Fads come and go. And while there is nothing wrong with jumping on an interior design trend you love, we all do it knowing that it won’t be in style forever. Timeless design styles are so named because they don’t look “stuck in a time,” making them excellent choices for spaces you don’t want to redecorate every few months.
Finding timeless fixtures may take a little more effort, but it’s worth it to have a piece that will last you for years to come. To help you get started, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you find a timeless fixture that’s right for you.
- Find Inspiration
Finding a style that is timeless is sometimes more about finding a style that is timeless to you. Take a minute and think about the decor styles you have admired over the years. Have you always been drawn to a sleek modern look, or do you prefer cozy cottage-like interiors? Are you more of a maximalist or a minimalist?
If you’re not sure, you may want to start by browsing for inspiration. Magazines, social media, and Pinterest are great places to search for ideas. Another source of inspiration could be your favorite old movie or TV series!
Once you have a collection of your favorite images saved, go back and look at the light fixtures. What colors are they? What shapes are they? Where are they in the room? You’ll start noticing patterns that you can use to create a list that will define your style.
- Think Long Term
Now that you have defined your style, you will want to be sure you can live with it long term. Take your list, and consider how these timeless tips can apply to your style:
Colors and Finishes: Neutral colors and metallics are always in style, but you’ll want to choose finishes that are consistent with your personal style. Neutral colors like white, black, beige, grey, and tan are safe bets, and satin nickel and chrome are usually safe bets.
Swappable Parts: Consider finding lights that have shades that can be traded out without replacing the whole fixture. Glass shades come in many shapes and styles (clear glass is in style more often than frosted glass). Fabric shades are another easy swap out – stick to neutral or earth-tone colors for a more timeless look.
Permanence: Ceiling and hard-wired wall fixtures can be a hassle to replace. Consider going classic and neutral with your permanent fixtures, then have fun with plug-in lights like a lamp that can be easily moved or replaced when it’s out of style.
- Consider the Quality
When choosing a fixture, follow this axiom: buy once and buy well. While top-quality light fixtures cost more upfront, they last much longer. If you don’t want to be reinstalling new lights every few years, don’t forget to budget for quality fixtures.
You also need to consider the quality of the light itself in your space. A single fixture in the center of a room’s ceiling isn’t enough – you’ll need to create layers of light to make your room feel comfortable. Every room should have a good mix of light sources, including overhead, accent, and task lighting.
- Classic Staples, Trendy Extras
It can be pretty difficult to look beyond the latest trends in interior design. But, like your wardrobe, fast fashion items are usually cheap and quickly go out of style.
Think of your light fixtures as your wardrobe staples – the little black dress, the tailored suit, and so on. Your staples look great, are tailored to you, and never go out of style. Your accessories are your trendy pieces. When a trend comes through that you love, resist the temptation to replace your staples! Buy accessories in that style that complement your staples instead.
- It’s Okay to Take Risks
Just because you are creating a timeless style for your home doesn’t mean you can’t take risks. The trick is knowing where and how to take risks.
Don’t be afraid to play with scale – a large, statement fixture can be just as timeless as any smaller counterpart as long as it complements your style long-term! A great place for a timeless jaw-dropper is over the dining room table – it’s a bold choice that pays off!
- Consistency is Key
Timeless looks feel easy and balanced. Choose fixtures that complement each other and your home’s decor to keep your design cohesive. Consider the other details in your home and look for fixtures with similar finishes and/or shapes.
If you want help finding a timeless fixture that’s perfect for your home, give the lighting experts at Dunker Electric a call! We have a vast range of styles to choose from, and we have years of experience in helping homeowners find exactly what they’re looking for.
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