Banker / Piano Lamps

The uniquely styled bankers lamps are short metal reading lamps with glass shades. These antique reading lamps commonly came with a brass base and green glass shade. However, there are many variations of the decorative lamp with different metal bases and colored shades. The two main uses for the electric lamps are as focused task lighting and as a decorative piece. The diminutive light source is designed to focus downward and typically has a switch near the base or a chain near the bulb. It was essentially a task or reading lamp.

Historically, the green banker lamp was extremely important to accountants and bankers. They represented some of the earliest electric lighting and were in use in the early 1800s. Both financial roles toiled over detailed hand-written ledgers tallying the numerous daily transactions required by the job. The iconic banker's desk lamp with wide glass shades put out the perfect spread of light needed to do their laborious task. Electric lamps, including those popular for banking, were commercially manufactured in the 1870s. The lamps gained wide acceptance in home décor when the Tiffany Company debuted their line. One of the more interested uses for the lamps were to light piano keys in the dim night clubs.

Green lamps have become back in style. Not only do they provide an ideal light source for reading but the lamp has become synonymous with upscale elegance. modern lamps come in a variety of finishes ranging from brass, chrome, brushed nickel, wood, and almost any other material imaginable. Many of the more expensive versions still employ glass shades. The Tiffany-style bankers lamp have been incorporated into many types of designs. One of the most popular uses is in offices or studies as they provide both form and function. However, the electric lights are ideal for study nooks in kitchen, music rooms, and television rooms. Many homeowners are incorporating them into their home theaters as a stylish piece the enables them to get just the right amount of light to find the remote control. A recent trend for these lights is using vintage-style Edison light bulbs. These bulbs come in a variety of filament shapes and are reminiscent of the original style light bulbs. modern desk lamps have options that are more energy efficient and easier of the eyes than their predecessors. There are a variety of lamps that use Light Emitting Diodes (LED) instead of the traditional bulb. The led light fixtures use less energy to produce a comparable amount of light to traditional bulbs. The light emitted by the LED bulb can be less harsh than that of traditional bulbs enabling extended reading and writing without excessive eye strain. Personalization is also another trend in decorating and has not escape the green desk lamp. Many companies are producing the traditional style lamp with engravable bases, ideal for special events such as weddings or graduations. The glass lamp shade is another way to personalize the lamp. Glass engraving of motifs and/or words provides a distinctive touch to the antique looking piece.