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While researching period lighting, the founder of Schoolhouse Electric, Portland realtor-renovator Brian Faherty discovered a treasure trove of forgotten cast iron moulds. He salvaged and restored them, and they are now the basis for the the simple shapes, classic lines, and milky glass of the handcrafted light fixtures and shades that work so well in many settings, both traditional and modern.

AT readers Keith and Brent used Schoolhouse Electric's lighting when they renovated their New Jersey apartment. (See their Inside Out tour here.) Schoolhouse Electric also sells push-button switches, brass coverplates, and lightbulbs. Shades range from $15 to $100; fixtures from $65 to $469.

Although Schoolhouse Electric is based in Portland, the company also has a showroom in Manhattan, sends out a catalog, and sells online.

(Edited from this post originally published 9.25.06)