The 60s: A Decade of Change and Innovation

The 1960s was a decade of immense social and cultural change that had a significant impact on the world. People began to question the norms and values that had been established for centuries, and a counterculture movement emerged that changed the course of history. The music, fashion, and art of the time represented a radical shift from the conservatism of previous decades. And, lighting played a pivotal role in representing the new era.

The Shift Towards Modern Lighting

As society shifted towards modernity, so did the lighting style. The sleek lines and futuristic shapes of modern lighting fixtures reflected the optimism and innovation of the time. Designers and decorators incorporated new materials, such as plastic and fiberglass, into their creations to create bold and striking pieces that were both functional and artistic. One of the most iconic lighting designs of the 60s was the Glo Ball, a spherical lamp created by Italian designer Jasper Morrison that incorporated a simple, unadorned aesthetic that perfectly captured the spirit of the era.

The Pop Art Influence on Lighting

Pop art emerged in the 60s and quickly became a dominant artistic style. The art movement’s bold, bright colors and graphic designs influenced lighting designers to create similar pieces that incorporated the same vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic. The Tizio desk lamp, created by designer Richard Sapper in 1972, was one of the most iconic lighting fixtures inspired by pop art. The sleek aluminum frame and bold red accent perfectly captured the movement’s playful yet sleek style.

The Use of Color in Lighting

In the 60s, color became a powerful tool for lighting designers. The use of colored light bulbs, lampshades, and accents added an extra layer of design to otherwise ordinary fixtures. Lighting designers used color to convey different moods and emotions, creating various lighting atmospheres for different spaces. Flooding an interior with bold, colorful lights was a staple of the disco scene, while a more subdued palette was popular in more upscale settings.

The Legacy of 60s Lighting

The lighting styles of the 60s left an indelible mark on design and still resonate today. Smart lighting technology, color-changing bulbs, and modern sculptural shapes continue to capture the futuristic spirit of the era. The mid-century modern revival in interior design has brought back some of the iconic pieces of the 60s to contemporary spaces, highlighting the lasting impact of the decade’s lighting trends.

The lighting designs of the 60s were born out of a decade of unprecedented change and innovation, and their impact is still felt today. Through the use of modern materials, bold colors, and futuristic shapes, lighting designers of the time created pieces that perfectly captured the spirit of the era. From Glo Balls to Tizio lamps, the 60s were a golden age of lighting that remains a vital part of design history.