How Visible Light Sources Are Leaving Lampshades In The Dark-Ages

It used to be the case that bare light fixtures were a look reserved for newly inhabited houses, student flats, and extreme minimalists, but the days of shades and covers being one of the key features of household and commercial lighting are fading fast. They used to be one of the main considerations for interior decor, an essential element in the colour scheme and a central component of room themes and motifs, but lampshades are being eliminated from the equation by contemporary LED bulbs, modern minimalist designs, and vintage industrialist fixtures and fittings. It is the light bulb itself that is now taking center stage, not just because of the ease and simplicity this offers, but also due to the availability and distinct styles which can accommodate all needs and tastes.

The Bare Essentials

Firstly, there are the different types of bulbs themselves, which are worlds away from the spartan and utilitarian designs of yesteryear. The expanding choice on the market and the alluring designs of the lights themselves have made the need for further decoration obsolete, as can be seen with the choice available in Carbon filament bulbs (aka antique filament/squirrel cage/Edison bulbs) alone. These vintage designs have enjoyed sporadic success and popularity over the last few decades, but never more so than now. With their warm and welcoming glow and a touch of steampunk industrialist charm, they are a decorative feature all on their own, adding character and variety in a subtle but powerful way. There are five main styles available, meaning there is enough variety to compliment almost any room design and are named after the shapes of the filament inside the bulb:
Squirrel cage
Christmas tree
Hairpin
Loop
Spiral
These also tend to come in a variety of shapes, including traditional globes, teardrops, tapered candles and various sizes and shapes of tubes, meaning that you really can choose the bulbs that will accentuate your existing decor. If you are able to pair these up with some vintage fixtures, it really accentuates the rustic and raw feel of the bulbs themselves.

LED-ing The Way

The move towards manufacturing energy-efficient versions of these bulbs means that you also no longer have to compromise on the expense to include these in homes and businesses. The first LED versions were manufactured in 2008 by using thin strips of LEDs to recreate the look of the loose-threaded filaments of original Edison bulbs. As well as providing these energy efficient versions of traditional bulbs, LED lights are also breaking out the minimalist vibe with their own modern and simplistic take on visible or exposed lighting, although there is a definite leaning towards the vintage and industrial look so far. Still, you can find some great modern minimalist LED fixtures online, at sites such as lights.ie or other lighting specialists, where you can also pick up your choice of bulbs. You can check out two great examples at the links below:

Nickel-coloured Tamia LED ceiling light, 3-bulb

Golden LED ceiling light Yael with four rods

Different Degrees Of Naked Lighting

Not only are these different lighting options removing the need for traditional lampshades, but they have opened up a whole exciting world of design options for those who still want to accessorize their new lights. Eye-catching and stylish wire and glass surrounds can add an extra dimension to the naked light look without conflicting with the heart of the design choice. They are both spins on traditional lampshades, but the only function to highlight the minimalism of the exposed bulb with a touch of added flair, rather than obstruct the light source as if it were a dirty little secret. Simply adding a geometric cage (available in all kinds of styles and shapes to suit your own personality) or choosing between a clear or opaque colored glass surround adds character and draws the eye without overwhelming the light as a centerpiece. While the two pictured above are personal favorites, there is a whole range available and you will be able to find something to suit you.

Lamps A Lot

This is a trend that does not begin and end with the main lights for each room, although there are a massive number of styles and combinations you can choose from there. As you can see from the photos below, there are a myriad of ways to employ this look to create a custom mood for every theme, need and occasion by accessorizing your rooms with various lamps for additional mood lighting or for adding decoration to bland open spaces that threaten to break up the room flow.

Vintage Wall Lamps

Modern Floor Lamps

Minimalist Table Lamps

Vintage Industrial Style Lamps

Super Simplistic Rustic Lamps

Whatever your personal taste, there are hundreds of choices and combinations to consider which could all add that touch of something new, fresh and modern in your home. Whether it’s a warmer, more relaxed feel to the bedroom, some extra character in the living room or something to accentuate your rustic kitchen, the only thing that you don’t need to worry about is finding a lampshade to match your colour scheme.