Clean, uncluttered, bold, debonair. Sounds charming? Since the 2007 premiere of Mad Men and the recreation of 1960s homely and office ambiances, the mid-century modern design has become the aim of several interior designers and also of domestic decorators. The appeal of this unique style derives from its essence: an uncomplicated refreshing design which celebrated the post-war life. And, as you know, we know how important is lighting in a home. Therefore, here are our musings on mid-century modern lighting designs and how to adapt them to your home.
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Mid-century modern design is the new black. The style was deeply inspired by Scandinavian modern design and based on Bauhaus’s premise that good design was for everyone. As it was so, the mid-century style flourished not only in architecture but also in interior decoration. Why do we love it? Mid-century design reaches the balance between simplicity and boldness. Simplicity is not necessarily reserved, it can be sophisticated and refined. That is why is it so charming, adding to its vintage characteristic. On the other hand, functionality was also very important. And what is the key feature in decorating any ambiance? Light. Here are some examples of mid-century modern lighting designs.
Robert Sonneman’s Orbiter floor lamp is a 50-year-old creation. It was created by the New Yorker designer back in 1967, it was one of his first products, and it is still in production today. His style took after the Bauhaus industrial tone and the simplicity of Scandinavian design. The clean lines of the base and tube are reversed by the heavy bulb that is the circular counterbalanced head. The angle of the head moves, tilts and swings as drawing the vertical hemisphere of an endless circumference. The design is essentially functional and sophisticated, welcoming a leather armchair, kicking back and relaxing over a book and a dry martini.
Photo: Courtesy of 1stdibs
Serge Mouille was a French lighting designer who had a very distinct idea of what his designs should be. He aimed at a kind of design that was uncluttered and displaying lightweight features, but that would, at the same time, have an impressive aesthetics and would encourage people to touch it. In the 1950s, he created a series of insect-like lighting designs which, in our opinion, fulfill his main goals. The Araignée (the spider) design is truly versatile, it can fit any given room, its arms can be readjusted or redirected. The flexibility is such an inherent characteristic of Spider that even the shades move independently from one another. The design is more than 50 years old and is still being handmade in France, according to Serge Mouille’s determinations and using the original forms, molds and techniques. Only 600 pieces are produced each year.
Photo: Courtesy of Serge Mouille
This is the Tratten. Tratten is a Swedish lighting design, created by Hans Agne Jakobsson in the year 1954 for Västervik Belysning. Its production in brass or copper served its original purpose of outdoor lighting. Despite its rough appearance, the Tratten is a very elegant piece and a true classic in lighting design. Its conical shade and metal finish — whether it is chrome, copper or brass — make it timeless and refreshing, suitable for several ambiances and with a glance of boldness. Jakobson’s 60 year-old creation is still manufactured by the same Swedish company, a wondrous representative of Nordic pared-down design and minimalist silhouettes.
Photo: Courtesy of Casa Lumi
If you are looking to update your home decoration in a retro fashion, you should look for colors, patterns and furniture that can communicate the ease and balance that characterizes this style, without forgetting the touch of sophistication and elegance that makes it special. Last but not least, we chose a table lamp to embellish your office or artistic hideaway. The MILES was designed for DelightFULL and is a much more recent lighting design than the previous ones. Nevertheless, its potential is as impressive as its elder “competitors”. The double shade smoothens the light whilst balancing sophistication and functionality. The tube is solid and simultaneously delicate. The whole fixture is very well-balanced, making the Miles as revered as a true classic, like “Kind of Blue”. You will want to curl up and listen to some jazz, or perhaps get inspired and write the next best-selling novel.
Photo: Courtesy of DelightFULL
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