The addition of thoughtful lighting is the easiest way to transform a dull or tired space and what better way to do so than with the revival of Art Deco? Deluxe Art Deco lights blend seamlessly into modern and traditional spaces, adding the glitz of the golden age.
Art Deco design was born in the 1920s from the optimistic desire for the future and opulence. It followed art movements such as Art Noveau and Cubism, borrowing elements but transforming them into a new attractive idea. Artfully uniting industrialism with luxury and craftsmanship, Art Deco developed alongside other movements such as Bauhaus which held principles focused on designing objects that were beautiful but more crucially functional and easy to mass produce. By contrast, the Deco movement retained an appreciation for decoration and expense. Art Deco style is best seen represented through iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building in New York and those by the famed architect Frank Lloyd-Wright.
A century may have passed but the glamour and allure of the roaring twenties’ Deco design still captivates us, infusing any space with an enduring excitement and a timeless elegance. This style captures the thrill of anticipating new discoveries. It balances artistic influences derived from ancient cultures such as Egyptian, Aztec, and East Asian with the developments of new technologies of the time, resulting in bold geometric designs seeped in luxury, and a sentiment held in the style that still resonates with us today. Whilst Art Deco will always pair perfectly with a Gatsby mansion, the injection of Art Deco design into a modern space is the perfect way to achieve everlasting elegance and add rich, playful touches to a room without diverting from its contemporary forms and clean lines.
Key Elements: Unveiling the allure of Art Deco Lighting
Contrary to its contemporary counterpart, Bauhaus, Art Deco embraces opulence. Key elements include simple lines with striking geometric shapes manifesting in the form of shapes such as trapezoids, zigzags, and sunbursts paired with rich materials and deep jewel tones. Spacial consideration is another key to Art Deco design. Vertical lines are a defining element and should be applied to exaggerate the space and lead the eye upwards for added drama. These elements translate beautifully through lights and can be one of the most effective choices to accomplish an Art Deco style in your space.
To nail the glamour and glow of Art Deco lighting, avoid downlights or spotlights, instead go for chandeliers and wall sconces which direct light up, again emphasising vertical space.
Art Deco lighting should be ornamental, choose lamps in rich materials or finishes such as gold and bronze to match the rich Art Deco aesthetic.
Art Deco Lighting: the contemporary approach
To incorporate this gilded glamour in a contemporary way, add contrast by mixing your Art Deco lights with natural textures and fabrics such as grainy woods and cottons, to create a dynamic and clean atmosphere with areas of glowing drama. A muted palette still works wonders with these lights too, resulting in a more subdued elegance, sophisticated yet unpretentious.
Modern Art Deco light fixtures stun in any environment. Bless your living room with an art deco vibe for some character amongst the comfort. This can be achieved with subtle deco wall lights or an eye-catching chandelier that will provide an elegant backdrop when it isn’t starting conversation.
A co-ordinated Art Deco lighting choice can be an effortless addition to glam your contemporary dining room.
This blog is part of a series exploring iconic 20th century lighting styles and how you can easily incorporate them into contemporary spaces. Explore more below: