When it comes to following decorating trends, light fixtures such as lamps are a great choice. This is because lamp bases, even those in trendy styles, are relatively affordable and thus, easy to swap out on a whim. Furthermore, lamps are a ‘must have’ for a plethora of spaces including bedrooms and living rooms, so it’s never a waste of money to invest in a few. In 2012, expect to see plenty of lamp bases that feature mirror finishes.

Previously, the mirror was restricted to the wall: typically at the foyer or entrance of the home, but also over beds, fireplaces and as a focal point in various rooms throughout the home. Today, the mirror has spread from the wall to furniture and now to light fixtures. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to mix your mirrored lamps and light fixtures with other mirrored pieces: mirror finish side tables, small stools, vases and so forth.

Trendy Looks: Mirror Finish Lamp Bases

One of the trendiest looks for the mirror or silver finished lamp base is the large single sphere. This particular shape and style tends to compliment pendant lights and a plethora of interior design styles including contemporary, modern and traditional. Plus, this particular style can also be mixed with other light fixtures that feature a similar look.

Another popular look is the stacked spheres, typically consisting of three spheres but this look can also consist of as many as 7 stacked spheres. These lamps are great for contemporary spaces, though they may look a bit out of place in more traditional spaces; so keep this in mind if you are struggling to choose the right lamps for your particular space.

The mirror finish does not have to be exactly like a mirror, either. While the silver look is the most popular, it is not the only option. There are clear gray versions with subtle mirrored patinas, bronze mirror finishes, gold mirror finishes and so forth. Keep an eye out for a hue that best suits your particular home decor style, as this will ensure the most cohesive look.

Of course, lamp bases are only half of the lamp. You’ll also need to find the right lamp shades, especially if the lamp does not already come with a predesignated lamp shade. With this in mind, there are two trendy looks for table lamps this year. The first is the more well-known drum shade, which is clean and contemporary, making it perfect to compliment a modern space. The next trendy look features a more slender elongated shape that is almost cylindrical in style, which may or may not feature a subtle tapering around the top.

If you’re looking for ways to update your home, then trendy new light fixtures might be the fix you’ve been needing. Mirror finishes are clean and stylish, which means you can use them for many years to come. Of course, they’re not for everyone so be sure that you’ve chosen the right lamps or other light fixtures to suit your space. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Did we get you excited to look into even more modern lighting fixtures? Then come take a look at our amazing selection of table lamps!

With light fixtures, trends tend to last significantly longer than with other elements of interior design or home decor. In 2012, not only will you see a surge in popularity for crystal light fixtures, you’ll also see a surge in popularity for specific fixtures, particularly with table lamps. Here’s the low down on crystal and crystal table lamps for your home.

What is Crystal?

Crystal is actually a type of glass, with the main difference between standard glass and crystal being that crystal contains lead. This is why crystal is also referred to as “leaded glass.” The exact percentage of lead that must be in the glass to qualify it as crystal will vary from country to country, so keep this in mind. For example, in the United States, it takes only 1% of lead to be present in order for the item to be classified as crystals. In the European Union, any item that contains a minimum of 4% lead is crystal, anything less and the item is still considered a glass.

Trendy Crystal Table Lamp Looks

One of the big trends for crystal table lamps is the use of stacked spheres for the lamp base. This can be done with three, four or five large spheres or several, upwards of 10 or more, smaller spheres, to create a more slender and elegant look. The crystal is typically complimented by a silver or brushed nickel finish that gives the light fixture a clean look and a drum shade adds to the contemporary flair.

Another trend to look out for is a table lamp design which comes with a modernistic simplicity.  This lamp, for example, is made from a single piece of handblown glass that allows views into its inside and shows the bulb as well as the socket with its cable! Very simple, but stylish and genius.

