The Mission Style, as part of the Arts and Crafts movement, seeks to create unique items and works along clean, simple lines. Inspired by the writings of John Ruskin, Mission Style was popular in the late 1800s, though it is often thought of as more contemporary. Its popularity makes finding floor lamps a relatively easy task, though an understanding of what the style represents makes shopping for floor lamps even easier. Does this Spark an idea?
Function
Mission Style lamps are not only useful as lighting devices by which you might read the paper or review homework, they function also as a decorative object and echo the Arts and Crafts style of the room. Typically, these lamps include a shade and a base. The base is either handcrafted or mass-produced in a fashion that makes it appear as if flaws are part of the base. The shades are simple and lack frills or pleats as found in other styles.
Significance
Mission Style lamps aid in lighting the room while providing a beautiful piece of art. The simple, unique qualities of the lamp signify the owner's style and appreciation of hand-crafted goods. True Mission Style lamps are hand made and celebrate the work of individual craftspersons. Fine mass-produced lamps are relatively easy to find (see Resources below). Realize, however, that much of the work of even mass-produced lamps includes individual craftsmanship in the styling and shape of wood. Final staining may be machined.
Geography
Mission Style floor lamps are most likely to be found in North America and Britain, as this is the home of the Arts and Crafts movement. The movement did not extend beyond the Americas and Great Britain, so its most frequent use remains in these two geographic areas to this day.
Types
Floor lamps in this style are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Typical floor lamps are pillar-style, extending up from the floor to a height of 3 feet and more. But the Mission Style is popular, so floor lamps of many varieties exist (see Resources below for examples and shopping). Finishes on the wood portion of the lamp include dark oak, light oak, cherry and cappuccino. Shades are typically cream colored with burnished metal that doesn't shine brightly. Some shades include geometric forms that echo clean, natural lines.
Potential
By purchasing a Mission Style floor lamp, you embrace and encourage the work of craftspeople who prefer to work on unique objects of lasting value. Mission Style furniture in general is simple and clean, made to showcase the work of a master. A floor lamp in this style can finish your room without overwhelming it. It's a simple design statement that is also extremely useful.
Tags: Mission Style, Arts Crafts, floor lamps, Mission Style lamps, Style lamps, Arts Crafts movement, Crafts movement