Lighting Lessons: How to Choose Lighting for Your Craftsman Home

Photo Credit @francescabattagliadesign

Some houses are built to impress. You know the ones—soaring ceilings, elaborate carvings, chandeliers that belong in a ballroom. Then there are homes built to embrace. That’s the soul of a Craftsman home, warm, inviting, and rooted in craftsmanship.

At Olde Brick Lighting, we’re firm believers that the right lighting isn’t just about illumination. It’s about atmosphere, history, and a story well told. And if you’re looking to keep your Craftsman home feeling true to its roots (or give your modern home a touch of that timeless warmth), we’ve got just the thing for you.

What is Craftsman Architecture?

The Craftsman style was a bold response to the frilly, formal homes of the Victorian and Colonial eras. It was an architectural revolution that rejected excess in favor of organic beauty. Rather than flaunting wealth with elaborate flourishes, Craftsman homes celebrate materials in their purest, most honest form. Think natural wood, handmade tiles, unpolished stone, and exposed brick, all working together to create a space that feels warm, grounded, and undeniably welcoming.

What’s the Goal of Craftsman Design?

At its core, Craftsman architecture is about two things: impeccable craftsmanship and a connection to nature. The homes feature real hardwood floors, hand-glazed tiles, slate countertops, and richly stained wood paneling. The details are thoughtful, never fussy. Lines are clean, materials are authentic, and every element feels like it was made by hand. Because, often, it was.

How to Stay True to Craftsman Design in Your Home

If you want to keep your Craftsman home feeling authentic, ask yourself this question whenever making a design choice:

Does this feel like the most natural version of this material?

For example, opt for natural stone over engineered countertops, warm wood finishes over high-gloss lacquer, and hand-thrown pottery over factory-made ceramics. The goal is to embrace materials as they are, imperfect, organic, and full of character.

Color & Material Palette for a Craftsman Home

Craftsman homes take their color cues from nature. That means rich, earthy hues—deep greens, warm browns, ochre yellows, and burnt oranges. When it comes to materials, look for:

• Stained oak, mahogany, and walnut

• Hand-glazed ceramic tiles

• Wrought iron and aged metals

• Stone and unpolished brick

Choosing the Right Lighting for a Craftsman Home

When it comes to lighting, Craftsman homes stay true to their roots. Think sturdy metals, warm finishes, and simple silhouettes that highlight craftsmanship over ornamentation.

Metals That Belong in a Craftsman Home

Since the Craftsman movement took off in the 1920s, lighting from the era was made from durable, high-quality metals. You want to avoid matte black or gold as they are too modern for the Craftsman period. The best options for an authentic look are:

• Bronze – A rich, timeless metal that develops a natural patina over time.

• Nickel – A soft, muted silver with an understated elegance.

• Brass – A warm, golden hue that adds richness without being flashy.

The Craftsman Lighting Checklist

If you want your lighting to feel true to the Craftsman aesthetic, look for:

☑ Clean, simple lines
☑ A handcrafted appearance
☑ Natural materials and finishes
☑ Warm, ambient light

Want to add a little fun? Go bold with your shade colors! Craftsman homes love warm earth tones like amber, deep red, mossy green, think colors that look right at home next to a roaring fireplace and a well-worn leather armchair.

Crafting Warmth

A Craftsman home is built to be lived in, not just admired. The style is about craftsmanship, comfort, and an undeniable sense of home. At Olde Brick Lighting, we handcraft each piece with the same values that define the Craftsman era: quality, authenticity, and attention to detail.

Ready to find the perfect piece for your home? Browse our Craftsman Collection and make your space shine.

Happy Shopping!

—Shauna Speet