Black and light: Jet black adds sophistication to lighting
One of the many perks of writing a column is being given the opportunity to share what’s new and exciting in the home and lifestyle world.
The digital age has sped up changes in all facets of our lives. It’s not just computers and phones.
How furnishings are designed and built, the wildly imaginative execution of patterns on fabrics and paper — these aspects of design have been touched by the techno age.
The universal need to conserve natural resources has pushed the limits of what we accept as practical household products that are also beautiful, fresh and affordable. That’s a big jump, and there is always something new and impressive just around the corner.
The lighting industry is one of my favorite areas to watch.
The emergence of power-saving — thus dollar-saving — LEDs has challenged those hydro-hungry standard-wattage light bulbs, and new lighting designs have emerged.
The first LEDs were a bit harsh, a bright white that didn’t suit many interior needs. Warm whites and colors are now available, as well as LEDs that fit older fixtures. Some LEDs are dimmable, which is a major bonus for controlling the mood in any space. Choices have never been so versatile.
Although the price of LEDs is higher than standard light bulbs, LEDs last for years, so cost is not an issue. Be sure to buy good-quality LEDs, however, or you will be disappointed at their performance.
Black and white are always an impressive mix, and so is black and light.
I discovered this contemporary diningroom vignette on the Uplight Group website, www.uplightgroup.com. The setting has bold, youthful energy. The matte black Pilke pendant lights show off a unique geometric design that is soft and inviting. These award-winning wooden light structures from Finland are assembled using interconnected birch-plywood parts. The light source is E26LED, a warm white LED globe bulb that twinkles through the slats.
Another striking example of black and light is the Fahrenheit pendant by Troy Lighting. A series of nested and tiered cones form an unusual cylindrical shape. The outer cone, finished in textured black satin, frames the inner cones — that have been coated with hand-applied gold leaf — so that light is reflected in a warm golden hue. This fixture is available in a one- or three-light LED pendant.
If you are thinking of introducing the defining presence of matte black to your decor, why not change up a few of your existing lampshades with a dramatic black style? Visit your favorite lighting store, or check out what’s new online.
On the Lamps Plus website, www.lampsplus.com, you’ll find a dizzying array of choices in black ( and every other shade). Their black faux-suede shade, lined in leopard print, introduces exotic themes. Black fabric shades may be pleated, trimmed with beads or sparkling with sequins, and crafted in shapes large and small with styles that range from sophisticated to frilly. A black metal lamp, pendant or chandelier will become a statement piece in your room.
As with any new design direction or dramatic change in color, it is always best to experiment.
Take your time — drape some black fabric over a lamp to get the feel (don’t leave it too long, or you could start a fire). Then go on a search for a pendant light, sconce or bedside light that captures your interest. An unusual shape or style will steal your heart.