Light The Way

LIGHT THE WAY

There are plenty of lighting fixtures on the market that make home a welcoming place during the dark days of winter

BY TRACEY MacKENZIE

Cold and dark. To Canadians, that about sums up winter. As the months leading to the winter solstice are characterized by decreasing light levels, many of us compensate by ensuring that our homes are light-filled and inviting. If you’re in need of new light fixtures to brighten up your rooms, read on. Our guide to the latest in lighting might just be the cure for darkness.

FLOWER POWER

Add a touch of whimsy to your child’s bedroom with this porcelain-flower chandelier with gold leafing detail. Reminiscent of 1960s pop art, it’s a cheerful reminder that spring arrives after winter leaves. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

CALL OF THE WILD

A dramatic focal point for a den or study, the Aspen Antler chandelier recalls the wildlife of the American West. It’s cast of lightweight, durable resin from naturally shed antlers, and painted by hand to replicate their texture and markings. Shown in the Bleach finish, this chandelier is also available in Natural. Available at Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com

YES, GRASSHOPPER

Designed in 1948 by Greta Grossman, the Grasshopper floor lamp has a thin frame and elongated shade, which can be rotated to direct light where it’s wanted. Produced by Gubi in Denmark, this authentic Grossman lamp is manufactured to the designer’s original specifications. Available at Design Within Reach. www.dwr.com

MODERN AND MINIMAL

Modern meets minimal in the Rousseau Grande Articulating chandelier, designed by Kelly Wearstler. Available in bronze or antiqued brass with a choice of seeded glass or etched crystal lenses. Available at Celadon. www.celadoncollection.com

SPACE AGE

The Nelson Saucer pendant lamp, designed by George Nelson and produced by Herman Miller, was inspired by Nelson’s first bubble lamp, created in 1952 by spinning a skeleton of steel wires on a turntable and shooting it with translucent plastic until it was covered in a smooth, washable film. Available in Ball, Cigar, Lantern, Pear or Saucer colours from Design Within Reach. www.dwr.com

GRAB THE BRASS RING

The Halo series of lights designed by Matthew McCormick may be hung in various combinations. Conceived as a graphical interpretation of effervescence, the soft glow of each halo gently illuminates a space. Available in brass, copper, nickel and 24-kt gold. Available at South Hill Home. www.southhillhome.com

CORAL CUT-OUT

The Coral pendant light, designed by David Trubridge is made of bamboo plywood that comes from sustainably managed plantations. It ships flat to minimize packaging and shipping costs. Instructions for assembly are included. Available in many colours and variations at Montreal Lighting & Hardware. www.montreallighting.com

THREE’S COMPANY

The Bodalla kitchen island pendant is cheerfully colourful. Distinctive in red, it features three bowl-shaped shades with a metallic finish. Available in various colours and a two-bowl version. Available at Wayfair. www.wayfair.ca

ON THE FRINGE

The Oahu Fringe pendant, shown here in mint, evokes memories of the sea. The fringes are held together on a brushed glass frame, to add a tropical vibe to your living room or dining room. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

BALANCE BEAM

The Beam light has clean lines and a retro vibe that is reminiscent of midcentury offices. Available in sophisticated neutrals or bright colors, it’s more than just pretty; it offers task lighting for evening work. Customize your Beam’s light by pivoting the head, tilting the pole or adjusting the height of the stand. Shown here in Mint. Available at Article. www.article.com

NO ORDINARY ORB

A solid concrete base and a see-through glass casing highlights an oversized Edison bulb in the Orb light. With its distinct yet not overpowering shape, it gently lights a dark winter night. Bulb included. Available at Article. www.article.com

LINEAR LIGHTING

The Line lights designed by Matthew McCormick are precision CNC-milled and hand-finished to showcase the natural grain of the wood. May be used as a stand alone pendant or arranged into multiple configurations. Available in walnut, white ash and oak. Available at South Hill Home. www.southhillhome.com

PERFECTLY POSITIONED

The Circa table lamp by Pablo Designs features a flat-panel LED disc that can be moved to accommodate your needs while providing ambient light. Perfect as a task lamp, this light also supplies you with an integrated USB charging port on the table, floor and wall models. Available in graphite and white at Montreal Lighting & Hardware. www.montreallighting.com

TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME

The Treo light has a metallic tripod base with a matte finish and is topped with a linen shade. It stands a stately five feet high. Available at Article. www.article.com

FLUID AND FLUTED

The elegant Davenport round chandelier is characterized by a fluted rim. It’s available in various sizes and three finishes: lacquered burnished brass, bronze, and polished nickel. Available at Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com

ROSY GLOW

The rose gold Geo wire-caged pendant light can be suspended above a kitchen island, bathroom vanity or bedroom night table as a minimalist-style statement. Available at West Hemlock. www.etsy.com/ca/shop/westhemlock

OPTICAL ILLUSION

Inspired by op art graphic patterns, the modern Optical table lamp designed by Lee Broom is made from powder-coated spun steel and blown opaque glass. The asymmetrical black stripes add visual interest, and when viewed from all sides, the linear pattern changes at every angle. Also available in pendant and floor lamp formats at Celadon. www.celadoncollection.com

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

The Studio floor lamp by Venetia Studium will make you feel as if you’re shooting a movie in your own home. Perfect for lofts or to add substance to an empty corner, this light makes a strong design statement. Available in a steel, black or white base with a white or black shade and a gold leaf, silver leaf or white interior. Available at Celadon. www.celadoncollection.com

TIERED TAPERS

White-washed agar wood twigs seem to flow upwards from iron stems like the unopened buds of a flower. Elegant and understated, this chandelier confers a touch of the past to any room. Assembly not included. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

BUBBLE BRIGHT

Contemporary and colourful, the Chroma Bubble pendant light adds sparkle and originality to a room. Perfect for above the kitchen island, this trio of iridescent bubbles is a conversation starter. Available at Anthropologie. www.anthropologie.com

NEW HAIRDO

The Tina wood-veneer lamp with tricolour “long hair” from Atelier Cocotte is a bit bohemian and quite a headturner. Made from locally sourced wood, such as birch, oak and maple, each lamp has its own individual hairstyle, so no two lights are the same. Available at Atelier Cocotte. www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ ateliercocotte

CYLINDRICAL STYLE

Metal bands hold the slender glass cylinders in place in the Ravelle chandelier. Designed by Ian K. Fowler, this Art Deco-inspired light has been reimagined with a contemporary and minimalist design. It comes in three finishes: lacquered burnished brass, bronze, and polished nickel. Shown here in bronze. Available at Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com

WELL-ROUNDED

The Boule wood-veneer lamp from Atelier Cocotte is nine inches in diameter and designed and produced in Quebec. Made from local wood such as birch, oak, and maple, this mid-century-style light is a warm addition to a room. Available at Atelier Cocotte www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ateliercocotte

NO STILTED STYLE HERE

The elegant Stilt floor lamp with its slender base and fabric shade illuminates a room without taking up too much visual space. Available at Article. www.article.com

BRASS BEAUTY

Available for the first time in brass, the Orbiter II table lamp features LED lighting and a counterpoised boom arm that rotates on its arc to direct light wherever it is needed. Originally designed in 1967, the iconic Orbiter floor lamp is an American classic that will fit in any decor. Available at Restoration Hardware. www.restorationhardware.com