Historic Pricing of Victorian Lampshades
Tracing The Cost of Victorian Lampshades over time
People often ask me, "Why are Victorian lampshades so expensive?" Some artists charge up to $900 for a handmade Victorian lampshade. It might seem crazy, but let's explore this question using historical pricing as our reference point.
Paper advertisement from 1918, Far FoK publications, Image Copyright Elegance Lamps, 2022
Notice the most expensive item on this page? It is priced $48.00 in this standard, non-luxury catalog. That price seems very low to us today. So why are similar lampshades made by artists today priced at hundreds of dollars? The answer is inflation.
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. The USD inflation rate is 2.91% per year, and when that inflation is compounded over 104 years, the rate is a staggering price increase of 1,862.62%. So, that $48 lampshade today costs $943.50. (Consumer Price Index, Webster, Ian)
When we consider the comparability of products made today, we do indeed notice some differences. The lampshades pictured above in the catalog are constructed with 100% silk, as noted in the product descriptions. Many lampshades made today contain nylon, polyester, viscose, and other less expensive fabrics and therefore, this is not exactly a fair comparison.
Very few lampshade artists today are using 100% silk and fine antique textiles to create lampshades and so, a customer should not expect to see a $950 price tag on a lampshade unless it is entirely composed of 100% silk and highly customized or commissioned. Price exceptions exist for those lampshades that are constructed predominantly with silk and include antique textiles (which are incredibly expensive), and handstrung beads. Pricing for those lampshades can and does far exceed $1,800 due to the additional cost of the antique textiles and beads, Yet this is still no more expensive relative to year 1918 pricing, and the catalog above was akin to today’s “Sears” catalog.
It is interesting to consider the historical context of pricing as a means to understanding the pricing of Victorian lampshades today.
A 100% silk Victorian lampshade with antique textiles, by Crystal Hayes at Elegance Lamps.
About the Author
Crystal Hayes, Owner and Designer at Elegance Lamps
Seattle, WA USA
Crystal Hayes is a lifelong Seattle resident who gains inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant arts communities in the Pacific Northwest. She thrives on creative expression resulting in unique Victorian lampshades, vintage lampshades, and lamps that can be used in everyday life. Crystal is entirely fearless when it comes to design, she is a perfectionist at construction techniques, and she proves that customer satisfaction still matters.
Elegance Lamps Social Media Updates
I enjoy the daily engagement on social media platforms with my wonderful customers who have appreciation for my quality construction techniques and original designs. While I continue to add “making” videos to the Elegance Lamps YouTube channel, I have expanded my presence to include these exciting videos on TikTok. If you are a fan of TikTok you can view Elegance Lamps making videos on the Elegance Lamps TikTok profile.
Please help fuel the movement toward quality handmade artistic items made using trusted methods of the past! When you follow and engage with artists on social media platforms, you support the arts, give small businesses well deserved attention, and encourage the creation of new art. Follow on socials: Facebook YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Speaking of social media check out the Elegance Lamps Bio Site where you can find all links in one place! Here, you can directly visit my Etsy shop, my website, and the diverse social media platforms upon which I post content.
Come see!
Get in Touch
Subscribe below to receive advance notice regarding new antique lamp and Victorian lampshade releases. New releases sell quickly, and subscribers receive notification prior to social media postings. Be an insider!
Would you like to request the creation of a bespoke Victorian lampshade or antique lamp? Let’s design something special that fits your unique specifications. Click the button below to get your project started!
Thank you for your visit!
ELEGANCE LAMPS VICTORIAN LAMPSHADES AND ANTIQUE LAMPS
Where beauty meets functionality.
Please use the social sharing buttons below to share this post. Thank you so much! Feel free to leave a comment. You do not need to enter your email address or website.