How to Care for Crystal Table Lamps

Just as with any light fixture you own, there are a few things you should do to take care and properly maintain your crystal table lamps. To start, always use a lint free cloth to wipe off the dust and debris from your crystal. Do not use a standard wash cloth or even paper towel, as these can cause small scratches that over time, will become more visible to the eye. These scratches will also diminish the “crystal clear” appearance of your table lamps.

Once you’ve removed any dust and debris, you can use a clean lint free cloth that has been dampened with warm water to wash and thoroughly clean the rest of your light fixture. If you have allowed dust to build up for a significant period of time, you may need to invest in a crystal cleaner that is safe to use on your crystal table lamps.
Crystal table lamps do feature an elegant and sculptural look. They come in a plethora of types including lamps, ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers, wall sconces and many more. This makes this particular trend an easy addition to a variety of spaces. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

For more wonderful lighting fixture options, check out our versatile inventory today!

Pendant lighting is light that hangs from overhead. Pendants are popular as kitchen lights, bathroom lights and can even be found hanging above nightstands in master bedrooms. Whether made of blown glass, porcelain or another material, lighting fixtures in general can be a work of art in itself. We found some pendant lights that are just that in fact:

Porcelain Pendant Light

These porcelain pendants have a striking design with an uncommon association of materials. The lamps with their beautiful bold colors express minimalism but with the soft touch of the wood in opposition to the cold touch of porcelain.

Glass Pendant Light

The glass on this pendant light is mesmerizing. Perhaps it is the shape of the light tube inside, or the uniqueness of the pendant itself, but this would be a wonderful lighting fixture, hanging in threes, above a kitchen counter. This pendant light could work in a classic traditional space, or one with a slightly modern edge.

Natural Looking Pendant Light

These amazing large pendant lights look natural and carefree. They are elegant, but not pretentious because of their natural color. Notice how the light, shining through the shade, casts beautiful shadows and light on the adjacent wall?

Wood Hanging Light

A great way to bring the outdoors in, without going overboard on the green, is through this hanging light fixture. In fact, this hanging lamp is actually made of 56 maple wood “scales” that cast a soft glow of light beneath. You might also consider wall sconce or wall lamps for a similar effect.

Paper Hanging Light

And this one, another DIY’ers dream, is made of paper. In fact, remember those little finger papers called “fortune tellers” you used to play with back in grade school? This lighting fixture could be made large-scale or small, depending on the space. Yes, another great hanging light fixture for almost anywhere. Images 1| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Now wouldn’t you like to get creative with innovative lighting fixtures to boost your home? No Problem! Arcadian Lighting has a great selection to explore.

 

At it’s peak, mid-century modern decor had an almost futuristic look to it. That appearance still holds true today thanks to the fluid curves and clean line designs that remain modern still to this day. These same design concepts can be applied to the light fixtures of the time, many of which are still being reproduced today. Here are a few tips and tricks for selecting different mid-century modern light fixtures for your home.

What is Defined as Mid-Century Modern?

The time frame for mid-century modern design occurred beginning in the late 1930s and through to the mid 1960s. Though the time period was several decades ago, the names associated with many of the more famous designs are still well-known, with many still being considered household names today.

What Should I Be Looking For?

If you’ve got some knowledge on the style, you’re likely looking for a specific light fixture by a specific designer. Keep in mind that originals in good condition tend to cost more than newly manufactured reproductions of those same light fixtures today.

Of course, not all of the mid-century modern designs out there feature ‘name brand’ designer names. In these instances, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few key shapes and specific lines. Mid-century modern light fixtures typically feature clean lines. They can feature curves, but they are strictly no-frills with detailing.

Shapes of mid-century modern light fixtures are typically organic. This translates into soft, flowing curves. Ovular or circular shapes are ideal, especially for ceiling lights. Other shapes that are indicative of the style include hourglass, triangular cones, pillars, tubes, saucer shapes, teardrops and so forth. These are more common in wall sconces (hourglass, tubes or pillars) and pendant lights (triangular cones, saucers, tubes) so keep this in mind when seeking out this style.

