On a recent stroll down Fifth Avenue, I realized how more and more unconventional objects are influencing todays lighting trends. I’ve even seen evidence of this on HGTV, where you can find interior decorators creating chandeliers out of everything from twine to popsicle sticks. I especially like it when they create a light fixture out of another piece of furniture. For example, “Don’t like your grandma’s antique bureau? We can chop it up and give you a unique lighting fixture that adds texture to your room!” And I remain glued to my TV crying over the beautiful piece of furniture they just smashed into pieces.
I do not know the cause of this lighting trend. Perhaps chandeliers are priced out of people’s range—pieces from Venice start around $2500. Or maybe we are just bored with the classical ways of adding conversation to a room, so the idea of creating a dining room centered around a giant ball of twine seems appealing, maybe even nautical. And why not when Anthropologie’s spring window features hanging water bottles? Yes, it diffused the light and adds texture, but hanging over your dining room place setting it would create more of a ‘homeless’ rather than a “homely” feel.
Making any fixture work is not as easy as it looks. You have to consider practicality, flammability, and watt usage-- you don’t want to send your house ablaze in an attempt to be frugal. You also don’t want to end up with huge mess of hot glue, and metal dangling dangerously over your evening meals. I suggest always consulting a professional before short circuiting the neighborhood, or at least a very good handy man.
*Originally Posted on Word on the Street 5/7/06
Labels: Decor
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