8 Marvelous Mid-Century Modern Lighting Ideas

Iconic Lighting Never Goes Out of Style

Decorating trends come and go, but to be honest, mid-century modern decor, specifically lighting inspired by this iconic era, is here to stay—forever. That is why we are still seeing styles from the period, which arguably began in 1947, that are still going strong, even after 70 years or so. If you are looking to give your current layout some timeless appeal, these beautiful spaces will inspire you to brighten things up with mid-century modern lighting.

A Classic Sputnik Chandelier

Besides the iconic kidney-shaped coffee table, no other object sums up mid-century modern style like the Sputnik chandelier. There are many different versions of the classic fixture. But all were inspired by and named after the first space satellite to circle the globe in the fall of 1957. It was roughly the size of a beach ball, and it had several antennas sticking out from the middle. This take on the Sputnik chandelier in a dining room by Kelly Martin Interiors, features crystal accents, globe bulbs, and a chic brass finish. Its gold tone not only pops against the moody blue wallpaper, but it also harmonizes with the wood and leather furniture.

Retro Industrial Lighting in Vibrant Colors

Upscale Construction transformed this once unloved attic into a joyful play space. Skylights make the most of natural light during the day. At night two retro industrial lights brighten things up. The safety yellow fixtures add a pop of bright color to the vibrant room.

Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Lighting

This small living room by the Homepolish design team is tricked out with treasured vintage finds. The lights are our favorites. The mid-century table lamp on the left has a lovely pottery base featuring a quirky grid pattern. On the right is a multi-light floor lamp with a gold finish. Both have a sculptural element that adds to the room’s one-of-kind appearance.

Modernist Chandelier Hanging Pendants

These gold Plaza chandeliers are brimming with Mad Men-inspired style. The black ceiling in this dining room by interior designer Zoë Feldman makes the fixtures standout. Note the other sources of decorative lighting. All have a bit of gold, which helps to unify the room’s color scheme.

Mid-Century Modern Hourglass Light Fixture

Another widely recognized mid-century modern shape for lighting is the hourglass. Punctuating this chic dining room by interior designer Leslie Cotter, is a retro hourglass chandelier with a white powder-coated finish. Along with the wallpaper, it adds a quirky touch to this transitional dining space.

The Sputnik chandelier, a modernist classic that we mentioned earlier, inspired this brass, articulated light fixture with tubular Edison bulbs. The piece beautifully complements the vintage furnishings in this retro-flavored living room by Interior design firm Scheer and Company.

Gold-Dipped Globe Pendant Lighting

Gorgeous globe pendant lighting is a decor staple. Here, a gold-dipped version illuminates a small dining area in a guesthouse by interior designer Kimberlee Marie. Clean lines and curves are both hallmarks of midcentury style—everything in this dining room fits the bill.