The colors of these light fixtures tend to be few and far between. In other words, any fixture that has more than two or three colors is not likely to be deemed ‘mid-century modern.’ Stick to simple color palettes with three or fewer colors. In terms of finishes, brushed metals are common, as are brilliant white shades, pleating and under the right circumstances, high polished finishes.

Of course, this does not mean that mid-century modern light fixtures are lacking in color entirely. It is not uncommon for these fixtures to feature brilliant hues: cobalt blue, lime green, orange, mustard yellow, poppy red, vibrant white and so forth. These are often combined with various metal hues including brass or silver finishes such as nickel or chrome.

Mid-century modern light fixtures can add a great deal of ‘fun’ to any room. In a dining room, an unexpected large-scale saucer-shaped pendant light can be a great conversation starter. In a bedroom, hourglass wall sconces can add a romantic ambience, while pillar wall sconces in the living room can add some much needed extra lighting. Though the style is distinct, it is also very clean in terms of visual appearance, making it an easy style to incorporate into different interior design schemes. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

I hope you enjoyed our post on Mid-century modern light fixtures! For more futuristic looks, check out our selection at Arcadian Lighting!

Contemporary is a popular style for today’s families; it’s modern and elegant without being too overwhelming. Despite its popularity and ease of use in the everyday home, it can be difficult finding the right light fixtures that fit the contemporary style. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to find the right contemporary light fixtures for your space.

Pay Attention to Finish

The type of finish on the light fixture is extremely important. Contemporary light fixtures typically do not have oil rubbed bronze finishes or brass finishes. They should be more silver in color: brushed nickel, polished chrome and so forth. Avoid any light fixtures that use a brass, gold or bronze finish, as these are not indicative of the contemporary style.

Pay Attention to the Lines

Aside from finish, it is also important to pay attention to the lines of the light fixture. Contemporary elements feature clean lines and gentle curvature. Lines that are too geometric are no longer contemporary, but rather considered modern. Look for clean lines and shapes: spheres, gentle ovular curves, and sleek lines. Ragged lines need not apply, as they’ll stick out like a sore thumb in a contemporary space.

Drum Shades

The truth is, when you’re struggling to find the right contemporary light fixtures for your space, you can never go wrong with a drum shade! Drum shades are the ultimate look for contemporary lighting. Today you can find just about anything with a drum shade from flush mounted ceiling lights to chandeliers, table lamps to floor lamps and everything in between.

Crystal Fixtures

Light fixtures that feature crystal accenting are also a great choice for contemporary spaces, especially if you are looking to achieve a contemporary chic space. Crystal is a naturally clear material, so it blends well into the contemporary style. It can also be shaped or cut into different sizes and looks, so that you can find the right crystal light fixture for your space.

Mix and Match

Contemporary is a clean style, so you can easily mix different styles of light fixtures in with your contemporary space. This is a great idea if you’re struggling to find the right light fixtures for your space.

Traditional lamp bases with the classic urn shape pair well with a drum shade, giving the look and feel of contemporary with less stress. If your lamps’ bases are not already black, white or silver, consider painting them in one of these hues to make them feel even more contemporary. You can even consider painting them a bright hue to give your space a bright pop of color, but be wary and try not to overdo things.

In the end, you may be surprised that it’s easier done than said to find the right contemporary light fixtures for your space. Simple tricks like looking for clean lines and shapes can make all the difference.

To complete your contemporary design, add some sleek and stylish pendant lights to your home! Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Rich colours, sumptuous fabrics and unique light fixtures are just a few of the elements of contemporary cultural style. Create an exotic space that is fresh and modern by using both form as well as function.

Heavenly Contemporary

What’s holier than a living space in an old church? Contemporary furniture brings in the new while the grand piano and expansive geometric windows usher in the old.

Asian influence

Bold colors of green and red as well as stately orchids give this living room and dining room a distinctly Asian feel, complemented by a stylish pendant light.

