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This year, lighting designers and manufacturers combine fashion with function to create decorative lamps and fixtures that do more than simply illuminate. Consumers, too, have seen the light.
Decorative sconces, chandeliers, table and floor lamps in a variety of shapes, styles and finishes elevate a room from drab to dramatic with the flick of a switch. While traditional, polished brass fixtures still form the central core of the decorative lighting business, a variety of options have become more important in recent years.
"The mindset on decorative lighting has changed from thinking of a lamp as a keepsake to considering it more as a home-fashion accessory." says Larry Lauck, vice president, communications, of the American Lighting Association. "People now buy new decorative lighting every few years to update their interior, as opposed to buying one lamp, keeping it forever and passing it down to their kids."
Some lamps boast bases crafted to mimic the branches of a tree. Neo-classic designs, complete with acanthus leaves, ivy and fluting, remember Caesar and the Coliseum. Still others borrow their beauty from the Biedermeier style of the early 19th century for modern-day elan.
Like the rest of the house, decorative lighting reflects our changing lifestyles. "There is a greater emphasis on informal style in home decor today," says Joe Rey-Barreau, American Lighting Association Consulting Director of Education and Director of the Lighting and Design Center at the University of Kentucky. Lighting designs follow larger forces, like housing and furniture trends. Today's new homes feature relaxed, open interiors with flowing floor plans and coordinated furniture.
Decorative lighting's brightest ideas work to illuminate these spaces. As a result, more homeowners are coordinating lamps and fixtures by room, say industry experts, creating harmonized vignettes that emphasize decorative lighting.
Mission and Arts & Crafts-inspired styles serve up a selection of lighting with an unpretentious elegance. Metal and hardwood bases combine with angular shades in glass, mica or mica-patterned fabric to re-create the clean lines popularized by designers such as Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright. |
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TIPS on shade
materials and finishes
1. Look for other shade materials like Duponi silk, mica and linen, as well as patterns ranging from urbane tapestries to exotic animal prints. Shades of blue, brown and rich black gain importance, balancing the more expected white options.
2. Finishes are equally varied. Brushed and satin finishes are important because they soften hard edges in a design. A finish adds a decorative touch, allowing the fixture to blend into the decor.
3. Brushed nickel offers contemporary chic. Antique brass reminisces of a Wyoming lodge. Hammered metal begs to accent lush brocades and East Indian batik prints.
4. Other popular finishes are bronze and browns. Look for neutrals, pewter for a high-tech look, and patina or verdigris. |
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| STYLISH OFFERINGS ALLOW CONSUMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHED LIGHT ON THEIR OWN DESIGN PERSONALITIES. |
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The clean lines of these styles fit into the interior decor of most people's homes. Decorative lighting inspired by the stained glass beauty of Louis Comfort Tiffany continues to gain importance with homeowners as well. Accent and floor lamps, sconces, and chandeliers in cast metal with glass shades in soft tones and floral patterns work well in a variety of settings. "Tiffany-inspired styles have also done well, but they are more unique, collectible pieces to feature in a home. The affect of lighting colored glass has always been a favorite for consumers because they bring life, vibrancy and warmth to any room." |
Decorative lighting manufacturers depend on such ornamentation and detailing to catch consumer's attention. A homeowner surrounded by pine trees, might choose lamps embellished with pine-needle filigree. Those with square windows might opt for T-bar designs to accentuate that detail. Many companies also offer post and column lights, as well as interior and exterior lights so consumers can continue a chosen theme throughout their property.
When shopping for decorative lighting, look for quality, say lighting experts. Whether it's furniture, appliances or decorative lighting, if you buy quality, you never need to worry about it. |
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