Prismatic glass lighting is engineered to optimise light diffusion and minimise glare using finely moulded surfaces. These ribbed or faceted shades were heavily used in early 20th-century factories, offices, and railway infrastructure — offering both function and durability.
The prismatic technique was refined — and arguably pioneered — by Holophane, whose patented “cutting and refracting” system became the standard in utility and industrial lighting. Original Holophane fittings often feature heavy glass shades suspended from aluminium galleries or brass mounts, and remain a favourite in both modern commercial settings and residential kitchens with a utilitarian edge.
