Swank Lighting

Aqua Pulegoso Murano with Diamond Net Pattern


Ruby Red Seguso Swirls on Double Lucite

Not too long ago, Ed Sexton and Doug Taylor came across a cache of hand-blown mid-century Murano glass lamps. The Dallas-based duo told me that they decided to buy the entire inventory -- hundreds of pairs -- and proceeded to spend seven months unpacking the pieces. It seems the lighting was originally imported by the Edward P. Paul Company and marketed as BALBOA. Sexton and Taylor have since had their finds rebuilt with new hardware.

If you are drawn to Venetian glass, visit their online showroom, Swank Lighting, to see a wide array of lovely colors, textures and forms.


Blue Barbini Opaline with Controlled Bubbles on Gold Lacquer



Dallas-based decorator Michelle Nussbaumer sometimes uses mid-century glass lamps in an unexpected way, such as here in this very English glazed cinnabar library.

Photography above, Pieter Estersohn for Southern Accents