "division of labor". Workers were able to work on only a part of a perfect product. The Arts and Crafts movement was a rebuttal of this dehumanizing process as it was involved specifically with the human element of a someone creating an entire product from start to finish.

The architect Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) was one of the first outspoken leaders in speaking against the dehumanizing aspect of the commercial revolution. He was followed by other proponents of these ideas: John Ruskin (1819-1900), William Morris (1834-1896) and Phillip Webb. Morris was the most popular name connected with this movement.

This new style of art spread throughout Europe and was named Art Nouveau (new art) by the French. Each country and region had its own styles and variations of this new art movement.

During the late 1800's, America was basically importing its artistic and home furnishings designs from England and Europe. Colonial and Shaker designs were the only truly American styles at that time. Gustav Stickley's Simple and clean furniture designs exemplified the Arts and Crafts style in America.

There were a estimate of remarkable lamp fellowships of that period. Their products are very collectible and highly sought after today. Many of these collectible Arts and Crafts Lamps or Art Nouveau Lamps that sold for $ 15 - $ 25 in the 1920's may now sell for many $ 1,000's and much more.

Some of the lamp fellowships which are representative of the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau era are:

Tiffany

Handel

Pairpoint

Duffner & Kimberly

Edward Miller

Bradley and Hubbard

Pittsburg

Moe Bridges

Chicago Mosaic

Cincinnati Iron Works

Classique

Consolidated

Dirk Van Erp

Aladdin

Daum Nancy

Jefferson

Rockwood Pottery

Roycroft

Wilkinson

Lightolier

Jeanette

Phoenix

Arts and Crafts Lamps and The History of Art Nouveau
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