Timeless by Design: What Midcentury Lighting Taught Us About Making a Statement
The 1950s and 1960s were decades defined by optimism, innovation, and a fresh visual language in interior design. Lighting became more than just a source of illumination—it became sculpture, expression, and storytelling. At Admiral Landings Designs™, we are continually inspired by the way this era blended beauty and function to create unforgettable spaces.
As someone deeply connected to the craftsmanship of design, I see clear parallels between the thoughtful lighting of the midcentury period and the values we bring into our handcrafted shades today: structure, personality, and timeless elegance.
I was recently honored to contribute to Redfin’s blog post 1950s–60s Interior Design Trends That Are Back | Redfin(Parent company of ApartmentGuide and Rent.), written by Holly Hooper. I had the opportunity to share what I love most about the era’s design legacy—and it’s no surprise that lighting topped my list!
“The enduring appeal of 1950s and 1960s design lies in its focus on statement lighting and masterful craftsmanship,” Ashlee Barclay, founder of ALD, shared in a recent feature on design trends making a comeback. “This era’s genius was its ability to harmonize function and simplicity—a concept that continues to profoundly influence modern design.”
Why Midcentury Lighting Still Resonates
There’s a reason we keep returning to this golden era of design: it was forward-thinking yet grounded in quality. Lighting during this time embraced experimentation—moving away from overly ornate fixtures toward simpler silhouettes that celebrated form and finish. Materials like brass, walnut, fiberglass, and richly pigmented fabrics brought warmth and richness without excess.
At its heart, midcentury lighting reflects the balance we seek in today’s homes: thoughtful design that feels both lived-in and elevated. It reminds us that timelessness doesn’t mean neutral or safe—it means memorable, functional, and full of character.
Elements We’re Bringing Back—With a Twist
Our designs aren’t retro replicas—they’re refined reinventions. We take cues from the shapes and textures of vintage lighting and reinterpret them through a contemporary, handcrafted lens.
Dramatic drum and empire silhouettes
Large-scale, structured shade shapes were a midcentury signature. We love working with drum and empire frames because of their clean lines and strong visual impact. These shapes create a beautiful canvas for bold fabrics and tailored trims—just like in the vintage styles, but refreshed for today’s spaces.Saturated colors and bold prints
The postwar period celebrated joy and vibrancy through design. At ALD, we embrace that spirit by choosing upholstery-grade fabrics in rich hues and expressive prints—from painterly florals to abstract motifs. This boldness brings rooms to life and challenges the idea that lighting must fade into the background. In fact, as I’ve said before, the room is not finished until the lighting is done.Contrasting trims and pleats
Details mattered then, and they still do now. We handcraft pleated and tailored lampshades that echo the dressmaker-level detail of the 50s and 60s. Our trims add dimension and refinement, much like the passementerie and ribbon detailing seen in vintage lighting and furniture.Tailored simplicity
Perhaps the most powerful design legacy of the midcentury era is its embrace of restraint. Simplicity doesn’t mean boring—it means clarity (let’s say that again for the people in the back). We craft our shades to be strong enough to stand alone, yet versatile enough to complement your space without overpowering it.
Today’s Statement Lighting: Bold, Yet Timeless
In an age of mass production and fleeting trends, more homeowners and designers are seeking pieces that feel personal, intentional, and rooted in story. Statement lighting offers all of that—and more.
Whether it’s a saturated green silk shade with gathered pleats or a classic black velvet drum with ruffled trim, each piece is designed to honor tradition while feeling distinctly now.
We believe a lampshade should do more than soften light. It should reflect your style, spark conversation, and become part of the narrative of your home. By blending midcentury influences with modern sensibilities, our shades strike that balance between nostalgia and freshness.
A Full-Circle Moment
There’s something deeply satisfying about reinterpreting the past to shape the future. As an African-American female lampshade designer working in a niche space, I find a sense of connection and pride in honoring an era that celebrated form and ingenuity. Many midcentury makers worked in silence, and today, I carry forward their spirit by bringing artistry back into lighting design—through fabric, structure, and story.
Curious to explore this trend further?
Explore my insights—alongside six other expert perspectives—on the midcentury design revival in Redfin’s feature on the timeless return of 1950s–60s style.
Yours Truly,
The Illuminated Designer™
