Introduction
In the 1960s, lamp shades were not just a functional accessory, they were a statement piece that added personality and style to any room. The decade saw a variety of unique and iconic lamp shades that embodied the cultural and artistic movements of the time. In this article, we will explore the most popular lamp shade styles of the 1960s.
Space-Age Style
The space-age movement of the 1960s led to the creation of futuristic lamp shades with a sleek and abstract style. These shades were typically made of materials like chrome and plastic, and featured bold shapes and curves. The Artemide Nesso lamp, designed by Giancarlo Mattioli in 1967, is a prime example of this style, with its mushroom-shaped shade and elongated stem.
Pop Art Inspiration
Pop art was a major movement in the 1960s, and the bright, bold colors and bold patterns of this art style inspired many lamp shade designs. The Danish Verner Panton’s Flowerpot series, introduced in 1968, featured round, colorful shades that resembled flowers in bloom. The shade came in a variety of colors, including bright pink, orange, and green, making it a perfect pop art statement piece.
Organic Shapes
The 1960s was also a time of exploration and experimentation with organic, natural shapes. Lamp shades with a more natural aesthetic often featured wicker or rattan materials, and incorporated elements like shells or sea glass into the design. The Zettel’z 5 chandelier, designed by Ingo Maurer in 1969, featured paper notes hanging from wires, creating an airy, organic feel.
Eclectic Mix
With all the various art and cultural movements of the 1960s, it’s no surprise that lamp shades also reflected an eclectic mix of styles. The Ball Pendant Lamp, designed by George Nelson in 1962, combined elements of the space-age and organic styles. The simple, round shade was made of plastic, but its egg-like shape gave it an organic feel. The Bubble Lamp, also by Nelson, was another popular design that blended modernism and organic shapes, with a shade made of translucent plastic bubbles.
References
Artemide Nesso – https://artemide.net/en/product-preview/nesso-1967
Verner Panton Flowerpot series – https://www.verpan.com/products/lights/flowerpot
Ingo Maurer Zettel’z 5 chandelier – https://www.luminaire.com/products/zettel-z-5-chandelier
George Nelson Ball Pendant Lamp – https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/lighting/pendant-lights/bubble-lamp-ball/
George Nelson Bubble Lamp – https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/lighting/pendant-lights/bubble-lamps/
