There’s something undoubtedly fun about retro styles, but no retro room is complete without the matching lighting. All our designer retro lights can be found here: Retro Lighting.
“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope… they are the same old pieces of coloured glass that have been used through all the ages.”
Mark Twain
Here we are, 2024. AI is integrating itself into our daily lives, 3D printing and the beginning of self driving cars. But one thing will never change, trends come back around and retro will never leave. From 60s table lamps to 80’s chandeliers, there’s a whole amalgamation of what makes “retro” “retro”.
The evolution of retro lighting
Retro is thought to be somewhere between 40’s and the 70’s. However the idea of taking inspiration from the past is not new. Iconic designers, such as William Morris, took inspiration from elements of Baroque and Rococo designs.
Style Rebellion
There’s a rebellious streak in retro styles. A rejection of the present, in favour of styles gone by. Reinvention and making them yours again in your own way. In these uncertain times we see a resurgence in retro recycled and reused lighting styles.
We see it in interior design trends, furniture designs, lighting, fabrics and fashion. Vinyl and tape are coming back. A nostalgia for old films, video games, cameras and antiques. It’s a high value narrative.
Once we’re exposed to something, we tend to have a preference for it, over something we haven’t seen before. Same is true for more meaningful things, like faces, paintings or music. A familiar face, or, your favourite place as a child. Familiarity and liking are closely related.
Faux Nostalgia Trend
Interior designers are in the job of enhancing emotions, feelings, nostalgia, some describe it of a space. Promoting feelings of comport and familiarity. That’s why the trend of “faux nostalgia” is making a resurgence, which is seeing people feeling nostalgia for times they never experienced.
We see new radio designs made in the style of 40’s and 60’s, though not produced then, that emulate the pastel colour palettes and shapes of retro era’s. What about the popularity of series “stranger things”, though not made in the 80’s it has been cleverly created to look as though it were, through clothing, set design and music.
Retro lighting styles designed today are re imagined, readopted and evolving. It’s a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.
Strong Designs with Fresh Interpretations
If there’s one thing that retro interiors had, it’s novelty. From novelty table lamps to carefully sculpted scalloped edges and that’s no different for the modern reimagining of this trend. Trusted, strong designs that stand the test of time with a fresh interpretation.
You can play with interior schemes and go for retro lighting touches or a full blown look!
We think this evolution is the secret. Keeping the core elements of classic designs and having fun with adapting them for today so they become something new.
Bright Yellow Lighting
Taxi cab yellow, think New York, think bold. Industrial style design in up to date, smooth, slick, painted finishes. Pictured above:
1. The Ardle modern factory pendant light in powder coated yellow. Inspired by factory style pendants, featuring fun colour pops to interiors (other bright colours available in this style too, which look great in combination). Featuring a frilled shade made with aluminium and steel.
2. Raze vintage style yellow frame pendant light. Great for a soft exposed bulb look. Adding detail and intrigue to any space. We have vibrant red and sage green which look amazing together for an eclectic look.
3. The Hex factory yellow Pendant. This handcrafted design has the perfect industrial look, bring sunshine inside with this hanging ceiling light. available in a variety of colours.
Bright Red Lighting
1. Retro Red floor lamp by Faro. Available with matching wall light and table lamp.
2.Lome wall light in Red by Monaghan oozes industrial charm with a freshness and vibrancy. You can pivot to best suit your space.
3. Bramhope Terracotta Table Lamp in red, with a classic retro feel, with a unique but simple cotton shade to softly diffuse light around your space.
Retro colours are making a big comeback!
1. Hex Industrial Ceiling light in Green. This handcrafted design has the perfect industrial look, bring sunshine inside with this hanging ceiling light. available in a variety of colours.
2. Titan Size 1 olive green pendant light is based on a 1940’s design. Solid and practical with beautiful stamp detailing and modern metallic.
3. Retro Green table Lamp by Faro. Olive green exudes a vintage charisma.
Retro-Industrial Designer Lighting
If it’s industrial retro lighting styles made for today that appeals to you, you’ll love our collection of lights by: Monaghan Lights.
Made from an original French jam jar the beautiful glass reflects light from a vintage filament bulb housed inside.
Mid Century Modern Globe Style Lighting
We’re seeing a number of designers reinterpreting globe style mid century lighting. Paired with with beautiful, golden brass metalwork, it’s such an elegant style and palette. Perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms or lounges to add graceful lighting touches and gentle opulence. An assured lighting style, here to stay.
Elegantly modern, yet assuredly mid century. It’s Oscar 28 light ceiling pendant. Milky opal glass and golden brass have quietly luxurious quality. Globe lighting re imagined and the result is beautiful.
Pictured above, The Oscar 6 light globe flush ceiling light is ideal for statement lighting in rooms where there’s a low ceiling height. finished in an up to date, silvery satin nickel.
Mid century Minimal Lighting
Pictured above the lovely Brianna. Part of our exclusive lighting range named Signature Untold simple mid century style with elegant, contemporary minimalism in beautiful burnished brass finish.
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