Bring Back Schoolhouse Style with a Ceiling Light. This phrase evokes a sense of nostalgia, a throwback to a time when things were simpler and designs were functional yet aesthetically pleasing. Schoolhouse style lighting, with its classic, vintage appearance, is as charming and effective today as it was over a century ago. These hard-working light fittings are both functional and attractive, offering a great way to add some retro flair to interiors.
What is Schoolhouse Style?
Schoolhouse style lighting was created back in the 1920s. It was a practical, utilitarian form of lighting with an industrial Deco vibe. Schoolhouse pendant lights were commonly seen hanging in public buildings such as Government offices, libraries, court houses and, of course, school classrooms. Characterised by their distinctive milky white glass shades which had a curved, tapered profile flared at the top with a pointy bottom. With the bare bulbs being hidden inside these well-rounded, opaque shades, they cast a soft ambient light over a wide area. Schoolhouse pendants were usually hung from the ceiling on solid rod supports.
Incorporating Schoolhouse Style into Your Home
Although the schoolhouse style of lighting began life in commercial and administrative settings, it quickly became popular for lighting at home too. Fast forward a hundred years and there are now both traditional and modern interpretations of these versatile lights designed to be used in a variety of spaces. Pendants are available with rod or chain suspensions, along with flush fitting ceiling lights, wall lights and even multi-arm chandeliers with schoolhouse style shades for lighting in larger rooms. Although the milky white shades are more traditional, some of the modern interpretations use clear glass to champion the on-trend bare bulb lighting look.
Different Types of Schoolhouse Style Ceiling Lights
Schoolhouse style ceiling lights are a popular lighting option for many homeowners, due to their timeless design and versatile functionality. Here are some of the most popular types of schoolhouse style ceiling lights:
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are one of the most common types of schoolhouse style ceiling lights. They typically hang from the ceiling by a chain or cord and feature a single light source. Pendant lights come in a wide range of styles including classic, industrial, and modern designs.
Mini Pendants
Mini pendants are smaller versions of traditional pendant lights that work well when you need multiple fixtures arranged together over an island or table setting.
Cluster Pendants
Cluster pendants refer to multiple mini-pendant fixtures grouped together at different heights on one canopy plate.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers are another type of schoolhouse style ceiling light that features multiple lamp holders hanging from a central point. Their ornate nature makes them ideal for formal living areas like dining rooms but also look great as statement pieces in other zones such as foyers or bedrooms.
Linear Chandeliers
A newer chandelier form configuration is linear chandeliers; they provide large scale decorative suspension solutions with broad overall length which fits long rectangular tables perfectly.
Globe Chandeliers
Globe chandeliers consist entirely or partially made up by spherical shade material shapes around each bulb or cluster arrangement: crystal pieces create another layer when adding luxury details to any space while opaque finishes serve as contemporary updates.
Semi-Flush Mounts
Semi-flush mounts represent flush mount type lighting but have longer drop-down rod/chain additions allowing them more flexibility compared to flush mounts, and giving them the ability to add visual interest without disturbing headroom.
Convertible Flush Mounts
Another option is convertible schoolhouse style ceiling lights, which have two installation choices so that fixtures can be mounted directly onto your ceiling or suspended from rods/chains for larger scale spaces.
Flush Mounts
Flush mounts are another popular type of schoolhouse style lighting fixture that sits close to the ceiling. They provide an unobtrusive solution in small rooms or areas with low ceilings while still embracing a traditional look and feel. While they are often on the smaller side, they come in many patterns and shapes offering unique design features like cutouts or metallic finishes.
Conclusion
With all these varied options available to you in schoolhouse style ceiling lights, there is undoubtedly one out there perfect for your space regardless of what it looks like – whether you’re looking to create a cozy ambiance in your dining room with globe chandeliers or want multi-light fixtures over kitchen islands using mini pendants – this article highlights some great styles worth investigating further!
