Tiffany Pendant Lighting - Upward Versus Downlight

Tiffany pendant lighting options are as varied as they are beautiful. The storied and infamous tradition of glass-art lighting creations has been carried on to perfection by such manufacturers as Medya Tiffany and Dale Tiffany, Inc. While these are not the only companies manufacturing Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures, both of these companies do employ the same techniques and high quality materials used over a century ago when Louis Tiffany was still creating his masterpieces. However, while the quality of Tiffany pendant lighting made by reputable manufacturers may not be in doubt, the type of fixture to purchase may be causing some confusion.

Tiffany pendant lighting can be found in two basic varieties: upward or downlight. Upward Tiffany pendants are designed so that the light is bounced off of the ceiling and then reflected back downwards into the room. In other words, the upward Tiffany pendants are inverted so that their bulbs and shades both face the ceiling.

For Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures designed in the downlight style, the bulbs and the lampshades (or enclosures) are facing downward and directly illuminate objects below. Other than the directionality of illumination, there really is no other significant differences between the two varieties of pendant styles. However, this subtle difference is enough to make it worth your time to understand how it may affect the lighting in your home.

Tiffany pendant lighting fixtures made in the upward design are actually more traditional. Pendants were designed based upon the chandelier which originally used candles instead of bulbs to provide the illumination. Thus, the candles stood upward and light was reflected back off the ceiling downward. This is an indirect form of ambient lighting and one of its benefits is a reduction in glare.

For Tiffany pendants manufactured with a downlight design, there is indeed a tendency for increased glare. However, this possibility is minimized by the colored art glass shades which tend to diffuse light gently and thus reduce the possibility for glare. However, a downlight Tiffany pendant will better illuminate objects below but may not provide the same level of overall ambient lighting as an upward pendant.

Things will be better illuminated beneath the fixture but the corners of the room may appear darker because light is not first bounced off the ceiling. When the light is directed towards the ceiling, it is diffracted better so that all aspects of the room receive better ambient lighting. In downward pendants, the light is more focused but less distributed.

Quality Tiffany pendant lighting is available from a number of reputable manufacturers who construct the fixtures to the same or better standards than those employed when the art-glass fixtures were first being created. Innovations and demand have led to Tiffany pendants that are available in both upward and downlight varieties. Each type of pendant offers advantages and disadvantages when compared to one another but both are excellent lighting choices for you home. Deciding which Tiffany pendant lighting fixture is best for your home will depend on your particular ambient lighting needs, the size of your space, and the other furnishings in the d?cor.

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.tiffany-lamps-store.com. Her store offers product and information about Tiffany Lighting and beautiful Dale Tiffany Lighting as well as stained glass windows and fireplace screens that add beauty and richness to your home.