Lighting

Scandinavian lighting is made up of table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lamps made by Scandinavian brands. Scandinavian lighting is characterized by clean lines and an emphasis on soft, warm light that resembles candlelight more so than bright, neon lighting. Instead of using excessive illumination in their houses, Scandinavians often prefer to use well-placed floor and table lights. They frequently have very dim overhead lighting when they do. The bathroom and kitchen are the only spaces that require stronger lighting.

Lighting is an essential element of midcentury design, playing a key role in the aesthetics and functionality of modernist interiors. Since the introduction of Danish modern design principles in the middle of the 20th century, lighting design has been viewed as an essential component of architecture in Denmark. At its height in the midcentury era, architectural project briefs would always include a detailed specification for lighting. Because of their great quality, many of them are still in outstanding shape today, more than 50 years after they were created, and their classic modernist design is still current and appropriate for both vintage and modern homes.

The role of lighting in midcentury modern interior design is to help define different activity zones and to create appropriate lighting and atmosphere for each area. These functions have their roots in the open-plan design of mid-century modern interiors, but they are equally suitable for non-open-plan designs. In the Danish contemporary lighting style, several lights are dispersed throughout different regions to offer specific activity-appropriate illumination rather than simply one or two centrally located light fittings.