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barn light electric manufacturing

Preserving Mid 20th Century History With Antique Lighting Options

At the beginning of the 1930s a shift from industrial lights which hung over individual workbenches began to be replaced by its newly designed replacement, which became known as RLM Warehouse Shades. Due to its popularity several manufacturing companies began to produce this highly effective warehouse, factory light that used its uniquely original design to deliver a wide span of light. Companies such as Benjamin®, Crouse-Hinds, Appleton, and the Miller Company created differing variations to the traditional design that catered to different demands; some creating explosion proof versions for differing applications.Benjamin Gooseneck Light
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Barn Light Electric Vintage Industrial Cloth Cord Pendants

Reviving The Nostalgia Of Vintage Industrial Work Lighting

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The lighting in factories and manufacturing facilities of the early 1900’s was simplistic and functional, based primarily on low hanging trouble lights with protective wire guards that encased the bulb. This raw, simplistic design enabled a large amount of atmospheric lighting to spill out over workbenches and assembly lines in these industrial settings. With the development of traditional warehouse RLM lighting in the 1930’s, these typical lights were ultimately phased out in many facilities for reflective warehouse shades. In a sweeping attempt to recapture the simplistic nature of the Second Industrial Revolution, many homeowners and designers are turning to the minimalistic lights of the past to bring a unique retro personality to their projects. Reflecting this simplified mantra, the latest line of Vintage Industrial Ceiling Lighting captures the stripped down appearance of factory lighting that predates the great depression. Outfitted with a stem or twisted cotton cord, the lights in this section provide a rustic alternative to many of the mass-produced contemporary lights on the market. Used to highlight displays or supply ornamental decoration, the utility of these lights often leads to creative placement and uses. Whether outfitted with a wire cage or bare socket these vintage reproductions capture the spirit of the Industrial Era, delivering a touch of nostalgia with unique simple styling.

Vintage White RLM Twisted Cloth Cord

Factory Chic Styling With A Twist: Twisted Cotton Cord Pendants

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Fueling the surge to create unique factory settings in specialty stores, showrooms, and boutiques is the desire to provide an industrial atmosphere out of as much original recycled materials as possible. This often requires a business to use a blend of vintage and modern elements to recapture the look of mid 20th century warehouses. Unfortunately the supply for original RLM warehouse shades is limited to availability and options. Realizing these limitations, our newest line of Industrial Twist Cord Warehouse Pendants take the traditional appearance of these classic lights and pair them with a twisted cotton cord to create a flexible alternative to standard RLM mounting. As seen in the featured images, the showroom of this industrial inspired boutique utilizes a set of multi-paned factory windows to create a loft environment with rustic influence. Acting as a display light for the products below, the use of multiple warehouse shades spotlight each item from twisted cotton cords that are draped from the rafters. This feature not only is functional, but it creates a viable design element that can transform a room with industrial elegance. With 2 choices in warehouse shades and multiple finishes available, the twist cord Industrial Warehouse Pendant remains as the perfect example of vintage industrial rejuvenation.
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Polished Aluminum Nautical Atomic Sconce1

Using Nautical Lighting To Create A Hybrid Of Styles

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A popular trend that is gaining momentum in the home remodeling industry is in the area of creating new decorating styles from existing conventional styles. This melding of décor is brought on by homeowners of various traditional homes who desire to preserve the historic nature of their home, while creating a unique setting with elements from contemporary genres. The most popular building type comprising these hybrid home projects is the Colonial and Victorian styles, which are the oldest and most cherished styles dating back to the original 13 colonies. Newer construction recaptures this spirit with building plans that cater to this classic architectural style, evoking the traditional charm originally created almost 200 years ago. Using this updated farmhouse building plan, The Catskill Farms Blog features a modern take on a tried and true design. Complete with white bead board and rich hardwood floors, this bathroom comes alive with the subtle green walls that perfectly accentuate the matching white pedestal sinks. Creating a dramatic break in this traditional bathroom, the addition of a pair of Wall Mount Double CGU Sconces provide a nautical element through the polished aluminum exterior of these rustic wall sconces. Nestled directly above the two circular mirrors, the Wall Mount Double CGU Sconce creates a break from tradition with a blend of retro styles that culminate well together in this unique setting. The simplistic design of this sconce is ideal for homeowners looking for a subtle variance from the conventional lighting of their homes specific period.

Copper Minimalist Vintage Industrial Pendant

The Industrial Era Is Reborn With This Vintage Pendant

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The pursuit to create classic lighting from remnants of the past, reflecting a vintage industrial influence with historic charm, remains as the main objective here at Barn Light Electric. While providing the highest level of quality, our American made lighting draws inspiration from light designs originally manufactured in the early to mid 1900’s, recreating a period of innovation and creativity. The Second Industrial Revolution saw truly creative lighting designs developed for manufacturing facilities, shops, and factories that focused on maximum performance and simplified elegance. Representative of this movement, the Minimalist Copper Cage Pendant personifies the simplistic beauty of this genre through the single copper socket design and optional cage that surrounds the bulb. This vintage throwback is reminiscent of many of the factory ceiling and desk lights that were outfitted with an encapsulated wire cage that served as a protecting feature in an industrial setting. Another unique difference that differs from its predecessor is that the socket and canopy on the Minimalist Copper Pendant is composed of copper instead of brass. Replacing the solid flexible conduit and single rubber electrical cord is a cotton twist cord, which provides a stylistic difference to the traditional way in which this light was originally hung. Adding the finishing touch to this fixture is the ability to use a Nostalgic Edison Bulb with a squirrel cage filament, completing the historic appearance of this pendant.

Factory WIndow Gooseneck Angle Shade

Finding The Right Lighting For A Unique Retail Setting

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Looking for creative alternatives to the standard retail environment, most businesses are giving up the stark white setting for a blend of rustic and industrial elements. Although unique, this hybrid of nostalgic styles serves as a money saving way to create a one of a kind space out of many reclaimed woods and metals that would have been thrown away or sold for scrap. The perfect balance of recycled building materials and modern convenience is often a fine line to walk between the two styles, but when they are combined in the right combination they can bring an instant wow factor to any place of business. This ideal marriage of old and new can be seen in this latest photo that demonstrates the use of reclaimed wood, windows, and doors. Utilizing the natural stains from the aged wooden planks, a rich tapestry of browns come alive, highlighted by dark knots seated within the pine boards that frame the room and make up the walls of this stunning store. Separating the showroom from the main office is the use of an antique set of factory windows with a mixture of wavy glass and frosted windowpanes that create a faux wall, providing privacy and an open environment. With such a unique combination of styling, coming up with a light to accent this rustic, industrial environment is the key to completing this setting. To meet the needs of this store, the use of a series of galvanized Angled Sign Lights on the interior walls, allowing an ample amount of light to shine against the display wall and downward at the work area. To recreate this look in your home or office, the use of our 12” Angle Shades on HL-A Goosenecks can provide a cohesive look to any rustic or modern setting. This versatile American made light is available in a wide selection of finishes to meet any setting, with additional custom options for various gooseneck arms and wattages.
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