The fine points of Glass Student Shades

 

......using Student Shades

Glass Student Shades are a beautiful and functional shape used on 19^th and early 20^th century oil lamps. They were produced in various colors, some with elaborate hand painted designs. They were often made in white opal glass as this style gave off the best light. While widely used, oil lamp shades were predominately produced in just a few sizes. The two predominate sizes are 7" oil lamp shades and 10" oil lamp shades

Early oil lamps created light by burning a wick, inside a glass chimney. These lamps produced marginal light. The development of glass student shades improved light output thereby improving the quality of life for many Americans.

How Glass Student Shades improve illumination. The shape of these shades focused light downward for tasks. When lit, glass student shades glowed, producing a much larger light, than was previously available from a burning wick. Better light at night made dark night’s bearable and increased productivity. It was now possible to read and do hand-work at night. Rooms were brighter making evening activities possible.  This dramatic change encouraged the lighting industry to seek advances in lighting.

 

Components of an oil lamp

19th century oil lamps were made of brass, glass or nickel. Central to these lamps were oil burners. As time went on many of these oil burners were replaced with electric burners or converted to electricity. Glass chimneys, used to control drafts and protect flame, resided on top of burner and were held in place with tines. Tripods or spiders and shade rings were then positioned on burners to hold glass student shades.

Spider

Tripods

Lamp Shade Rings

Measuring Glass Student Shades

Glass Student Shades, a much-enjoyed antique style, were originally used on student lamps and oil lamps. Made of glass, in various bottom diameters, with 10” and 7” being the most common sizes. Shades are measured across bottom. These glass shades are blown in a mold which causes slight differences in thickness of glass and actual bottom diameters. The bottom diameter, referred to as the fitter, is typically slightly under-size, this is normal due to glass blowing techniques.

Measure shade holder, if available, to determine sized needed. If lamp will need both holder and shade: 9” – 10” lamp bases typically use 10” student shades while smaller 8”-9” bases often use 7” shades.

Green Cased Glass	Hand Painted Roses	Embossed Melon	Tam O'Shanter shape

Differing Types of Glass Student Shades

Glass student shades glow when lit, intensifying the illumination produced by a burning wick or light bulb. White shades produce a generous overall light, while cased glass types direct light downward offering better task lighting. Most are used on table lamps, however there are also some hanging lights and floor lamps which use this style. Shapes are smooth or embossed, such as hobnail and melon patterns. Tops are flat or crimped. Standard white glass student shades present a neutral appearance and are economically priced. Cased glass styles, typically dark green sandwiched with white glass, complement brass lamps. This style was very popular on early student lamps. The most decorative are those of the Victorian period, each is a work of art, hand painted with beautiful floral designs.