Slag Glass Lamps
Buy the best slag glass lamps selected and recommended by interior designers. By Vanessa Weber.
Slag glass has a backstory that adds to the interest in owning one of these types of lamps. In 1890s England, glassmakers began adding cooled down silicate “slag” formed on the top of molten iron to their glassmaking process. The pulverized slag would be added to liquified glass to create a beautiful marbling effect. The earliest examples of slag glass had a brown, purple, blue or green base color mixed with streaks of a creamy white color. Orange, pink and red colors were more recent color additions.
Slag Glass Lamps
Buying Guide
Vanessa Weber
Interior Design Expert
Vanessa is a New York-based designer specializing in architectural lighting. Whether you are planning an event, want to illuminate your backyard retreat or simply need advice on what lamp to purchase for your bedroom, Vanessa will be more than happy to share her knowledge and expertise.
No other material created during the Art Nouveau period has produced as much adulation as slag glass. From lampshades to décor pieces, marbled glass in a bounty of interesting colors with those alluring swirls was everywhere.
Imagine sitting in a room lit by an antique slag glass lamp. The swirls of light cast mysterious shadows on the wall making for an incomparable experience.
Today, slag glass or malachite glass is no longer produced the way it used to be. However, antique slag glass lamps in mint condition command a hefty price tag and are considered a collectible.
Having said that, the market is rife with cheap replicas and counterfeits. It pays to be aware of what to look for if you are out shopping for one.
What is slag glass?
Slag glass was created by adding a metal ore to amber glass which is what gave it the distinct color and pattern.
Some of the most popular colors created in the early days were purple, blue, turquoise green, golden and brown (extremely rare).
The most noted manufacturers were Sowerby, Greener and Davidson in Europe and Challinor, Taylor, and Co, Westmoreland and Akro Agate in America.
How do you identify authentic slag glass?
The chances of that antique slag glass lamp that you fancy being marked by the manufacturer are extremely slim. Most manufacturers in those days just added a series of numbers below the base of the lamp rather than adding an ornate logo.
So, the only way to identify an authentic slag glass lamp might be to carry it to an expert and qualified antique dealer. The other and easier option of course, is to buy from a reputed source. Definitely not eBay.
What other materials are used in antique slag glass lamps?
You’ll often find slag glass in metal frames and overlays with intricate designs, mosaics, and motifs. Brass, bronze, solid oak wood and iron are commonly used materials for the frame and the base.
How much is an antique slag glass lamp?
Time and again, we come across too good to be true deals for antique slag glass lamps. Well, if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably junk.
Authentic slag glass lamps can be priced anywhere between $150-$2000 and more, depending on the condition and the item. If someone’s selling one for $25, then it’s most likely a fake.
What designs of slag glass lamps are there?
From Tiffany lamps to silhouette lamps and even elaborate chandeliers, slag glass was used in just about every style of lighting in those days.
While you can always stay safe with your choices, there are some very interesting and creative pieces like Tiffany’s umbrella or mushroom shades, the Philippine shell inspired designs and the five-light lily lamps.
What kind of antique slag glass lamp is best for my space?
Your choice should depend on the intended use of the lamp. If it’s a bedside table, then Tiffany lamps or silhouette styled lamps work best.
When it comes to silhouette, you can pick from an array of interesting motifs to cast on the walls. Tiffany styled pedestal lamps with a long arm make for fantastic focal points in living rooms.
Antique slag glass lamps will be a perfect addition to your home, especially if your décor draws inspiration from vintage arts and crafts periods like Art Nouveau or Art deco.