What is the Schoolhouse lighting style?
What are the origins of Schoolhouse lighting?
What does Schoolhouse lighting look like?
How do I introduce the Schoolhouse lighting style into my home?
Which Schoolhouse style lights do you recommend?
Why is Schoolhouse lighting so popular?
Will Schoolhouse lighting remain popular in the future?


What is the Schoolhouse lighting style?
The Schoolhouse style is a type of vintage lighting that originated in the early 1920s. It features timeless hand-blown glass designs that are as charming as they were over a century ago. If you are in love with the Schoolhouse style, don’t mistake their elegance for a lack of practicality. Schoolhouse lighting was a staple for a reason: a simple, attractive style and long-lasting, functional versatility.

What are the origins of Schoolhouse lighting?
The Schoolhouse lighting style originated as a practical and utilitarian form of lighting primarily seen in government buildings, libraries, courthouses and – their namesake – schools. Over a century later, their style has transcended mere practicality and are now seen as elegant, stylish and authentically vintage.

What does Schoolhouse lighting look like?
This style is characterized by distinctive opal gloss shades with curved, symmetrical designs and rounded corners. In the modern day, the classic Schoolhouse shade shape has also been used with clear glass and exposed filament bulbs for a unique look. Paired with simple metal fittings, these lights can be found in a variety of curved shapes to create a range of looks in the style.

How do I introduce the Schoolhouse lighting style into my home?
The origins of Schoolhouse lighting illustrate its purpose: to create an even amount of diffused light in large spaces. With this in mind, you should use the schoolhouse style in large areas of the home such as over kitchen islands, dining rooms or living rooms. Make sure when picking your light to understand how different light bulbs can affect the feeling of the light.

For the classic opal shades of the Schoolhouse style, avoid exposed filament bulbs, as they may lead to uneven brightness across the shade. Next, make sure to select your bulb by colour temperature depending on where you want to place your light. If you want warm, ambient lighting make sure to pick a warm bulb (such as 2200k). If you would like a cooler, brighter feeling, look for a cool bulb (3000k colour temperature). For more information on colour temperature and light bulbs, see our Light Bulb Buying Guide!

Which Schoolhouse style lights do you recommend?
For a staple, classic look using the most common Schoolhouse shade design, we recommend our range of Chelsea range. Our Chelsea Gooseneck Wall Light is an extremely versatile light from this range and is exemplary of the Schoolhouse style when paired with a gooseneck wall sconce.

For lights with a modern touch, try our Washington shade range. With its rounded design, the Washington shades fit perfectly in the subtle styles of modern design. Try these with our straight arm wall sconce for a light you can fit into nearly any space.

If you’re looking for something more striking, browse our Flinders lights which play on the edge of the classic Schoolhouse look to create a fascinating design. We recommend the Flinders Glass Wall Light for an easy-to-use option.

Or please just check out our full range of Schoolhouse lights.

Why is Schoolhouse lighting so popular?
The Schoolhouse style is not only timeless in its attractive and simple style but also provides endless practicality and versatility. Being able to use this look nearly anywhere in a home or commercial space, it’s no surprise that the Schoolhouse style has remained a staple for many people.

Will Schoolhouse lighting remain popular in the future?
After remaining a strong and common style for over a century, Schoolhouse lighting has proved to be a look with ultimate staying power. This style is almost as old as the light bulb itself! There is no doubt that this timeless style will remain popular for many, many years to come.

If you have any more questions or curiosities about the Schoolhouse style or where/how to use it, contact our experienced customer service team to help you with any queries you might have.