Mid-century modern is making a comeback. During the early 1950s when air-conditioning, dishwashers, and carpeting were dreams of the future, sleek and beautifully designed home furnishings were brilliant ideas coming to light. From automobiles and dinette sets to interior lighting, mid-century design offerings have timeless, futuristic touches that work well in ranch-style houses, loft apartments as well as a wide range of modern homes. But there are no hard and fast rules for mid-century lighting design. This Schoolhouse Electric Co. pendant fixtures and shades are as comfortable in a commercial setting as they are in a post-modern or even a bungalow style house. Schoolhouse Electric Co. has a number of mid-century light fixtures and shade choices. Also check out Hippo Hardware or Rejuvenation. Looking for more mid-century ideas? Be sure to visit the Design Within Reach studios.

Decorate Mid-Century Homes with Lamps from the Same Era

In search of a fun wayto accessorize your mid-century home? Look no further than vintage table lamps. Available at antique and thrift stores, old lamps can be made new again with updated wiring and a new lampshade, says Susan Mckee, owner of Kenton Antiques and Collectibles located in North Portland.

Espresso Anyone? This Italian-made blown-glass lamp dates back to the 1940s. Coffee and tea kitchen decor is popular right now and a one-of-a-kind lamp is a novel way to illuminate the beverage station..

Think Pink. Bubble-gum pink might have been the hottest color in the 1950s, but bedside lamps like these — with fiberglass double-decker shades — date back to the late 1940s.

What’s on Your TV? In the early 1950s, lamps like these were set atop the television set. The bulb is situated so that it casts light behind the TV, illuminating a corner or wall. Got a plasma screen? That’s okay, this panther TV light doubles as a planter.

Update an Old Lamp with a New Shade
“I love to create new lampshades,” gushes Nancy Cimberg, a local Portland artist who transforms old lamps into new art. Her one-of-a-kind works are hand-sewn, colorful concoctions that can brighten up the darkest corner.

“My inspiration comes from the lamps themselves, which are vintage,” she says.

Potential is in the eye of the beholder, she explains. That’s because most vintage lamps require some repair work before they are safe to use. The effort is worthwhile, because “It’s like putting on a little new light on an old fixture.”