A torchiere lamp is a tall floor lamp with an inverted shade that directs light towards the ceiling. It has been around since the late 17th century and comes in various designs, from traditional to contemporary. The lampshade can be made of different materials, and the bulb type varies. When shopping for a torchiere lamp, there are many options available to suit any style or taste.
A torchiere lamp is a tall, slim floor lamp topped with an inverted shade that directs light towards the ceiling. There are different types of torchiere lamps, ranging from traditional to contemporary designs. The word “torchiere” is a variation of the French word torchère, which means a tall candlestick. It is also related to the word torch, which is French for torch. Torchiere is pronounced properly as tour-SHARE or tour-she-AIR.
The torchiere lamp has been around for some time, with a chandelier version making an appearance in late 17th-century France. The first torch was a single candle mounted on a tall stand. Designers quickly realized that adding two or more candles greatly improved the illuminating power. The unique stand with numerous candles has been recognized as a great advance; however, too many candles made the original torchlights very heavy and prone to toppling over.
The flashlight first appeared in the late 1800s as the use of electricity in private homes became practical. Early floor lamps usually had a wooden or metal stand, often highly decorated with intricate curved designs. The lampshade was made of frosted, opaque or colored glass to provide protection from direct glare from the bulb. Today, a vintage torch in good condition can be of great interest among antique collectors.
When shopping for a flashlight, the choices available are vast. The modern torchiere is just one of many variations of the basic floor lamp. Retro designs include bases and stands with finishes described as antique brass, brushed gold or steel patina. Contemporary styles can be described as brushed aluminum, platinum or stainless steel. Many of the modern lamp stands are actually made from an extremely durable resin that simulates metal.
A flashlight may require halogen or fluorescent bulbs, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. The holder will often have a dimmer switch or switch that controls individual bulbs. Although fluorescent bulbs flicker when dimmed due to their design, halogen bulbs can be dimmed to any desired level. However, there is some concern about the fire hazard with halogen lamps. The inverted shade of a torchiere floor lamp leaves the hot bulb exposed, so the lamp should be kept away from flammable materials, such as curtains or drapes.
Torchiere lampshades can be made of alabaster, glass, plastic resin, metal or acrylic. They can have a scalloped and colorful style; or in the shape of a marbled glass bowl; or a prairie-style geometric shape; or a futuristic look of neon light. The lamp can also be topped with a simulated torch, harking back to France’s first torchers from long ago. Lighting stores, department stores, and online stores offer hundreds of styles of torchlight lamps to suit any style or taste.
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