Updating lighting fixtures is a relatively simple yet highly effective way to modernize the look and feel of a home. Conversely, outdated lighting choices can instantly make a space feel stuck in a past era, regardless of other recent renovations or decor updates. Certain styles and finishes, once considered trendy, now signal a specific period and can detract from a contemporary aesthetic. Recognizing these dated lighting choices can help homeowners identify areas for potential upgrades to bring their homes into the present.
1. Brass Fixtures from the 1980s and 1990s
The shiny brass lighting fixtures that were highly popular in the 1980s and 1990s can now instantly date a home. According to House Beautiful, the warm, polished brass finish is less favored in current design trends, which lean towards cooler metals like brushed nickel, matte black, or aged bronze. The ornate styles often associated with these brass fixtures further contribute to an outdated appearance. Replacing these with more contemporary styles can significantly update a space.
The ubiquity of these brass fixtures in homes built during that era makes them a common culprit in dated interiors. From chandeliers and wall sconces to bathroom vanity lights, the shiny brass finish can feel out of sync with modern aesthetics. Opting for fixtures with cleaner lines and more current metal finishes can provide an immediate sense of freshness and modernity to a room. This simple swap can have a significant impact on the overall feel of the home.
2. Fluorescent Tube Lighting in Kitchens
Long, exposed fluorescent tube lighting, often found in older kitchens or utility spaces, can immediately make a home feel dated and sterile. As noted by Forbes, modern kitchen lighting design emphasizes layers of light, including recessed lighting, pendant lights, and under-cabinet illumination, to create a warmer and more functional environment. The harsh, bluish light emitted by fluorescent tubes is generally considered unflattering and outdated in residential settings. Upgrading to a more layered and warmer lighting scheme can dramatically improve the ambiance of a kitchen.
The buzzing sound and flickering often associated with older fluorescent fixtures further contribute to their dated feel. Modern alternatives, such as LED lighting, offer better energy efficiency, a wider range of color temperatures, and a more streamlined appearance. Replacing these outdated fixtures not only improves the aesthetics but also enhances the functionality and energy efficiency of the space. This upgrade is a key step in modernizing a home’s lighting.
3. Track Lighting with Multiple Spotlights
Track lighting with multiple adjustable spotlights was a popular contemporary choice in the late 20th century, but it can now appear dated, especially when the fixtures themselves have a bulky or industrial look. According to Elle Decor, while track lighting can be functional for highlighting specific areas, more streamlined and integrated options like linear suspension lights or individual pendant lights are favored in current design. The style and finish of older track lighting systems often betray their age.
The adjustability of track lighting can still be a desirable feature, but modern versions offer sleeker designs and more subtle profiles. Replacing older, more prominent track lighting systems with updated versions or alternative lighting solutions can contribute to a more contemporary and sophisticated look. Considering the overall style of the room and opting for lighting that complements it, rather than being a dominant feature, is key to avoiding a dated appearance.
4. Builder-Grade “Boob” Lights
The ubiquitous flush-mount ceiling fixtures, often referred to as “boob lights” due to their dome shape with a protruding center, are a hallmark of basic builder-grade lighting from past decades. As noted by Architectural Digest, these fixtures are often seen as generic and lacking in style, instantly dating a room. While functional for providing general illumination, they offer little in terms of design appeal. Upgrading these simple fixtures can have a significant impact on the perceived style of a space.
Replacing builder-grade “boob lights” with more stylish flush-mount or semi-flush-mount options that feature interesting shapes, materials, or finishes can immediately elevate the look of a room. Considering the scale of the room and choosing a fixture that is appropriately sized and aesthetically pleasing can make a noticeable difference. This is often one of the first and most impactful lighting upgrades a homeowner can make.
5. Chandeliers That Don’t Fit the Scale of the Room
An inappropriately sized chandelier, either too large and overwhelming or too small and insignificant for the space, can instantly throw off the proportions of a room and make it feel dated. A chandelier that dominates a small dining area or hangs too high and gets lost in a grand foyer disrupts the visual harmony of the space. Selecting a chandelier that is correctly scaled to the dimensions of the room is crucial for achieving a balanced and contemporary look.
The style of an ill-sized chandelier can further contribute to a dated feel. An overly ornate or traditional chandelier in a modern space, or a minimalist one in a very traditional setting, can look out of place regardless of its actual age. Considering the architectural style of the home and the overall decor is essential when choosing a chandelier. Ensuring the size and style of the chandelier complement the room’s dimensions and aesthetic is key to avoiding a dated appearance.
6. Wall Sconces with Scalloped Edges or Floral Patterns
Wall sconces featuring scalloped edges, floral motifs, or overly ornate details can evoke a specific past era and feel out of sync with more contemporary and streamlined design preferences. These styles were often popular in traditional or country-inspired interiors of previous decades but now tend to look dated in modern homes. Opting for sconces with cleaner lines, simpler shapes, and more current metal finishes can provide a more updated look to hallways, bathrooms, and living areas.
