Brilliant Designer Lighting Ideas

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Have you noticed how brilliant are designer lighting fixtures? And have I told you that I have designed two table lamps that I plan on putting in production very shortly? The spark behind this project came about as an effort to manipulate light in my living’s room corner that houses my office. It turned out to be one of my favorite projects that gave birth to many more ideas and sketches that I plan to have a go at, once I find a little spare time. (Please don’t laugh – I’m always hopeful that I’ll get to finish the things I’ve started). But, since I’m not ready to share all the details with you at this time, let’s talk about simple, modern statement lighting – the illuminating factor in any design scheme.

Two beautiful Louis Poulsen pendant lamps over a dining table create a hygge ambiance. Image by Nest.co.uk
Image by Nest.co.uk. These two Louis Poulsen cirque pendant lights, designed by Clara von Zweigbergk, create a hygge feeling in this dining room, glare-free due to an inner reflector.

Well curated contemporary design, embraces yet again mid century designer lighting that continues running on a never-ending trending streak. The reason is simple. It is the perfect way to fuse contemporary design trends with the modern, geometric simplicity of brilliant lighting, to create the most elegant and eclectic styles. So, say cheers to designer lighting!

Why? Statement lighting is equally important as furniture and decor, in defining a home’s personality. All the more people are beginning to appreciate the importance of a good lighting scheme that involves layering various light sources. More than ever before, its importance is evident both in terms of function and aesthetics for it delivers that WOW factor instantly, upgrading an interior.

What a warm ambiance these hanging pendants create in this vignette with the side table and gorgeous armchair. Image by Houseology.
Image by Houseology. A hint of industrial chic from this Kelly Hoppen by Resource Decor Brando copper pendant light

Thus, here are 15 ambient lighting ideas to spark your imagination. Some are iconic mid century designs, while others are unique creations of contemporary designers that exhibit similar qualities as their predecessors. All are equally fabulous specimens of ambient lighting.

A warm glow transcends this contemporary dining space due to the two Muuto white pendant lights. Image by Nest.co.uk.
Image by Nest.co.uk. The Muuto fluid pendant light, designed by the Swedish trio: Claesson, Koivisto, Rume adds a sense of warm glow in this minimal dining space.
A Lenn Bjere silver finish table lamp that looks exquisite on a sideboard. Image by Houseology.
Image by Houseology. A Lene Bjerre Elipse table lamp.
Proof that a brass pendant Gubi light can upgrade a dark moody dining space. The brass finish of the light matches the brass finish of the dining table's perimeter. A beautiful touch. Image by Nest.co.uk.
Image by Nest.co.uk. The iconic Gubi semi pendant light adds a glamorous touch in this moody dining space especially due to its brass finish. It was designed in 1968 by two architecture students, Claus Bonderup and Torsten Thorup. It won them the first prize at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts School of Architecture.
Beautiful chandeliers with a 1930's retro flair to them. Images by Houseology and Nest.co.uk
Images by Houseology, and Nest.co.uk
Six beatiful pendant lights, including the iconic artichoke lamp. Images by Houseology and Nest.co.uk.
Top images by: Houseology and Nest.co.uk // Bottom images by Houseology and Nest.co.uk

How many of you knew that Arne Jacobsen, designed not only iconic chairs but also lights? He and Poul Henningsen, were the best designers of Louis Poulsen, the Danish light manufacturer. Poul Henningsen, a Danish designer (1894-1967), also known as PH, is mostly known for his legacy in the lighting field. His aim was to create a uniform illumination with no glare. He designed in 1958, the iconic PH-Artichoke (or conifer) and the PH lamps’ series. The PH 5 is probably the one best known.

Several PH5 pendant lamps hanging in different colors. A great way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this iconic lamp. Image by nest.co.uk
Image by Nest.co.uk The PH5 that provides 100% glare-free light due to its reflective three shade system.

The only reason why I included some pricing in the imagery above, was to allow one to see that pricing ranges considerably. However, rest assured that spending money on designer lighting is not money wasted on just fancy lights.

If you’re a home lover, and I think you must be if you’re reading these lines, then you care to invest in your home’s aesthetic value. You may have already invested in luxurious furnishings, state-of-the art home appliances, stunning artwork (but in case you have not yet, then do check out Josh Byer’s faux fauvism) e.t.c., but none of those will look half as good under the wrong lighting… That’s why we say that lighting breaks or makes a room.

Moreover, good chances are that you will replace your sofa in the next 15-20 years or so (and in that case you may want to read my guide on buying a sofa). And that goes for a lot of your furniture too. But, in my opinion, designer lighting is a one time deal, therefore buy wisely!

Hence, do a little research before you make your next buy. 😉 And if you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask away. As always, share your thoughts in the comments below (so I can do my little happy dance)!!

Take care now home lovers, xo

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