Lighting, as all designers are aware of, is an integral element of any interior design scheme. Well-executed lighting can liven up any space, provide an extra spark and enhance the overall ambience of a house. Among other retro décor trends that are making a comeback, vintage lighting too has caught the attention of modern interior designers. Whether it’s an old-fashioned light bulb or a crystal chandelier, vintage lights have a mystic charm of their own. However, incorporating vintage lighting into your interior space can seem challenging without any professional guidance. First, you need to decide on the desired lighting effect, and then you can start working on it.
VINTAGE LIGHTING IN A CONTEMPORARY SETTING
Vintage lights bring a sense of character and class to your house. These lights can be made part of a home’s décor in the form of wall sconces, chandeliers, lamps and other varieties of drop lights. The trick is to strike a balance between the old and new. Think of chandeliers; in addition to adding a vintage glamour, they can be the perfect choice for providing ambient lighting. From the dining room to the bedroom, you can hang them anywhere — alone or in pairs.
At present, huge chandeliers embedded with semi-precious gemstones and crystals are a rage in the designer community. If you are looking for a more rustic vibe, go for the ones with copper finish. Chandeliers in Murano glass are also a popular choice among those who have an eye for quality antiques.
Not a big fan of chandeliers? Well, you can opt for tiny tinted glass bulbs with metallic finish or haphazardly shaped hanging lights to have a feel of the bygone era. These lights work really well in rooms with a low ceiling. Try hanging 3-4 bulbs together in one corner for a modern yet vintage vibe. The only thing you have to keep in mind is not overdoing the style.
LESS IS MORE
This is the golden rule that you need to follow religiously. Instead of cluttering a space with too many lighting fixtures, stick to a single, stand-out piece that exudes elegance. Take cues from the early 1900s and pick up a pendant light with a metal bough from your nearest curio store. You can also get a lampshade made with fine linen and keep it on the bedside table.
In case, you are looking for something energy efficient, there are options. You can now find new-age LED lights with vintage-style looks. What’s more, some of these lights are even automated. You will have a lot of options to choose from as these LED vintage bulbs come in various sizes and shapes. To take the old-school vibe a notch higher, go for the tinted bulbs that create a candle-light atmosphere.
Vintage lighting, if incorporated carefully, can magically transform the interiors of your house. Just pick up the right lights and space them cleverly.
The writer is the founder & CEO of Bonito Designs