Lighting does more than illuminate; it sets the atmosphere of your space and defines a room’s style. Vintage and antique lighting combine artistry, history and craftsmanship, offering a unique alternative to modern, mass-produced designs. Their individuality makes for great statement pieces that suit a range of interior designs. Explore the different types of vintage lighting and how to style them with our guide.
The grandeur of antique chandeliers
Usually found in grand homes and manors, chandeliers once symbolised luxury and status. Adding an element of drama to every space, they were often featured in dining rooms, hallways and high-ceilinged spaces.
One of the most notable elements of chandeliers is their craftsmanship. Usually crafted from materials such as crystal, brass, and wrought iron, these pieces often feature hand-cut glass and ornate detailing, rarely found in other lighting fixtures.
In modern times, we still see chandeliers featured in homes, though much less frequently. Usually accompanied by neutral tones and simple decor, chandeliers speak for themself. Their elegance and beauty bring a luxurious feel to a space, without the need for other extravagant elements.
The charm of vintage wall lights and sconces
Wall sconces provide soft, ambient lighting for your home. Often used in corridors, bedrooms and reading corners, this form of lighting is very versatile. It can help create intimacy within a space and accent architectural features. Some of the most popular wall lights and sconces included Art Deco geometry, mid-century brass and ornate Rococo curves.
Vintage lighting can still look trendy, even when following historic styles. A great way to feature these pieces in your space is to mix them with modern artwork to achieve a balanced, eclectic aesthetic. This way, you can highlight the individuality of the piece while still keeping within your desired style.
The warmth of antique and vintage table lamps
Combining practicality with decorative beauty, table lamps are one of the most common types of lighting. Not only are they practical, but they can add personality to desks, bedside tables and consoles. Some key design eras include early 20th-century Tiffany-style lamps, mid-century ceramic bases, and classical brass designs. To preserve these original fittings, make sure to use compatible LED bulbs.
Why choose vintage lighting?
Choosing vintage and antique lighting comes with an array of benefits. Buying antiques is essentially like recycling, giving a new life to pieces that were once loved. Restoring and reusing existing fittings is a great way to bring back their value.
Not only does purchasing antiques promote sustainability, but these accessories are much more unique than modern-day pieces, due to an influx in mass production, and therefore add an element of individuality to your space. Their craftsmanship, tactile quality and patina are all elements that new pieces can’t replicate. Vintage lighting brings much more than design to a space; it also brings history, adding both story and soul to interiors.
