Let There Be Light - Statement Lighting
And God said “Let There Be Light” and with a bang he created the first ‘statement’ lighting fixture in the universe.
Back here on earth and in our homes, we mortals have been trying to duplicate the same WOW factor ever since.
Entranceways, bedrooms, kitchens and even bathroom ceiling lights can all make a statement. More often than not we love to use chandeliers for this purpose. They are grand. They command attention. And, most definitely, they are striking.
Traditionally, chandeliers with tiny lights were gathered-up into one large fixture and central to the decor of a room. In most cases the Dining Room. Distinguished homes had Swarovki crystals sparkling and twinkling encased in their Schonbek chandeliers. Or else we would see fanciful sweeping shapes of colourful glass from Murano, Venice, Italy. Much like a grand dame in her wonderful gown attending the La Scala Opera.
In the past 10 years, traditional chandeliers have become objects of desire once again evoking an era of glamour and style. Sleekly styled teardrops, without the faceted cuts, are the updated version of crystals, creating modern styling to this traditional fixture, such as the Crawford by Hudson Valley Lighting.
Today, lighting statements come in twos, threes or in clusters. Some are floating sculptures. Modern technology allows us to be more creative with different shapes and materials.
Artemide, one of the world’s most progressive and grooviest lighting manufacturers, from Italy, regularly creates fantastical pieces that provide a lifetime of beauty and joy. One of their latest pieces, Chlorophilia designed by Ross Lovegrove, cleverly up-lights a series of petals that act as prisms producing a variety of light and shadows with the help of LEDs. Creating “A delicate and feminine ethereal space expanding effect”.
Sometimes a statement chandelier is not a chandelier at all, but a large lamp that arcs overhead such as Artemide’s Tolomeo Mega Flor Lamp, or by another Italian, Flos, with the Arco. Both are considered ageless classics suitable for any decor or function.
Light It Up
Think of it as a stunning investment. Visually beautiful eye candy that makes an impression both by night and by day.
In open plan spaces, while your chandelier is the focus, it’s good to mix sizes and type of fixtures that are flexible to your needs. The other fixtures don’t need to match, but they do need to co-ordinate.
Structurally, make sure your ceiling can support the weight of your light fixture. Not usually a problem but best to consult with your contractor. Better safe than sorry.
There are so many wonderful options out there: traditional, vintage, transitional, modern, ultra modern, suspended, ceiling hugger, colourful, clear, metal, glass, wood – no matter your tastes there’s something to suit your personality and style.
Turn It On
Buy quality bulbs with a colour temperature of 2,700K to 3,000K. The lower the number the warmer and cozier the atmosphere. Note: Different lighting and colour temperatures will bring out different shades to your wall colours, fabrics and carpets.
Dimmers set the mood and provide as much light as required when needed. Dimmers can also be calibrated to pre-set light settings to provide the atmosphere and the timing of your choice.
Incandescent filament bulbs are still the best for that warm fiery glow. Softest and most flattering lighting available.
Halogen is crisp and warm and makes objects look sensuous and rounder.
Fluorescents makes objects and colours look flat, despite the colour temperature.
LED lights are efficient and can be warm providing that you choose a warm colour temperature. Beware of pointy hot spots, make sure that you have a diffuser to soften the light source.
If you’re feeling nostalgic and you want to ‘see’ a clear bulb, Bulbrite, have produced a collection called the “Nostalgic Collection”, which replicates the exposed filaments of clear bulbs through LED technology.
Although lighting’s primary function is to see and be seen, it’s important to think of your empty ceilings and walls like a canvas to create your personal statement.
Now all you have to ask yourself is: How will I light up my universe and make my statement?
Dolores Pian is a Master Interior Designer who crafts luxury residences, penthouses and purse parking. Successful people seek her expertise to Design Reclaiming Time ©
Because time is their truest luxury.
Drop her an e-mail to say hello and let her know what you thought of this blog post.
This article was originally published in Dolores’ “Advice” column for OurHomes.ca magazine.
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