Traditional Style 101

Traditional style lighting and design has staying power. When you buy a traditional lighting fixture, it's going to last a long time and it will never go out of style. Sure, some design fads come and go, but traditional pieces will always be elegant and sophisticated. But what exactly defines traditional style?

Traditional is inspired by the past, mainly the decorating and design styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the way people designed and decorated in those times was, in itself, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman decor. So, when you choose traditional style, you're actually choosing something inspired by thousands of years of well-crafted, timeless design. You'll see traditional style in America's finest and grandest homes, including the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, where Elk Lighting products are featured.

Look for aspects like ornate crafting and elaborate detail when you shop for traditional style. Chandeliers are a uniquely noticeable part of traditional style design, especially ones festooned with crystals. Bronze, brass and gold are commonly-used materials in traditional decor, not sleek metals like chrome or nickel. Many traditional light fixtures also feature candle covers or bulbs that are styled like candles for another nod to the bygone methods of illumination.

Hundreds of traditional sconces are also available, including many that are part of a larger style family with chandeliers and other fixtures, so you can create a cohesive look. You can illuminate your traditional style bathroom in beauty with traditional bath lighting, including bath vanity bars as well as sconces.

For traditional lamps, look for ones with plain lampshades in ivory or white. You can also find many traditional products with floral patterns or other elegant designs to fit your style preferences. You will also find traditional buffet lamps, which are fantastic for use in a formal dining room, as well as traditional floor lamps, traditional piano lamps and traditional desk lamps.

Keep your traditional style spaces cool and comfortable during the hottest days of summer with traditional ceiling fans. They have ornate beauty and are available in styles with or without light kits, so if you need another source of overhead light, you can get one! Many ceiling fans have reversible blades with different finishes on either side, allowing you to customize your look.

Beautify the exterior of your traditional home with traditional outdoor lighting. Help your guests find your home with a beautiful outdoor post light right at the curb. Illuminate your front door, your garage doors or any other space with outdoor wall lights. Outdoor ceiling lights and outdoor hanging lights are great ideas for porches, patios, porte-cocheres and other covered areas. For a truly timeless outdoor lighting look, try gas lanterns!

Brands that offer traditional lighting styles include Allegri, Chelsea House, Elk Lighting, Feiss, Hudson Valley, James R. Moder, Minka Lavery, Savoy House and Schonbek, though you will also find traditional looks among other brands, too!

If you need help finding your new favorite traditional lighting, contact us or give our trained lighting specialists a call at 1-866-688-3562. Sign up for our email newsletter today and score an additional discount!

Emma Harger-Young - LightsOnline.com