Vintage lighting is one of the hottest interior décor style trends currently. Vintage lights can be the star of the show when used in conjunction with other players, like a perfectly tuned orchestra, creating a pitch-perfect composition of layers, direction and flow of light in a luxury home etc.
Clear blown over sized glass fittings, retro fittings with metal detailing, rope accents to Edison bulbs are all a rage in luxury lighting trend. Lighting is one of the primal components of any interior design. It is essential for creating the mood and ambience of a space. It is interesting to look at trends such as vintage lights for adding an element of quirky playfulness to the space. It is all about reclaiming period light fixture designs and using it in the modern context. Complementing the urban, industrial and retro motifs substantially, it introduces charm and eclecticism to any home!
Vintage lighting: Mix n Match
While designing with vintage lights-an important thing to remember is-to be cautious. These lights may end up sticking out like a sore thumb if they are placed as an afterthought or used in isolation if it was picked as a particular piece in a lighting store and purely as a decorative element. Hence, care should be taken not to overdo the style by using too many of these in one room. These lights work best as accent lights since they may not have the best throw of light to work as ambience lighting or task lighting. Therefore, vintage lights should always be supported by other designer lights.
A few variations that go well with vintage lights are mood lights, overhead or ambience lighting for a general overall light and task lighting for specific tasks such as reading. The other thing to keep in mind is that vintage lights should be an intrinsic part of the interior design palette. They can either be used to enhance the thematic style of the interior project, if the theme is industrial or retro, or used as a point of contrast in a more modern setting.
Trends need to be used with care and as a point of departure rather than the norm. A good lighting scheme will always use different kinds of light, set at different levels, that work together to make the space warm and attractive.
As you evaluate the status of your luxury lighting style, keep in mind that lighting also functions as art that helps define your style, set the mood and perform practical tasks. Enjoy while you design with light!