Bridge lamps and bridge lamp shades were very popular during the 1910's through the 1940's.  They were used for lighting and decoration.  Most of the light from a bridge lamp, falls in a downward pattern which allows the lamp to be used beside a chair for reading.  Bridge lamps and fabric bridge lamp shades were also used near tables when light was needed.  The homes of this time period often had ten to twelve foot high ceilings, and overhead lighting was less dominate. Bridge Lamps could be moved around the home to provide light where it was needed.