Retro lighting is a great way to add some personality to your home, indoors or out. The retro look can be incorporated into any room in your house, including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and even outdoor areas. Retro lights are super easy to install—all you need is an electrical outlet or a switch that allows you to plug them in. Here are some creative ideas for adding retro fixtures in each of these rooms:
1. Retro Lights in the Kitchen
Retro lights are a great way to add a little vintage style to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a clustered look or something more specific, there are many ways to use these nostalgic lights in your kitchen.
One option is the “starburst” effect: by placing clusters of retro lights around the room, you can create an overall glow that makes it feel much cosier than it would otherwise, using low-voltage warm LED bulbs.
2. Retro Lights Above the Bar
If you’re looking for an easy way to add a little bit of style to your bar, consider installing above-the-bar light fixtures.
A vintage-style light fixture is a great option if you want something that is both stylish and functional. If you buy one of these lights and install it above the bar, it should provide ample lighting for people sitting at adjacent tables.
Another option is to purchase a retro-style light fixture that has been manufactured with functionality in mind (and not just style). These types of lights are known for their ability to produce plenty of light while also adding an attractive aesthetic element to any room they’re placed into.
3. Retro Lights in Bathrooms
Retro lights can be great for bathrooms too. They can be used to highlight the mirror, sink, or tub and can create a romantic atmosphere.
Retro lights are also the perfect way to create a vintage look or industrial feel in your bathroom. Because retro lighting is so versatile, you can use it to achieve almost any style you want.
Be aware that the IP rating of light fittings is crucial in any wet area and you should always consult with your electrician before fitting any bathroom lighting.
4. Retro Lights Over a Bed
A vintage light over a bed is a great way to add a retro touch to your bedroom, and can double as nightlights or reading lights.
5. Retro Lights Behind a Headboard
A chandelier can add a touch of glamour to any room, and it’s especially effective in bedrooms. It’ss an easy way to create a focal point as well. You could use one as the main light source or let it shine on your headboard or bedside table (or both). If you want to get creative, hang some wall lights behind your bed so they shine onto the ceiling and make it look like there are stars overhead!
You can also use retro lights as a subtle decorative element in your home. For example, if you have an area rug with geometric patterns on it that you want to show off more prominently, try laying down some colourful floral patterned rugs underneath them for contrast.
6. Retro Lights as Mood Lighting
Mood lighting is a great way to set the mood in your home, and retro lights are a great way to create it.
- Romantic
- Relaxed
- Cozy
7. Retro Lights Under a Sofa Table
As with other areas of your home, retro lights can be used to add a unique touch to your living room. If you have an unusual piece of furniture that is the focal point of your living room, it can be highlighted with a retro light underneath the table. For example, if you have a vintage record player or old television cabinet, placing a retro ceiling light above it will draw attention to its design features while also adding elegance and style to the room.
In addition to highlighting a particular piece of furniture in this way, you can also use retro lights as an accent colour in order to brighten up the space. This works particularly well if you want something different from what standard overhead lighting provides but don’t necessarily want something as harsh or distracting as halogen spotlights would provide—retro lights can be much more subtle than these options and offer softer illumination that is pleasant on both eyes and spirit.
8. Retro Sconces for Reading Lamps
For those who enjoy reading, sconces can be very useful. If you’re going to use them in your home office or bedroom, be sure they are placed at a height that’s comfortable for reading. It’s also wise to place them on either side of your reading chair so that when you lean into the light as you read, it won’t be distracting.
9. Retro Nightlights for Kids’ Rooms
Retro nightlights are a great way to add a little extra light to a room. They can be used for kids’ rooms, bathrooms, hallways and even kitchens. The best part of having retro lamps and nightlights around is that they create an inviting atmosphere for your children. Retro lights are also very popular among adults who want to create a fun vibe in their homes.
10. Retro Light Bulbs for Dining Room Lighting
If you’re looking for a creative way to use retro lights in your dining room, consider using a long strand of lights. These can be used above the dining room table or along the walls. The best part about using a string of lights that matches your decor is that it will match any other décor you have in common with other rooms in your home.
You could also try matching smaller versions of these same strings (or even individual bulbs) with the dining room table itself and its chairs. If you want something unique, try getting some vintage-style light bulbs instead.
11. Retro Starburst Outdoor Lights
Starburst lights are a great way to add a retro look to your outdoor space. These lights are available in many different sizes and colours, and come in both indoor and outdoor versions. They’re easy to install and can be placed anywhere you choose.
Starburst lights are especially popular for use on patios or decks where they’ll illuminate the area with a warm glow. If you want to create a focal point on your deck or patio, consider using this type of retro outdoor lights as part of an ensemble that includes other decorative items such as planters filled with flowers or potted plants that add colour contrast against the background of neutral-coloured furniture (white wicker) around the perimeter of this space.
12. Vintage Edison Bulbs for Home Office Lighting
The first thing you’ll want to do is decide where you’re going to use your vintage-style Edison filament bulbs. Are they going in a lamp? The ceiling fixture? A wall sconce? In case it’s not obvious, all of these options are perfectly valid for retro lighting. If you’re planning on using one or two vintage Edison lights in a room, look for pendant and table lamps—these are great options for adding more character and personality to any room. If you want to go with a larger light source that will cover more space than just the area around it (like over a desk), then consider installing an old fashioned chandelier or large pendant with higher-wattage LED light bulb.
13. Retro Lamps for Bedside Tables
If you’re looking to light up your bedroom with some soft lighting, try decorating with a vintage or retro table lamp. Choose something groovy, like a mushroom lamp. Or, consider going with an industrial look using one of our reclaimed vintage lights. Our repurposed nautical lights are unique and hugely characterful.
14. Highlight your Favourite Artwork
Use a vintage floor lamp or wall fixture to showcase your favourite piece of art. You can shine a spotlight (literally) on your wall decor with a unique, vintage theatre lamp. Or, mount a wall sconce near the piece to create some museum lighting.
Retro lights can be used in any room in the house. Whether you’re looking to add a vintage or retro look to your home, or you want to create a mood with your lighting, there’s always a way! We hope that this list of ideas has inspired you to use retro lights in your home. They’re an easy way to add personality and charm to any room, and they make great gifts for others as well!
