Murray Feiss Lighting Table Lamp Review: Glass, Ceramic, Bronze,

Murray Feiss table lamps division comprises over two hundred items designed in a wide range of styles and finishes. In fact, this department is probably the brand's most stylistically diverse, as the portability and the relatively small size of the selection makes it more receptive to aesthetic experimentation – irregular and otherwise unorthodox, striking shapes complement the more traditionally manufactured pieces.

Another important feature where table lamps differ from most Murray Feiss lighting becomes color. While various tones of black, brown, and steel gray become the norm for chandeliers, sconces, and ceiling lights, accompanied by the milky or opal white of the shades, table lamps introduce green, burgundy, blue, and other hues. Visual variety accompanies the variety of texture, geometrical form, and materials.

In general, lamps' basic two-bipartite structure of a wide shade and a narrow base leads to a predictable outline; familiar distribution of materials – fabric, like linen and satin for the canopy, and ceramic, alloy, or glass for the base – also contributes to this formal constancy.

Like chandeliers, sconces, and other fixtures, table lamps are categorized according to collections. Some become a part of larger ones, which also include floor lamps, torchieres, and other lighting; others constitute dedicated table lamp collections – these can be among the most interesting Murray Feiss have to offer. Let's take a closer look.

• Monochrome collection features glass base bordered by brass backplate and mounting, and linen or parchment shade: flowing lines and soft color contrasts allude to Japanese interior design. The glass part can be viewed as a vase, or antique bottle.

• Grayson lamps display classic stem and shade configuration. The stem shows flutes and twists that give it a characteristic architectural appearance; classic conic linen shade crowns the light. Many Murray Feiss lamps rely on this basic design scheme.

• Olivia collection takes steps towards modern and contemporary aesthetic. The base consists of several vertically connected glass spheres, opal white in color, above which rises a silk or parchment shade.

• Castalia departs from orthodox lamp form by rendering the base a frame of filigree metal scroll-work. When reversed, this light closely resembles a pendant fixture, or a semi-flushmount. Similar collections include Augustine, Margo (silver leaf, crepe), and others.

• Bismark and Broderick models incorporate a trophy-like base, and project a distinct classic flair, often French style inspired.