The type of bulbs used in older sconces can also contribute to their dated appearance. Exposed incandescent bulbs or those with a yellowish hue can cast unflattering light and look old-fashioned. Modern sconces often utilize softer, more energy-efficient LED bulbs or have diffusers that provide a more even and contemporary glow. Updating both the fixture itself and the type of light it emits can significantly modernize a space.
7. Vanity Lighting with Exposed Incandescent Bulbs in a Row
Bathroom vanity lighting consisting of a horizontal row of exposed incandescent bulbs can cast harsh shadows on the face and feel dated compared to softer, more diffused lighting options. This style was common in builder-grade bathrooms of past decades but is now generally considered unflattering and lacking in sophistication. Modern bathroom lighting design emphasizes layered illumination, including overhead lighting, sconces at eye level, and task lighting around the mirror.
Replacing these linear strips of exposed bulbs with fixtures that incorporate diffusers, frosted glass, or integrated LED technology can create a more even and flattering light for grooming tasks. Sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are often recommended by lighting designers to minimize shadows. Updating the vanity lighting is a key step in modernizing a bathroom’s appearance and functionality.
8. Ceiling Fans with Ornate Blades and Heavy Fixtures
Ceiling fans with overly ornate blades, heavy light fixtures attached, and dark metal finishes can look dated compared to sleeker, more minimalist fan designs that are popular today. These older styles often feature intricate details and a bulky appearance that can detract from the overall aesthetic of a room. Modern ceiling fans prioritize clean lines, simple blade designs, and lighter metal finishes like brushed nickel or matte white.
The functionality of older ceiling fans can also be less efficient and quieter than newer models. Upgrading to a more contemporary fan can not only improve the look of a room but also enhance its comfort and energy efficiency. Choosing a fan with appropriately sized blades for the room and a style that complements the overall decor is essential for a modern feel.
9. Table Lamps with Ruffled Shades or Shiny Brass Bases
Table lamps featuring ruffled fabric shades, shiny brass bases with excessive detailing, or outdated color combinations can instantly make a room feel stuck in a previous decade. These styles were often popular in traditional or formal interiors of the past but now tend to look old-fashioned in more contemporary settings. Opting for lamps with clean-lined shades in neutral colors or more modern materials like linen or metal, paired with bases in updated finishes such as matte black or brushed steel, can provide a more current look.
The size and proportions of table lamps have also evolved over time. Older lamps might have disproportionately small shades or overly tall bases that look out of sync with current design trends. Choosing lamps with a balanced scale and a style that complements the surrounding furniture and decor is crucial for a cohesive and updated appearance. Updating table lamps is a relatively easy way to refresh the style of a living room or bedroom.
10. Floor Lamps with Multiple Gooseneck Arms
Floor lamps with several adjustable gooseneck arms, while once considered a modern and functional design for task lighting, can now appear clunky and dated in contemporary interiors. The industrial look of these lamps, especially in darker metal finishes, can feel heavy and out of place in more streamlined spaces. Modern floor lamps often feature a single, elegant arm or a more minimalist design that provides focused light without overwhelming the room.
Replacing these multi-armed gooseneck lamps with sleeker, more contemporary floor lamp styles can significantly update a living room or office space. Options with a single adjustable arm, a tripod base, or a slender stem in a modern finish can provide both style and functionality without looking dated. Considering the scale of the room and the intended use of the lamp is important when making a replacement.
11. String Lights Used Indoors as Permanent Decor
While string lights can create a cozy ambiance outdoors or for temporary decorative purposes indoors, using them as permanent, primary lighting inside can often look informal, cluttered, and dated in a general living space. This trend was popular in more bohemian or casual dorm-room aesthetics but is generally not considered a sophisticated or timeless lighting solution for main living areas. Opting for layered lighting with a mix of overhead, task, and accent lights provides a more functional and stylish illumination scheme.
The type of string lights used indoors can also contribute to a dated feel. Older string lights with large, exposed bulbs or multi-colored strands can look particularly out of place in a more refined interior. If string lights are desired for ambiance, choosing delicate strands with small, warm-toned LED bulbs and using them sparingly as accent lighting can be a more contemporary approach. Avoiding their use as a primary light source is key to a more updated look.
12. Any Fixture with Heavily Tarnished or Yellowed Components
Regardless of the original style, any lighting fixture with heavily tarnished metal finishes or yellowed plastic or glass components will inevitably make a home feel old, poorly maintained, and dated. The discoloration and wear on these fixtures create a visual impression of neglect and can detract from even otherwise well-decorated spaces. Regularly cleaning and, if necessary, replacing these worn-out components or the entire fixture is essential for maintaining a fresh and updated look.
Tarnished brass, peeling finishes, and yellowed plastic are all common signs of aging in lighting fixtures. These issues not only affect the aesthetic but can also impact the functionality and safety of the light. Upgrading to new fixtures with current finishes and materials can provide a significant visual improvement and enhance the overall ambiance of the home. Paying attention to the condition of lighting fixtures is an important aspect of home maintenance and design.
