“There is one fundamental fact about lighting: Where there is no light, there is no beauty” — Billy Baldwin
From the subtle accent of a pendant lamp to the dramatic effect of a chandelier, lighting is the final touch that transforms a “space” into a home. If in doubt, take notice the next time you enter your house at dusk. By simply turning on a lamp, a nondescript area is transformed into a warm welcoming home. Decorators have long used lighting to accentuate or diminish the elements in a room, fully aware that properly placed lighting is the finishing touch to their design.
The current resurgence of Retro design has sent homeowners scurrying to find era appropriate lighting and both virtual and online shops are stocking up to meet the demand.
By far one of the best online sources for authentic Mid-Century Modern lighting is eBay. From gooseneck desk lamps to atomic table lamps, the selection is quite impressive. The pricing here is as varied as the selection, but read the description carefully. Missing parts and lamps that need to be rewired are common and the price should reflect the condition. Also watch for reproductions. The vast majority of the offerings I viewed were authentic MCM, but there are newer “look-a-like” lamps scattered through and they are not always listed as such. To be safe, check with your seller about their return policy.
If you are not opposed to reproductions, quality lighting is available from Rejuvenation Lighting (rejuvinationlighting.com), a Portland, Oregon based company that creates reproductions from vintage stock, and Modernica Lighting (modernica.net) which specializes in historically correct reproduction lighting.
While online shopping is fast and convenient, there is nothing quite like the nostalgic feel of viewing vintage lighting firsthand. According to a recent article of the top 10 places for retro shopping venues in the Indianapolis area, the Southport Antique Mall, 2028 E. Southport Road ranks number one.
On a recent trip to the mall I ran into Keith Brown and Sue Pajonk, owners of Red Beard Collectables, restocking their six booths of retro furnishings and lighting. Their ever-changing inventory of “one-of-a- kind” pieces includes dozens of hanging and table lamps from the 1960s and 70s. “Our customers are looking for pieces that make a statement,” Brown told me. “While we sell individual lamps the trend is towards matching pairs, especially those with unique shades,” a trend that Brown predicts will continue as today’s savvy young homeowners look for furnishings that reflect their individual personalities.
Other shops to check out include: Boomerang BTQ, 845 Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indy, Midland Arts and Antiques with two locations, 907 E Michigan St. in Indianapolis and 488 Gradle Drive in Carmel, and for our readers in southern Indiana, Vintage Vogue at 422 E. Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington.
Fifty-year-old-plus lighting is a unique addition to the home, but it has seen years of wear. If in doubt as to the condition, have your purchase checked by a licensed electrician to make certain the wiring is up to code. Until next time…Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in senior down-sizing and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or follow her on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/WhatsInTheAttic
