Contemporary Lighting Tends Towards the Minimal

In order to understand the definition of contemporary lighting we need to look back at some traditional lighting and then the difference will become more apparent. Lighting from years gone by was what one might describe as "busy": think of chandeliers. They had lots and lots of glass pieces that radiated the light from a central bulb or bulbs. Others had a series of smaller bulbs arranged in a circle towards the edge of the glasswork.

Table lamps were often ornate, with flower patterns in a variety of different colours, or a combination of different coloured marble stands. Some of the shades were plain enough, but many sported fancy trims along the top and bottom edges. Standard lamps were much the same.


Contemporary lighting on the other hand has a tendency towards the minimalist. Clean and smooth shapes abound, and the designs are often thought-provoking and a talking point. For example, the company Kare makes a wall light which looks like a hand showing the "V" for Victory sign that was used by Churchill. This light doesn't just have one bulb, but several small ones spread around the fitting. Other wall lights in this range include words such as "KITCHEN", "LONDON", and "JOY" with each of the letters in alternating colours and a similar array of small bulbs throughout the whole fitting.

Contemporary lighting includes many designs which are of a curved shape, such as a table lamp which is available in a choice of colours and is made of plastic or acrylic, is wide at the base, and then narrows as it simply curves over at the top where the light is installed facing downwards, making it ideal for use as a desk lamp. This uses LED lighting which is bright, long-lasting, and extremely energy efficient. A larger version of the same design is a floor standing model, so it could be positioned behind a chair and curve over the top for use when reading a book.

Other table lamps don't feature minimalist designs, but use creatures such as monkeys, squirrels, rabbits and so on as the body of the lamp, some with their heads poking out of the top of the shade. They certainly make a talking point.  

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