Glass

Glass is the most common shade material in lighting because it lets light out while still giving a fixture its character. This page gathers pieces whose material listing names glass: globe and ball ceiling lights, colored and stained glass pendants, fluted and milky glass wall sconces, bedside wall lamps with glass shades, a Bauhaus glass mushroom table lamp, outdoor wall lights, pillar lights and solar hanging lanterns. There is decor too, including hurricane candle lamps, candle jars, a terrarium bottle vase, avocado seed starter vases, an aromatherapy diffuser bottle and a tempered glass wall clock.

Clear, frosted, fluted or colored

• Clear glass shows the bulb, so the bulb becomes part of the look. A decorative filament bulb or a dimmer keeps it from glaring.
• Frosted, milky or opal glass spreads the light evenly and hides the bulb, a comfortable choice at eye level, beside a bed or in a hallway.
• Fluted and textured glass breaks the light into soft lines and partly hides the bulb, a middle ground between clear and frosted.
• Colored and stained glass tints the light and the room around it. It reads as decoration first, so pair it with another light for reading or tasks.

Living with glass

Glass is easy to keep looking new. Turn the fixture off and let it cool, then wipe it with a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner, or wash removable shades by hand in warm soapy water. Never run cold water over a hot shade. Outdoors, glass collects dust, pollen and insects, so a wipe at the start of each season keeps the light bright. Our guide on cleaning outdoor light fixtures covers the details. Large glass globes add weight, so check the mounting before you install.

For a softer glow on the wall, see diffused light wall sconces. For the garden, browse outdoor lanterns, or compare the sparkle of crystal.