FAQ

The Raleigh, Altadena, and Wilshire are shown in the catalogue shades-down, but they are also available in shades-up versions online by the names Gordon, Renton, and Madrona, respectively.

Shades-down and shades-up options date back to early gas lighting.

Early American gas-style fixtures provided light via flames, and were built shades-up only (for obvious safety reasons).

When electric lighting came along, the light bulbs of the time were comparatively dim. Manufacturers compensated by building fixtures shades-down, so their customers would have their precious (and weak) sources of light pointing where they'd be the most effective.

Around 1910, advances in carbon filament technology had made light bulbs brighter and more efficient, and lighting companies responded by making up-cast shades again - not only because they could, but because it was by now a familiar look that hearkened back to the days of early gas lighting.