Copper is a soft, malleable metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It has been in use since around 8,000 BC and was the first metal to be smelted and moulded by humans.
Its versatility is renowned, even the colours can change with variances in atmosphere. Copper does not rust; in dry conditions, it will slowly react with oxygen to form a layer of darker copper oxide which actually serves to protect the underlying metal. In more humid conditions, the exposure to the air and moisture creates a green layer called verdigris. This has been used to great effect in architecture old and new – a most prominent example of this would be the Statue of Liberty.
It is now a popular choice for use in interior designs due to its durability and versatility. It exudes a warmth that no other metal can emulate and you can choose the hue of your accessories depending on how you clean them; polished and you get a bright metal with a high sheen and if you allow the copper oxide to form, you can get a contrasting pattern on the surface with a slightly mottled and darker overall effect.
Copper also offers great versatility across trend styles; traditional, industrial, modern, nautical, minimalism – you name it; it works!
How Do I Maintain and Clean my Copper?
Don’t panic if you are not an obsessive cleaner and see the housework as a boring chore – these will be ideal as you can do as much or as little as you need!
For pots and pans, natural cleansers are recommended – white vinegar or lemon can be used to bring back the brightness and the shine. For decorative items and lights, it can be a monster getting into the nooks and crannies and let’s face it – there’ll be something else we’d rather be doing! To curb the effects of oxidation, you can use a copper lacquer which protect the metal for many years. Lights more exposed to natural light or are touched regularly may need more frequent application, but the tried and tested version is an air-drying acrylic lacquer with a tarnish inhibitor.
The popularity of copper has reached unprecedented heights in recent years so the choice of lighting is fantastic. There are some fantastic examples of superb quality light fittings made from solid copper. The Monaghan range features many lights in quality metals including copper. The Suva, Minsk and Berlin pendants are worth considering if you are after genuine copper lighting.
The Suva offers a delicate glimpse of copper for those wanting to add an accent of copper to the home.
The Minsk ceiling pendant offers a sleek, modern design with an added ornate feature to showcase the bulb. This fuses two very popular trends together andwith the introduction of filament style LED bulbs now available, you can create the look without worrying about the cost adding up on your electricity bill…The Berlin pendant offers a more traditional industrial style. The bright copper inside ensures a wide reaching and warm reflective light which creates a great ambience.
If you want the look without the worry of the cleaning, lighting manufactures have now teamed the elegant, warm copper colour with modern materials for added convenience.
A few products to whet your appetite include the stunning Aurelia 15 Light Pendant Cluster. An impressive 110cm drop, the beautiful staggered glass shades are electro plated in shades of copper, oxidised copper and bronze. The overall effect is mesmerising and makes a stunning centrepiece over tables or as a long drop over stairwells.
If a you’re after a modern industrial twist, you could consider the copper cage pendant. Teamed with an old fashioned Edison style filament bulb, this would also work well in vintage settings.
A light bar pendant could be an ideal light for over kitchen work surfaces and islands. Retro in style, this will work in modern and traditional settings.
Along with your new copper lights, it is well worth considering adding a few flourishes of copper around the room. One simple trick to give your kitchen a face-lift without maxing the credit cards is to change the handles to a copper finished design. This will immediately tie in the lights to the room and emulates a rich, warm yet fresh feel. If you have a large kitchen, or want to embrace the material wholeheartedly, you could consider a sink and taps along with some pots, pans and utensils.
Ecologically Sound and Antimicrobial
It is thought that 80% of the copper ore that has been mined over the last 10,000 years is still in existence today. It can be recycled successfully time after time without damaging the natural, original properties.
It is also antimicrobial which means that bacteria cannot survive for more than an hour or so which makes it ideal for use as handles and handrails in public places i.e. museums. Imagine also the benefits in the kitchen!
Additional Facts about Copper
DILI Round Braided Suspension Pendant Lights
- Copper is not magnetic
- The melting point of copper is 1083 degrees Centigrade
- Most of us will use around 594 KGs of copper in our lifetimes
- A standard car uses approximately 19 KGs of copper
- All gold has to use copper to harden it up – without this we could mould gold by hand
So now you know that copper is a great choice to use all around your home, please continue to look for inspiration here www.lightingandlights.co.uk/search/copper