Electric lamps with glass shades were popular from the 1870s to the 1920s. Because a light bulb could face down, not up (like a candle flame), and was cool enough for a shade with a closed top, the ...

A thrifted glass and lampshade become a cordless patio light with help from a basic solar stake.

The invention of the electric light bulb didn’t just introduce an improved, more convenient, safer light source. It gave designers new inspiration.