CLASSIC FIXTURES
Traditional lighting still shines
What’s old is often new again — or was never old in the first place! Traditional fixtures, for example, have always had a place in lighting trends; made of simple materials and offering clean lines, they infuse a space with classic style.
And in today’s decor designs, many people are mixing traditional and modern lighting options.
“There has been a deeper shift of mixing furniture, art and lighting styles to create a unique yet cohesive space,” said Katie Pulli, senior manager and lighting expert at Wayfair. “From a traditional lighting perspective, traditional fixtures are timeless, and can be incorporated with new influences for an eclectic look. An example is a shaded chandelier.
“A shade atop a beautiful crystal chandelier gives the room a timeless look, but still gives it a fresh and current feel. This trend is reflective of the traditional-meets-modern lighting fixtures that are gaining popularity in the market.”
Andree Naimer, vice-president of Montreal Lighting & Hardware, agrees.
Whether it’s for a stairwell lantern, a dining-room chandelier or library reading lamps, historical finishes such as natural aged brass and polished nickel are very popular in lighting, Naimer said.
Many still prefer to illuminate their artwork with classic picture lights in traditional finishes to co-ordinate with the framing, and kitchen islands with marble countertops and detailed woodwork can be accentuated with “vintage” pendants.
But she has also seen a big trend in combining traditional as well as contemporary fixtures.
“Today we also offer options which are ‘not your mother’s traditional styles’,” she explained. “These are updated versions of antique designs, often with simplified details.
“For example, a traditional lantern that used to have glass panes and exposed candles might be glassless today, with a fabric shade enclosing the lights.”
LED has also allowed the timeless to become more futuristic.
“From a technology and environmental standpoint, LED is increasingly becoming more popular at a lower price point, making it easier to integrate new technology with traditional lighting,” Pulli said. “With several bulb shapes and types in the LED industry, there are more options that fit these traditional lighting fixtures.”
Dining rooms are still the most popular place for traditional fixtures, as they’re usually the most traditionally decorated spaces in a home.
“Many enjoy inherited dining-room furniture as well as table settings passed down through generations, and traditional chandeliers — especially crystal chandeliers — exude luxury and warmth,” Naimer said. “Traditional buffet lamps and wall sconces enhance antique buffets and breakfronts.
“The lighting from traditional chandeliers also dims well to impersonate candlelight as a great mood setter.”
Exterior lighting also tends to lean more toward the timeless in terms of overall style.
“Traditional fixtures are frequently used for outdoors as they enhance the style of the classic home styles in Montreal,” Naimer explained. “Coach-style lanterns, and other traditional styles, marry with the style of the exterior metalwork, window treatments, and other details.
“Natural finishes like aged copper and antique brass that fare well in our climate are most popular, and today we also carry LED light bulbs that look exactly the same as the traditional candelabra bulbs, so you don’t have to compromise the traditional look to save on electricity and maintenance.”