After the positive feedback that we received from readers in our newsletter "10 tips on how to choose and position your retro coffee table" we have decided to replicate this format with a stylistic piece on how to choose, assemble and position vintage lighting in your home. By following these tips, perhaps even only the ones most applicable to a specific interior, it will become much easier to create a certain cohesion in the home and clear vintage style through the incorporation of lighting and lighting accessories.
Tip number 1:Do you need a lot of light for vintage style? Do not go for high power lighting
The notion that maximum power is always a necessity to achieve vintage style with regards to lighting is a false one. Low energy consumption produces little heat but can still be effective. An 18 Watt LED bulb provides very high light, equivalent to that of a 140 Watt filament bulb, without getting too hot. To hide LED lights, choose lampshades with patterns and dark dark colours.
Tip number 2: Mix decorative styles with the appropriate materials
In an interior with mineral materials such as concrete, brick, tiles or clear stone, integrating lighting with textile or wooden materials to achieve vintage style can be done with ease. Another way to achieve this contrast is to position a metal lighting fixture on an old or scandinavian wardrobe.
Tip number 3: Avoid using light bulbs with cold light
To achieve another form of aesthetic success and vintage style with bright lighting, choose hotter light bulbs, or straightforward retro filament bulbs, which will provide warm lighting with retro touches.
Tip number 4: Analyse the atmosphere of a room before choosing the colour of the lamp
If the lamp you choose has a shade or an opaque reflector, then its interior colour is of paramount importance. White tends to maximise diffusion, whilst orange and copper offer warm and pleasant light, creating vintage style. The same can be said for a transparent shade. Its colour will create a slightly tinted diffusiom, for a subdued and relaxing atmosphere.
Tip number 5: Use multiple lamps to create the perfect lighting atmosphere
What is the ideal number? According to the designer India Mahdavi, the perfect amount of lamps or lighting accessories to achieve vintage style in a large room of 30m squared is seven, or five in a room of 20m squared. When lamps are positioned in the corners of a room, they take the gaze away from the light and create a sense of space.
Tip number 6: Position your lighting in the areas which need most light
In a living room, a vintage light is best placed near a vintage retro sofa or a retro armchair. To achieve vintage style, it can also be orientated towards pretty objects on a shelf. In a room, they will be oriented towards a cabinet or a console. On a staircase, it is more effective to light the steps rather than the walls.
Tip number 7: In the bedroom, opt for relaxed lighting
To achieve indirect lighting, it is best to opt for lighting which reflects from the ceiling or walls. The best choice would be lampshades of vintage style that diffuse a coloured light, and bulbs with very warm light.
Tip number 8: In the bathroom, try to incorporate lighting that resembles natural daylight
If you have a bathtub, the most ideal light would be one which allows you to control the light with a dimmer switch, so that you can adjust it downwards during moments of relaxation. This also guarantees an element of retro, vintage style to your interior.
Tip number 9: In the hallway, position compact, fluorescent bulbs that become lighter gradually
Check the ignition time, usually indicated on the bulb package. For instant lighting, opt for a different type of bulb technology (halogen, LED or incandescent) Bear in mind that vintage style can be created with any of these types. It all depends on the light you choose and where you position it.
Tip number 10: Do not use a lamp as your main source of light if it is not designed for this function
Lighting a room with vintage table lamps provides an imperfect look even with powerful bulbs. It is the same for a living room lit mainly by a lamppost of insufficient height. A vintage lamp should be an accessory, but not the main source of light. Vintage style can be achieved with successful lighting and emphasis on light, or subtle undertones manifested by lighting accessories.