Tween style

Give the little lady of the house a bedroom with contemporary cultural style with fun and exciting colors. Add a lot of decorative pillows as well as other linens to make the room more welcoming. Make sure to add a floral print rug and playful table lamps and chandelier to brighten up the room.

Utilitarian Mod

A bathroom in organic colours with a Japanese-inspired plant looks streamlined against seagass green walls and modern wall sconces.

Moroccan Flair

Reminiscent of North African seaside retreats, a bedroom with a sheer draping canopy suspended from a wood-slat roof creates instant serenity, and matching table lamps add stylish symmetry.

Backyard Oasis

Contemporary cultural style isn’t only about interior spaces – it can be used outside as well, like a Zen garden complete with stone statues and a manicured landscape.

French Cuisine

Ooh la la! A French-inspired kitchen may appear to be old-fashioned, but the appliances, made to resemble antiques, are state-of-the-art, along with the copper pots, which are both beautiful and useful.

Minimalist Chic

A chic white living room with Swedish-style furniture is taken up a decor-notch with a bauble chandelier and vibrant prints on the walls.

Images: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

What do you think of the post? Comments are welcome! Don’t forget to stop by Arcadian Lighting for more light fixtures for your home!

Now that fall is here, we are reminiscing the summer time. So for Tuesday Tablescape we’re all about tables that remind us of summertime this week. For a casual outdoor picnic or a summer birthday party, a few summery accents can create a tablescape perfect for the season. Don’t forget the lighting fixtures for nighttime occasions to make your table shine.

House Beautiful (via)

This tablescape by Bunny Williams is casual, yet elegant. The silver water pitcher and small succulents in terracotta pots are lovely.

Country Living (via)

The fern frond tied to a waffle textured white napkin is a fantastic, simple addition that adds a lot of style to the place setting. The pale, silvery blue charger against the faded wood table top is a nice contrast.

Country Living (via)

This picnic of mixed china, simple glassware and simple flowers on a farmhouse table surrounded by mismatched dining chairs has a bohemian feeling. Hang a beautiful outdoor lighting fixture on top for a good vibe.

The Kitchn (via)

White outdoors feels crisp and cool. This outdoor tablescape was designed by Chelsea Fuss of {frolic!}. The palest of greens is lovely as an accent.

The Kitchn (via)

Another tablescape by Chelsea Fuss of {frolic!} that we saw on The Kitchn includes several things we love for summer entertaining: large mason jars for water, smaller jars for drinks either lemonade or cocktails, and a wire cover to protect foods from insects.

Centsational Girl (via)

We’re loving this table cloth made by Centsational Girl’s own Kate, from ‘Richloom Wizard’ found at Joann’s fabrics. Kate was inspired by one at Anthropologie. She even has instructions on her blog!

Shelter Pop (via)

The eclectic mix of serving pieces on this rustic table is terrific. What a selection of finger foods and beverages. A mix of garden flowers is the perfect arrangement for this casual buffet table.

Dreamy Whites (via)

This dining room from Dreamy Whites blog feels like summer in France. Crushing on the linen runner and vintage bottles as bud vases, and of course, the lilacs. Add pendant lights in this lovely space for a dreamy ambiance.

What do you think of the post? Comments are welcome! Don’t forget to check out our outdoor lighting fixtures section for your outdoor space!

Now that you have your central lighting fixtures in place and any secondary sources of light such as lamps, it’s now time to put a spotlight on accent lighting. This is the fun stage of illuminating a room, giving you freedom to expand on your overall room design and place more focused lights in areas that need a little extra something.

Why be concerned with accent lighting at all? Well, think of it as another level of accessorizing but with the added benefit of function. Every room can benefit from a little extra touch of light. You can bring whimsy or elegance to a room with accent lighting. You can highlight your valued treasures or collectibles. You can bring attention to artwork. Any way you choose to accent your room with additional lighting enhances your interior.

There are countless ways to incorporate accent lighting into your room’s décor. If you have a unit of shelving where you like to display special items or books, you can use under cabinet lights to bring them into view. For special artwork, add new dimension with art lights that mount over or under the frame. This gives your art and your walls a whole new look.

