Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called festoon lighting?
1 Answer
The story of why it is called festoon lighting begins with the history of this type of fixture. Festoon originates from the Latin word for a feast, festun. The ancient Romans and Greeks once decorated for large feasts by hanging garlands above the tables. Once in place, these swags of greenery and flowers formed visually appealing curves. Festoon lighting has a similar curved effect when attached to a wall or a ceiling at various points. You may also see festoon lighting referred to as string lights, fairy lights or party lights. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of lighting from some of the world's top sellers.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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Shop for Lighting on 1stDibs
1920s Belgian White Opaline Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vissolite, Belgium
1920s White opaline Ar Deco Flush Mount
Metal glass holder with white porcelain bulb holder
Diameter glass holder 16 cm / 6.3 inches
Weight: 1.00 kg / 2.2 lb
Pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Nickel
1950s Italian Modern Brass and Opaline Glass Sconces
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Italian wall sconces from the 1950s, crafted in brass with opaline glass diffusers. The design is sculptural and minimal, characterized by a compact wall structure and a soft...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian Art Deco pendant lamp, fluorescent glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Swedish Art Deco pendant lamp produced by an unidentified manufacturer in the 1930s. The fixture is constructed with a chrome-plated metal stem, twined with a dark green thread tha...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Steel
Antique Marbled Fluted Alabaster Plafonnier Ceiling Light Pendant, C.1920
Located in London, GB
An imposing early 20th century alabaster plafonnier pendant light. c.1920
Carved from off‑white alabaster with a beautifully fluted, almost shell‑like form, this pendant has real pr...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Alabaster, Brass
Spanish Colonial Starburst Pendant Light Fixture in Carved Wood, 1940s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handcarved starburst ceiling light fixture in pine wood.
Spain, 1940s
This ceiling light pendant lamp was entirely made by hand and it has an eye-catching construction feauturing a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Iron
Cute Petite Ceramic Shade Pendant Light, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite ceramic pendant light. Made in Italy, circa 1960s by a ceramic Company.
The combination of the brass, white cord and a cream colored ceramic shade makes the pendant lamp a gem...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
