About Us

At Franklin Iron Works, we believe that lighting should be more than just illumination – it should enhance your space and reflect your style. For over 20 years, we have been creating unique and artistic light fixtures that transform any room.

Our Story

It all started in a small workshop in Franklin, Tennessee in 1996. Our founder, John Smith, had a passion for metal work and a knack for crafting beautiful lighting designs. He began designing and hand-making custom iron lamps and selling them at local craft fairs.

As word spread about the stunning quality and artistry of the lamps, demand grew rapidly. Before long, John expanded from a one-man operation into a small team of skilled metal workers and artists. We moved production from the original Franklin workshop into a larger facility to keep up with orders.

In the early 2000s, we began exhibiting at major trade shows across the country. Our imaginative lamp designs earned rave reviews and drew the attention of interior designers and retailers. This helped grow our distribution nationwide.

Today, Franklin Iron Works offers over 200 signature lighting collections in our Franklin, TN headquarters and through retailers across North America. We remain committed to hand-crafting and hand-finishing every piece here in our Tennessee facility. Our team of artists pour their creativity into every detail, making lights that are truly works of art.

Our Lighting Philosophy

Our goal at Franklin Iron Works is to produce light fixtures that uplift your space. We believe that lighting should not only illuminate, but also inspire. This philosophy drives every design we create.

Some key principles that guide our approach:

  • Artistic Details: Every fixture incorporates imaginative touches – from elegant silhouettes to intricate metalwork accents. These details infuse visual interest into any decor.
  • Quality Materials: Our lights showcase the natural beauty of iron, steel, and brass. The warmth and richness of these metals adds an air of subtle elegance.
  • Hand-Craftsmanship: Human hands shape each fixture. This personal care and attention instills artisanal character that cannot be mass produced.
  • Versatile Styles: Ranging from vintage to industrial, traditional to modern, our designs complement and enhance an array of decors. There is a distinctive Franklin Iron Works light for every taste.
  • Customization: Many collections can be customized with finish options, sizes, and lamping to match specific needs. This allows for a personalized lighting solution.

Our Lighting Collections

With over 200 lighting collections, we offer an extensive selection of unique table lamps, floor lamps, pendant lights, chandeliers, outdoor lights, wall sconces, and more. Here are some of our most popular categories:

Table Lamps

Turn any side table into a statement piece with one of our artistic table lamps. Choose from designs like:

  • Industrial Cage Lamps: Iron cages in black, bronze, or rust finishes surround Edison style bulbs to create an urban chic look.
  • Art Glass Lamps: Stained, blown, or slumped glass bases in vibrant hues emit a warm ambient glow.
  • Modern Geometric Lamps: Sleek triangular, orb, and diamond shaped bases make a contemporary statement.
  • Vintage Lamps: Nostalgic pieces like pharmacy lamps, banker’s lights, and typewriter lamps evoke old-world charm.
  • Task Lamps: Adjustable swing arm lamps in metals or woods provide directed lighting for reading or work.

Floor Lamps

Make a bold style statement with our eye-catching floor lamps. Some best-selling designs include:

  • Torchiere Lamps: Tall iron lamps capped with bowl shades direct light upward to illuminate the whole room.
  • Arc Lamps: Swooping arched arms connect to round metal bases, emitting both ambient and task lighting.
  • Tree Floor Lamps: Nature-inspired lamps with branching metal frames holding multiple lights.
  • Club Floor Lamps: Turn of the century style lamps with green glass shades and metal accents.
  • Industrial Floor Lamps: Simple yet striking designs like pharmacy floor lamps and riveted I-beam lamps.

Chandeliers

Choose from elegant to edgy chandeliers to define your dining room or entryway. Options range from:

  • Drum Chandeliers: Cylindrical metal frameworks covered in dangling crystals or beads.
  • Wagon Wheel Chandeliers: Rustic wood and iron chandeliers with candle-style bulbs.
  • Sputnik Chandeliers: Futuristic orb chandeliers made from metal rods with globe light bulbs.
  • Kitchen Island Chandeliers: Low-profile linear or drum lights ideal for kitchen islands.
  • Foyer Chandeliers: Grand-scale circular or square chandeliers measuring 3 feet or larger.

Outdoor Lighting

Enhance your outdoor living areas after sunset with attractive and durable outdoor lights. Some top options include:

  • Patio String Lights: Strings of Edison bulbs or rattan bulb covers connected by black or bronze cords.
  • Post Lights: Short black metal post tops fitted with seeded glass panels to direct light downward.
  • Pathway Lights: Small hammered metal or lantern-style lights on short stakes to illuminate garden pathways.
  • Ceiling Fans: Rustic barn, nautical, or industrial fans with integrated LED lighting for covered spaces.
  • Sconces: Wall mounted cage sconces, lanterns, or barn lights made of weather-resistant materials.

Bathroom Lighting

Brighten up your bathroom beautifully with lights designed for moisture-prone areas. Choose from:

  • Vanity Lights: Horizontal LED light bars mounted above mirrors provide ideal grooming illumination.
  • Ceiling Lights: Caged pendants, lanterns, or flush mount lights add ambient light.
  • Sconces: Swing arm sconces next to mirrors adjust to direct task lighting where needed.
  • Shower Lights: Flush mount circular lights with frosted glass for general illumination.
  • Exhaust Fan Lights: Utilize the needed bathroom fan for general lighting too.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Franklin Iron Works, we are dedicated to producing lighting that will last for years to come. Here are the measures we take to ensure the longevity and durable performance of our fixtures:

  • Materials: Our lights showcase iron, steel, brass, and wood – all chosen for their resilience and enduring beauty.
  • Finishes: Every metal fixture receives multiple layers of finishes like powder coats, patinas, or polish for maximum protection.
  • Hardware: We use high quality lamp sockets, wiring, cords, and hanging hardware selected for safety and reliability.
  • Inspection: Each piece goes through a rigorous quality control check before shipping to ensure flawless condition and function.
  • Warranty: Most of our lights are backed by a 1 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Some collections feature an extended 3 year warranty.
  • Component Replacement: We keep stock of replacement parts like cords, lamp sockets, etc. so fixtures can be serviced if ever needed.

Because of this meticulous craftsmanship and care, you can trust Franklin Iron Works lighting to serve as a beautiful and dependable interior focal point for many years.

Bringing Your Vision to Light

At Franklin Iron Works, it is our privilege to help bring your unique lighting vision to life. Please explore our collections to find the perfect pieces to illuminate your home or business. Or utilize our custom design services to create one-of-a-kind fixtures tailored to your space.

We invite you to contact our friendly team any time for assistance finding your ideal lights or availing of our custom design services. You can reach us by phone, email, or by visiting our Franklin, TN showroom.

Thank you for considering Franklin Iron Works. We look forward to illuminating your spaces with the gorgeous, artistic lighting they deserve.