Reproduction Lightbulbs from Rejuvenation

Bare light bulbs dangling from the ceiling don’t exactly bring the word style to mind. Interrogation is more on the mark. What do you do with a pendant or other light fixture where the bulb is exposed for all to see? Time to break out reproduction carbon and tungsten-filament bulbs. You can find a nice selection at Rejuvenation.

Carbon-filament bulbs debuted in the 1890s, and their soft glow illuminated homes until 1912 when the more powerful tungsten filament transformed the light bulb industry. Now they’re back.

Some older homes were built without a ceiling fixture at all – just a socket for the bulb. If you’re interested in maintaining an historic look, these bulbs are the way to go. However, they look best in simple fixtures that showcase their¬† beauty. The filament, shape and quality of light are what make them unique. Prices at Rejuvenation start at $12.00.

Here are a few choices from Rejuvenation, including their Burnside pendant ($113.00) shown in the photo at the top.

These also look great in semi-transparent glass fixtures like those made by Caleb Siemon.

Friday Favorite: Sweet Bella’s Vintage Phones

I love these! I’m putting these on my own Hot Tamale Train. I’m buying myself one of these ASAP.

You can find all sorts of vintage phones at Sweet Bella. The telephones are original, unused phones from the British General Post Office (later British Telecom) and date from the 1950s.

Would you like to buy one, too? Good luck, because I can’t them to answer my emails inquiring about prices and retail locations. I thought if I wrote about them maybe they’d read this and let us know.

You can help me with my mission to own that orange phone by leaving a comment of support. I’ll keep you posted.

Reware Vintage notebooks

A web designer I’m working with brough one of these to a meeting and I fell in love. These diaries made from old record album covers that have seen better days. Since they’re not in collectible condition, Reware Vintage has fashioned them into re-fillable notebooks.

The actual record is included and the back cover lists the songs. The whole thing attaches with removeable rings. You can order extra paper, too.

Find these, along with lots of other vintage coolness at Reware Vintage (a Detroit company). The diaries are $15.00. Refills are $2.50.

Which are you, Rod Stewart or The Ray Coniff Singers?

5 Great Alarm Clocks

It may be summer, but most of us still have to get out of bed in the morning. The exception would be my teen-aged son, who rises around lunch time. Since alarm clocks are a must-have, shouldn’t they look great, too?

Here are my picks:

I have to thank my friend, Dave, for finding this one. This wooden alarm clock ($199.99 from Firebox), looks like a plain, but nice, block of wood when it’s turned off. The numbers seem to appear out of nowhere. This might make a cool Father’s Day gift.If you’re into vintage, check out the selection at the aptly named Alarm Clocks Online. This one is terrific. The grooved “decorator white” siding on this TravelAire Clock ($75) , slides to open and close the clock dial. Groovy.

I’m old school when it comes to photos. But this alarm frame, from Phillips, is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen. And it’s not just a frame, it’s an alarm clock with all the bells and whistles. Wake up to sounds of birds chirping, a waterfall or music. I’m laughing as I write because the #$%! birds outside my window start singing at 4:30 AM. They’re very good at waking me up.

This is a bit more refined, and discrete. The Red Jasper finish on this clock, (from Gumps $89) is stylish and fits nicely on any bedside table.This may be a travel alarm, but its pink leather case is so beautiful I’d use it every day. (Tiffany’s $400)

My favorite is the Tiffany clock. Which one is yours?

Chair of the day: Vintage French iron garden chair

These are quite the rage these days. French wrought iron garden furniture. I can see why. They look great outdoors and in. Just add a cushion – a fancy one I’d think – and you’re good to go.

You can find this partcular chair at Vintage and Modern. It’s yours for $800.