What's Your Lighting Style?

Picking out lighting for you home can be a more difficult task than you think! There are so many different kinds of lighting that it helps if you start by understanding your style. Are you traditional and enjoy warm colors and antique furniture? Do you feel inspired by nature and like decorating with a cool color palette of greens and blues? Are clean lines and simplicity in your surroundings important to you? For each of these types there is a corresponding lighting style.
Traditional:

Traditional lighting is very non-jarring and predictable. Most fixtures are made of darker metals with understated details. Like the traditional rooms that they are placed in, they are very comfortable and add to the overall homey feel. Often traditional lights are reproductions. Neutral and plainly decorated shades are often used in traditional lighting.

Contemporary:

You could say that contemporary lighting is the complete opposite of Traditional. Bright chrome finishes replace the traditional black and bronze. Bright colors accent most pieces and there is nothing understated about it! Contemporary lights are eye catching and are often the center piece of a contemporary space. Clean lines and simplicity are characteristic of most contemporary spaces and the lights often reflect the same!

Transitional:

The term transitional is fairly new in the lighting world. It is used to define a place somewhere between traditional and contemporary lighting. If you say to yourself, "I love the clean lines of contemporary but the chrome is just too much for me!" or "If they just removed the crystals and ivory shades from that chandelier it would be perfect!” than transitional just may be your style. Also referred to as "Bronze Contemporary," transitional lighting is often very clean and simple but of a darker finish. Transitional lighting also tends to stay away from the colorful accents that many contemporary fixtures boast but still preserves its clean simplicity.

Mission/Arts and Crafts:

Many companies who manufacture their products here in the US exemplify this style! Most are handmade/forged using natural elements such as iron and wood. Mission style lights usually showcase patina and worn finishes giving them a very rustic and heirloom look. Mica and art glass are often used in this style of fixture. Their design also showcases a pronounced geometry.


French Country:

This is a popular decorating style especially in the south. Wood furniture and floral accents are used as well as rustic materials such as stone and brick. Basic fabrics of plaids, checks, and stripes are often used in shades for lamps and chandeliers. French country lighting often uses white or ivory finishes and may even be decorated with roosters, flowers, or fruit.

Hopefully this has helped you to at least begin thinking about your lighting style! Decorating your home or office can sometimes be challenging on your own. Don't be afraid to come in to our store and get the help from one of our great salespeople! They're here to help you navigate all of the many different styles of lighting to find one that you truly love!