Different Types Of Glass For Light Fixtures

When shopping for light fixtures, there’s a lot you need to consider in the process. What style of light fixture do you want, how much light do you need, do you want an energy efficient, Energy Star rated light fixture or will you settle for something else if it’s the right price? Most people consider all sorts of little tidbits when it comes to their light fixtures, but few people realize that there is something else to consider: the different types of glass.

Previously, you really only had two choices when it came to glass for your light fixtures: clear or milky white glass. There was also crystal, which is technically a type of glass but classified differently for various reasons.

Recycled glass is growing in popularity, as many people are looking for more eco-friendly options when updating their home. Recycled glass is being used in everything from table lamps to countertops, new glassware for homes and of course, in products you might buy from the store such as a jar of spaghetti sauce. Recycled glass can be recolored and reshaped, making it just as versatile as “new” glass and thus, making it just as (if not more) appealing to buyers.

Tiffany glass is another glass that is growing in popularity with light fixtures, though unlike recycled glass light fixtures, Tiffany fixtures have been around for quite a while: more than 100 years, in fact.

It is worth noting, however, that Tiffany style light fixtures, (especially those that are newly made today,) whether it’s a pendant light or a table lamp, may not necessarily be made from actual glass but rather from natural cut stone. Authentic antique Tiffany light fixtures will be made with a leaded glass, so keep this in mind if you choose to invest in this particular style of light fixture.

Next we have opalescent glass. Opalescent glass may actually go by a variety of names, including alabaster glass. Typically, these terms refer to one thing: a type of glass where more than one color is present. This could mean multiple shades of white are present such as the case with a white alabaster glass shade, or it could mean that multiple colors such as oranges, reds and yellows are present.

These types of glass on light fixtures will affect how the light looks when the light fixture is in use, so keep this in mind if you are looking for a clean light, as color variation in the glass will distort the coloring of the light.

Moving on, iridized glass is another type of glass that has slowly made a comeback in recent years. Iridized glass, also known as spectrum glass or rainbow glass, refers to the rainbow-like coloring that the glass appears to have. This glass is made by using a special spray of metal oxides that give it that iridescent glow.

Finally, there is also crystal that is often used in light fixtures. Crystal is but isn’t a type of glass, depending on who you talk to. Many people feel it is more elegant and therefore more valued in comparison to standard glass. However, it does use the same materials so the decision must be made by the buyer as to whether it’s a type of glass or a different material entirely.

Of course, these are just a few of the many different types of glass used in light fixtures today. Furthermore, these types of glass aren’t necessarily limited just to light fixtures, either, so keep this in mind if you are looking for any of these glasses in particular, as you may find other items made from that particular material, making searching a bit more difficult.

By: Melanie Lawlor Cooper

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