If you’re searching for contemporary lighting with a vintage-grade appeal, you’re likely wondering what your options are. Thankfully, with brands like Visual Comfort, Chapman & Myers, Regina Andrew, and Wildwood there are plenty of options to choose from. Ahead, we break down some of the most popular contemporary lighting trends in lamps, sconces, pendants and more.
Lamps
Contemporary table lamps generally possess large, statement-making bases. Gourd bases are popular, as are urn lamps without handles or excessive adornment. Plinth bases and chunky column bases are also having a moment. It’s generally easiest to find table lamps with smooth finishes, as opposed to incised or rough, hand-thrown finishes which were more popular during the mid-20th Century. In terms of shades, wicker shades and pleated lamp shades are gaining traction. Their textural finishes offer an interesting contrast to today’s smooth-finish lamp bases.
Sconces
Contemporary sconces are frequently figural or architectural in appearance. Metal sconces that are designed to look like leaves, flowers, or starbursts are particularly popular. Sconces featuring globe lights are also heavily favored by today’s buyers. Brass tends to be the most popular finish today, though black iron and white plaster also maintain a lot of appeal. Plug-in sconces are on the rise, too, as plug-in wall lights don’t require hardwiring and can simply be mounted on a wall above an outlet, making them a smart option for apartment dwellers who want to better their abodes.
Ceiling lights
Contemporary ceiling lights are very architectural in appearance. Black iron and brass are commonly featured construction materials. Increasingly, wicker and plaster are also featured. Round globes lights frequently make appearances in contemporary fixtures, as do other Mid-Century Modern or Atomic motifs such as cone lights. Additionally, a vintage Italian and French modernist lighting influence is also apparent in many of today’s pendants and chandeliers.
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Lead photo design by Becky Nielsen / Photo by Marisa Vitale