The surprising collateral effect of incorporating industrial lighting in contemporary design is the aesthetic impact. Reclaimed from factories and other industrial and commercial settings, this lighting was designed with durability, functionality, and efficiency at the forefront of early-to-mid 20th century scientific innovation. Reclaimed industrial light fixtures can bring surprising transformations to design – from sleek and edgy to warm and whimsical.
Featuring quality materials like metal and wood and visual/tactile eccentricities such as exposed bulbs, sharp lines, and cages, industrial lighting also offers durability. The lighting was designed with industrial and commercial applications in mind. It was often made with explosion-proof or waterproof materials and energy efficient components.
One of our favorite collections at Olde Good Things is our authentic industrial lighting. The sleek intellectualism of lighting manufactured during the modern age of industrial illumination brings a custom atmosphere to film sets, dining and entertainment venues, and residential design.
Milestones in Industrial Lighting during the Industrialist- Modernist Period
1879: Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb, which replaced gas lamps
1890s: Nikolai Tesla develops alternating current systems which allowed long-distance electricity transmission making large-scale commercial electric lighting possible
1892: General Electric is founded
1893: French electric scientist Andre Blondel and Greek engineer Spiridion Psaroudaki were awarded a U.S. patent for holophane lighting
1910: Georges Claude patents the neon light, which gains popularity in commercial signage
1911: General Electric partners with Holophane Glass Company, who employed engineers to study light distribution, resulting in prismed lighting. Holophane Glass began distributing “scientific illumination” to industries.
1927: Edmund Germer invents the fluorescent lamp.
Throughout the next two decades, electric lighting continued to develop for use in industrial and commercial settings.
Industrial lighting includes solid vintage pieces constructed with form and innovation in mind. OGT features industrial lighting antiques from Europe and The US, including salvaged lighting from olde factories, theaters, and even JFK International Airport. Our extensive collection is an exciting array of floor lamps, desk table lights, overhead lighting, including flush mount, pendant, and recessed, stage lights, flood lights, and commercial signage.
Reclaimed Factory Holophane Glass 21 in. Pendant Lights, view online
Paris Holophane Street 16 in. Pendant Light, view online
Industrial Lighting Showcases
Paris Street Light Pendants
In 2015, we acquired a remarkable collection of Holophane glass globes, originally used as streetlamp covers in Paris, France. You can explore more about their origins and journey here. Our skilled technicians have carefully transformed these historic pieces into pendant lights, preserving their timeless character while adapting them for contemporary interiors. These pendant lights are available in two sizes—16 inches and 19 inches—and can be viewed and purchased online.
Ledger Restaurant Project
The Assembly Design Studio, the creative team behind Ledger Restaurant & Bar in Salem, Massachusetts, transformed the former Salem Savings Bank into a striking modern dining space with historical character. As part of their renovation, they sourced a large collection of industrial factory pendants from Olde Good Things to complement the building’s original architectural elements. Learn more about their design journey here and explore similar industrial lighting options available online.
Broadway Restaurant Project
The Assembly Design Studio, a leading commercial design firm based in New England, brought its signature style to the Broadway Restaurant in South Boston. Continuing their collaboration with Olde Good Things, they incorporated vintage factory industrial pendants to create a modern, inviting atmosphere with a warm, ambient glow. Learn more about their design journey here, and explore similar industrial lighting options available online.
Take a look at our large selection of Industrial & Commercial lighting. Shop now!
