17 Marvelous Midcentury Modern Lighting Ideas

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.

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A Classic Sputnik Chandelier

Kelly Martin Interiors

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.

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Retro Industrial Lighting in Vibrant Colors

Upscale Construction

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.

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Sculptural Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Homepolish

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.

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Modernist Chandelier Hanging Pendants

Zoë Feldman

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.

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Mid-Century Modern Hourglass Light Fixture

Leslie Cotter

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.

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A Modern Take on Classic Mid-Century Modern Lighting

Scheer and Company

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.

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Gold-Dipped Globe Pendant Lighting

Kimberlee Marie

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.

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Schoolhouse-Inspired Mid-Century Flush Mount

Studio McGee

Flush mount lighting can be just as spectacular as pendant lighting, according to the interior design firm Studio McGee. And this cooking space they designed proves their point. The schoolhouse fixture with navy blue stripes lends a pop of whimsy to this white, farmhouse-inspired kitchen.

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Midcentury Modern Crystal Chandelier

Nolen Homes

Here a sleek, crystal midcentury modern chandelier sets the glamorous tone for this Hollywood inspired dining room by Nolen Homes. The fixture's gold tone base unites it with other metallic features in the place, including the Sputnik-inspired mirror and brass picture frames.

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Grown Up Lighting for a Nursery

Haley Weidenbaum

Wall sconces always feel distinctly mid-century modern, as shown in this retro nursery by interior designer Haley Weidenbaum. The domed brass fixtures do not feel childish—and that's a good thing. Buying furniture or decor that a child cannot outgrow is a smart investment.

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Overarching Floor Lamp

Havenly

Havenly interior designer Molly B. took her mid-century modern-inspired home to the next level with an overarching floor lamp in brass. At night the feature adds enough illumination for reading while filling the rest of the space with ambient light.

The 11 Best Floor Lamps of 2023

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Lighten Up Brown Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Havenly

While mid-century modern decor can be colorful, most classic pieces are brown (think: wood or leather) with black or gold accents. Behold this living room featured on Havenly. The matching white table lamps lend a mod touch that softens the look of dark furnishings.

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Mid-Century Modern Desk Lamp

Studio McGee

Your bedroom should feel like a cozy and irresistible retreat. That is why having the right task light for reading is essential. Note the brass desk lamp in this comfortable haven by Studio McGee. It is a midcentury modern feature that functions as a stylish night light.

The 9 Best Desk Lamps of 2023

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A Wow Factor Light Fixture

Martha O'Hara Interiors

Fancy light fixtures are not just for main living areas. This comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired bedroom by Martha O'Hara Interiors features a Sputnik chandelier in both brass and nickel. It adds a little zing to the serene sleeping space.

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Fresh Take on a Sputnik Chandelier

Lucky and Company

We love ideas that put a new spin on classic things such as this fresh twist on the Sputnik chandelier. Beth from the interior design firm, Lucky and Company, chose the striking sconce for her newly remodeled master bath. The accent creates a visually exciting balance between the two mirrors. We love spaces that mix metals. Note how the vanity has vibrant nickel plated handles, and the mirrors and sconce have a luxurious brushed brass finish.

40 Midcentury Modern Bathrooms That Never Get Old

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Matchy-Matchy Décor Adds Symmetry and Balance

https://www.homepolish.com/mag/our-midcentury-modern-desk-picks

Matchy-matchy decorating can be a tough look to nail down, unless you are talking about mid-century classics like this ceramic table lamp set. They bring symmetry and balance to this chic, office vignette by interior designer Angela Belt.

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Space Age-Inspired Lighting

Homepolish

These blue pendants lights are another example of modernist, space-age inspired decor. In this kitchen by a Homepolish designer, the fixtures punch up the white room with pops of blue.