Holophane is one of the strongest names in the history of lighting. Established in 1898, Holophane is one of the only lighting manufacturers that dates back to the nineteenth century and yet is still relevant to home design today. The company is widely known because of the fact that it makes residential, commercial, industrial and even emergency lighting. The company even provided important lighting contributions to the war effort during World War II! Of course, it’s their residential lighting that will likely interest you the most.

What makes this company stand out is a product called Endural. This is their trademarked name for a specific type of borosilicate glass reflector that is used in all of their lighting. This type of glass stands out because it provides a unique combination of both upwards-shooting lighting and downwards-shooting light. The result is a steady stream of even light coming from the Holophane light fixtures. Those ugly dark spots that you sometimes experience with household lighting aren’t present when this technology is used.

Although the Endural name is trademarked, there are many different lighting companies that now use this two-directional style of lighting. In fact, whenever you see lighting fixtures that are designed to create vintage light, it is very likely that you are seeing lighting that’s been inspired by this historic brand. The vintage look adds to the ambiance of your home by giving it a very classic decorative style. For example, a Halophane aged bronze pendant light uses both the vintage lighting and the historic bronze detailing to evoke a strong sense of décor from a bygone era.

You may be wondering if a historic style of lighting like this can work in a contemporary home. Of course it can. Although it’s known for its vintage feeling, holophane lighting can be combined with modern fixture shapes to create an alluring modern design for the home. Alternatively, a historic example of this lighting could serve as a statement piece for an otherwise modern home. For example, an elaborate halophane chandelier or large pendant would definitely be an amazing statement piece in a modern dining room or living room.

There’s a distinct scientific approach to the prisms that make up this unique lighting. This doesn’t mean that Holophane lights are complicated though. The designs are detailed but they are also simple enough to work in both vintage and contemporary homes. The reason that Holophane became so well known over the years is because they found something that worked and stuck with it but still pushed the envelope of innovation in their designs. Use the same approach in your home; find a style that works for you but then add to it when you find a product that stands out.