Vintage lights to take us into the roaring 2020
In 2020, we’ll see a rising social awareness on the necessity to escape excessive consumerism finally being translated into lighting trends. To create a modern home retreat that promotes a simple lifestyle and boosts mindfulness, home crafters are turning to vintage lighting and furniture, natural materials, organic lines and geometric shapes. Updating the lighting is a small, yet very effective design intervention that promises a significant boost in wellbeing and happiness inside a home. So far, 2020 is promising to dazzle and delight.
If you are looking for simple decorating ideas to brighten up your home this season, have fun exploring our round-up of the latest vintage lighting trends.
Go big or go home
There is a common link between all the lighting trends we are about to see in 2020. They are all big and bold. Oversized pendants and chandeliers make for a dramatic focal point and bring a sense of style and sophistication to any room. However, this is nothing new as the trend has been around for the past couple of years. What’s changing is its wow factor as the lighting fixtures now start to double as art and aspire to become responsible for the mood of the entire space.
Large ‘Uchiwa’ Chandelier By Ingo Maurer For M Design 1970s
Large Chandelier By Cristal Arte, Italy
Black is a new neutral
One of the most covetable lighting trends at the moment is definitely black. After years of disgrace, black is chic again and fighting its way back into the interior colour schemes as a new neutral. It’s chic, glamorous and edgy, and quickly earning the reputation of the most sought-after alternative to the traditional metallics. Look for black lampshades and geometric-shaped lighting and we promise you will spot them everywhere.
Serge Mouille Ceiling Lamp With Three Rotating Arms, Les Editions Serge Mouille
Large Cage Wrought Iron Chandelier. French. Circa 1970
Geometry rules
Trendy geometric chandeliers are dominating the modern and contemporary home aesthetic. Bridging the gap between the modern farmhouse and the industrial-chic, those attractive (often black) lighting fixtures become a perfect candidate for a dining room lighting.
Simple Wrought Iron Chandelier (4 Pieces Available). French. Circa 1940
Architectural Set Of 12 White Metal Wall Lights, Ceiling Lights, France, 1970s
Antique lighting with a silver touch
Gold is still relevant but is expected to fade in prominence in the seasons ahead. Emerging to fill its place comes antique silver. This warm silver shade falls perfectly in line with the popular colour trends that are showing signs of warming up. Even grey is looking warm and cosy these days.
If you are happy to discover this upcoming trend, we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of antique lighting fixtures with beautiful patina available here at Vinterior.
Divine Chandelier Ant. Silver Ø70 Cm
Holophane Stiletto Prismatic Pendant Light
Refined industrial
To add a nod to the industrial revolution into your urban-dwelling, look for refined vintage industrial lighting. Yes, this look is still relevant in 2020. At least for a while. But if you genuinely love this style, don’t let its soon approaching decline stop you from enjoying the perks of the aesthetic that warms up your heart. Look for vintage lighting with galvanized metal, reclaimed wood, Edison bulbs and glass.
Bronze/Zinc Triple Multi Drop Cluster Pendant Light Set With Hand Spun Conical Lamp Shade
Polish Industrial Pendant Lamp From Mesko, Black Finish, 1960s
Industville Simple Vintage Rusty Cage Wire Pendant Light Cone
Antique table lamp with empire lampshade
With the growing desire for stability and seeking the familiar in the everchanging, troubled world, seeing classic and traditional references stepping back into the spotlight doesn’t come as a surprise. An antique table lamp with an empire lampshade is gaining momentum proving once again that you cannot put an expiration date on a good design.
Grey Weathered Metal Urn Lamp And Shade In Classical Traditional Style For Vintage Interiors
A Mid Century Empire Style Arrow Lamp Base
Vintage table lamp with cone lampshade
Speaking of lampshades, the modern twist to the empire lampshades – cone shades are also in vogue. Vintage table lamps with cone lampshades are the preferred alternatives for more contemporary interior settings.
Mid Century Modern Italian Modern Brass Joint Clamp Lamp With Cone Shade
Alumag Belmag Three Cone Shape Pendant Lamps
Vintage lighting from natural materials
As home crafters continue to seek new ways to reconnect with Nature, home furniture and decor become increasingly sustainable. We are turning away from man-made materials and opt for antique table lamps made of stone and marble instead. Ceramic finishes and natural crystals are also on-trend, and so is everything made of wood and rattan. As you’ve probably noticed, rattan has been around for a while now, but its presence is still rock solid.
Axia Pendelleuchte Aus Holz Wooden Pendant Light
Very Large 19th Century Black Forrest Stag Antler Hanging Chandelier
Ethereal lighting
To create an escape from the everyday hustle, we are exploring ways to create a calm home ambiance that supports downtime and allows us to unwind. Light as air lighting fixtures such as transparent or smokey shaded glass sphere pendants and chandeliers are leading the way into the desired ethereal mode.
Vintage Industrial Large Triple Globe Hanging Hall Ceiling Light Chandelier
Textured vintage lighting
Chicly detailed woven lighting fixtures are offering a great opportunity to add texture to a minimalist environment. Wicker or metallic – they will work either way.
Note that the wicker trend has hit a peak already so the prices are probably going to be a bit more affordable than you expect.
Mid Century French Rattan Table Lamp (Circa 1960s)
Organic lines
The entire interior design industry is leaning towards organic shapes, and so is the lighting. Freeform lines and mushroom-shaped lamps are currently extremely popular.
Mushroom Lamp Of Opal Glass For Glashütte Limburg Leuchten, 1970s
Gatto Table Lamp Achille Castiglioni Flos Mid Century Modern
Romantic and playful
Luxurious Art Deco-inspired interiors with a playful touch are brimming with romantic motifs and quirky details. Vintage lighting with golden leaves, capiz shells, bubble glass and feathers is taking on the role of a statement piece ready to command everyone’s attention.
Panton Verner Capiz Shell Chandelier Or Pendant, 1970s
Is vintage lighting safe?
Vintage lighting is like a jewel. Its power to make heads turn is immense! But before switching the lights on and let it brighten up your home, check it for safety.
Vintage and antique lighting are generally much better-made than most newly produced fixtures, but pieces that are a couple of decades-old need to be looked into for any frayed cables and other weak spots. Remember, prior to purchasing vintage lighting, always ask the dealer whether the fixture has been rewired.
What is your favourite vintage lighting style?
Feature image: @mortilmernee