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Objects of Design #222: Copper Lighting

modernist Danish table lamp in copper from Plumo
modernist Danish table lamp in copper from Plumo

Copper is the metal of the moment. I’m a huge fan of metallics and have written about copper before on these pages. It’s great for lighting as it’s a little softer than gold or brass and its soft pink glow goes so well with the dark greys and chalky whites that are about at the moment. And mixed with a hint of powder pink, it’s just sublime.

powder pink and copper
powder pink and copper image from House Doctor

Changing the lighting is a great way to reflect a trend or bring a room up to date as it needn’t cost the earth. Whether you replace the whole fitting or just the shade, it’s a simple thing, like buying new cushion covers, that can keep a room feeling fresh and can be adapted to suit any budget.

That Plumo lamp is £219. But what about this absolute stunna (!) from good old John Lewis for £50.

Nova copper ball table lamp from John Lewis
Nova copper ball table lamp from John Lewis

And if the budget is really tight you can’t go wrong with the trusty garland by Tord Boontje for Habitat. It’s about £20 although, in an ideal world, you need two for the best effect.

copper garland pendant light fitting from Habitat
copper garland pendant light fitting from Habitat

And don’t forget you can always just change the fitting and the flex and have light bulb on show. Now that Lee Broom and Plumen have made it ok to bare the bulb who needs a shade anyway?

frama copper light fitting with black flex
frama copper light fitting with black flex from rockett st george

If you are thinking of changing your cable, and that is my new obsession, then you can buy lengths of coloured flex here  in a huge range of colours. I think it’s worth doing all over the house as it will elevate the cheapest of lampshades to something really special. Obviously you will have to factor in the cost of the electrician but it’s definitely worth doing and it’s on my list of jobs.

metallic cord set from westelm
copper metallic cord set from westelm also comes in white or black

 

 

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

1 Comment

  1. I’ve never considered myself a big fan of copper, but it’s now really growing on me. That means that I’m either extremely fickle (don’t think so), a total fashion victim (oh please no!) or I’m still learning at my age – my preferred excuse 🙂 Gorgeous finds, love the first one from Plumo.

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