Now think of areas within your home where a little extra light would add interest. For example, that antique table you placed in the corner. A small upright light could cast a warm glow in the corner and bring light up the wall. If you have a small entrance foyer that needs a bit of illumination, a candlestick lamp would fit on a hall table and provide an added welcoming light.

Add a touch of retro fun to a teen’s room with a lava lamp. Do you have a little princess in your family? Outfit her bedside table with a small pink crystal chandelier lamp. For the sports-minded little boy, novelty sports lamps are always a hit. For the contemporary master bedroom, choose a sleek cylindrical lamp for your dresser.

Don’t forget functional accent lighting in the kitchen. Outfit your cabinets with energy-efficient LED under cabinet lighting. You can install track lighting or recessed lights above cabinets for added emphasis on cabinet-top displays and to provide an extra layer of illumination in the kitchen. Showcase glass or dishware collections in glass-door cabinets with display lights mounted inside.

Shedding a little light in dark corners and enhancing the overall lighting in a room adds interests and creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a home. Work accent lighting into your design and wake up your rooms. Accent lighting adds interest and dimension to your rooms, brings attention to treasured collections and artwork, provides functional illumination and completes a room. Take a look around your home and see where you can add a little extra.

In addition to necessary light, table lamps can add a great deal of style to a room. When you are designing a space, a lighting fixture is an essential part of the process. When you need additional light for reading, working at the computer, or for overall illumination, choosing table lamps to accent your space is a great place to start.

Whatever your style or taste, there is a table lamp that fits. Some of the common styles are torchiere, candlestick, crystal, stained glass Tiffany, mica, ceramic and porcelain. There are also numerous novelty styles that reflect hobbies, art or abstract sculpture. If you want something truly different, there are those that are carved from stone or glass. Lamps in materials such as brass, bronze and Lucite are also very appealing for any style of décor.

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Candlestick lamps are perfect for sofa tables or sideboards because they take up little space and form a nice symmetry. Torchiere lamps also work great in this same vain and they give the room an overall glow as light is reflected off the ceiling. Candlestick lamps are versatile enough to be used for anything from kitchen lighting to pure aesthetics.

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Crystal lamps are a popular choice among traditionalists as well as those who lean more toward contemporary interiors. There are beautiful carved crystal lamps that resemble cut vases or stemware. For the more contemporary taste, there are styles that incorporate geometrically shaped crystal with simple lines.

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The appeal of Tiffany stained glass is universal. Used in many a traditional or historic décor, these paragons of artistic light bring a special quality to a room. Popular not only for their brilliant color and intricate designs, Tiffany stained glass lamps speak of style. They stand on their own as a decorative accessory in a room. Tiffany stained glass lamps make for great table decor!

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Many Craftsman-style homes, as well as contemporary interiors, benefit from mica lamps. Their distinctive amber shades provide a golden light that sets the tone for a room. Balanced in a contemporary interior, they add a touch of color and warmth.

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Ceramic and porcelain lamps have long been staples in every style of interior. Resembling beautiful cloisonné ginger jars and vases, these classic lamps grace many traditional interiors and provide a lovely addition when paired with an ivory or white silk lampshade. Blue and white porcelain is also a pleasing combination in any traditional room.

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Many transitional and contemporary lamps are made of bronze, brass and Lucite. They take their style cues from Roman architecture, modern art and sculpture. Carved stone lamps are another style that makes quite the statement in a contemporary interior or adds interest to a transitional space.

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When exploring the myriad of styles available in light fixtures today, also think of the quality and amount of light you need for a particular space. Not only accents to the overall interior design of a room, table lamps are the added illumination necessary to make a room come alive aesthetically and work functionally. So, have fun and make a statement or simply accent your space with this added dimension of decorative accessory.

Click here to not only find the perfect table lamp, but to address all of your lighting needs!