In the 1930s, a new type of lighting fixture was created: the slip-shade fixture. This was a a fixture which had a glass shade which “slipped” into place. Such fixtures are highly sought after today. And this is understandable, as slip-shade fixtures are invariably yummy! Such as this beauty by Lightolier. Today, I listed a matched set of three.

Wow. One of the aspect I really enjoy about restoring vintage lighting is the quality and artistry. No modern lighting can even remotely approach the quality of a fixture from before WWII. No, value-engineers now rule.

Too. Delicious. And I wonder: How did they do that? I mean, how did they get those incredible floral design on glass??????

So. Fabulous. This just makes my heart sing.

STORIES FROM MY YOUTH. Way back when I was a pup in the late 1970s, I came across my first slip-shade fixture, just like the above image. A friend found one at a thrift store for $35. It was missing one shade, but the fixture was so amazing that he did not care. He looked and looked for a replacement shade but to no avail. Fast forward many decades (sigh) and it is kinda neat that I now know that this particular fixture is called a Brown Tip Slip-Shade (because the ends of the shades darken to brown tips), and that a shade can be found within minutes on the internet. A single shade will run about $125, at least, and the fixture will be around $1600. We have come a long way since the 70s, baby!