Find the Right Lighting for Your Mid-Century Modern House

Did your mid-century modern house receive an unfortunate 1980s remodel? This common problem left many a mod house with not-so-mod lighting fixtures, like a stained glass chandelier in my case.

Luckily, light fixtures are easy to replace. You can return your home to its mid-century glory with era-appropriate lighting if you know where to look.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. See my disclosures for details.

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Where to Find Mid-Century Modern Light Fixtures

I’ve tracked down several new lights for my 1960s house. That stained glass light made way for a George Nelson bubble lamp, among other changes. A few stores have consistently come through with modern lighting fixtures.

• Rejuvenation: This store has several nationwide locations and also sells online, so you can get modern lights shipped to your door. Sometimes they have good clearance options, too.
• Practical Props: Based in Hollywood, this store supplies the props for some of your favorite mid-century shows and movies, and they can supply lights for your home too. They have a selection of globe lights, sconces and Sputniks that I love.
• Amazon: You have to do a little more digging on Amazon since the selection is so vast, but they have a lot of gems to uncover.
• Resellers: Before paying full price, it’s a good idea to check Craigslist, eBay, Etsy and other resellers to see if you can find a deal. I got a deep discount this way.

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Mid-Century Modern Lights

Here’s a highlight reel of my favorite lights from the stores above. These mid-century modern light fixtures are perfect to brighten up a vintage home.

Classic Globe Light

Add a touch of mod whimsy with globe lights. They work over a kitchen island, hanging from a vaulted ceiling or just about anywhere in a mid-century house. I have globe lights from Practical Props lighting up my craft room and kitchen.

Related: Should you install your own light fixture? Here’s how I did it

George Nelson Bubble Lamp

You can’t go wrong with George Nelson. Choose from the whole collection of bubble lamps to spruce up your home. The crisscross saucer is begging to illuminate your dining room.

Alternatives on Amazon:

• Saucer pendant
• Crisscross saucer pendant

Modern Cone Lights

I’m obsessed with cone lights, especially those of the pinhole variety. Rejuvenation’s Galaxy lights can command an entryway or add sophistication to a home office. This chandelier was a discounted score from Craigslist…always check there first!

Below, this cone pendant adds a bit of personality to a minimalist bedroom. See more cone light options on Amazon.

Saucer Pendant Light

You might remember this retro saucer pendant from my ode to turquoise. It has a Jetsons feel and was previously available at Rejuvenation. Try this style in a bathroom or as accent lighting for a bedroom.

Similar options:

• Scandi pendant light
• Flying saucer light

Sputnik Chandelier

Finally, go Sputnik whenever possible. Give your entryway a Sputnik chandelier focal point.

If you’re feeling extra bold, complement it with Sputnik wallpaper and a DIY Sputnik wreath.

You might also like these ideas for updating your mid-century home.

• How to install a light fixture yourself
• Where to find mid-century modern curtains
• Where to find MCM cabinet hardware

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