The Best Vintage Lighting Styles That Instantly Warm Up A Kitchen

What if adding vintage lighting is just the touch you need to create a warm, cozy kitchen? It may sound a little dramatic, but certain lighting trends make a room cozier. Even more, ambient lighting is known to boost moods and create a more dynamic space. Adding vintage light fixtures to your kitchen can range from simple and understated for a touch of warmth and character to bold and full of old-fashioned charm. The great thing about vintage lighting is that it can work with a variety of aesthetics and designs to give the space a welcoming, lived-in look. From brass pendants to milk glass and metalwork lights, a range of vintage-style fixtures can be incorporated into any kitchen, modern or otherwise — you just have to find the fixture that works with your decor.

Upgrades or changes in your kitchen lighting aren't always possible when you're renting. Or maybe you simply don't want to mess with wiring to change out the overhead fixtures. However, that should not deter you from using vintage-style fixtures in your cooking space, especially since you can add a table lamp in your kitchen for a trendy solution to brighten it. You can thrift vintage fixtures, buy new fixtures that look old, or even upgrade an older antique light to suit your needs — just consider your existing aesthetic and what materials will enhance it.

Swapping out traditional or modern pendant lights for either brass or enamel glass is a good way to introduce vintage vibes into your kitchen. Brass has been a popular material to use since the Victorian era. It's not only a sturdy metal but also brings warmth from the color that is easy to decorate around. You can opt for stylish pendants like these Barnlight minimalist polished brass cages, or you can go bold and dramatic with a brass fixture like the Lightcove flush mount ceiling light. Use warm or vintage-style bulbs to play to the warm color of the metal for a cozy ambiance. 

Wall sconces are also a clever way to evoke a vintage vibe. They provide layered lighting, which is the best way to brighten up a dark kitchen, according to HGTV's Mike Holmes. Using several light sources rather than just one overhead light source helps to create a more engaging atmosphere, especially if you are mainly relying on recessed or pendant fixtures. Sconces come in hardwired and plug-in styles — opt for the latter if you are renting to avoid having to deal with wiring. Tiffany glass can also offer a little pop of color if you use options like the Lamps Plus Regency Hill Filton sconces. These wall lights also provide illumination for dark recesses and corners, so consider scattering them to help brighten these areas.

Etched and milk glass, as well as enamel lights, all create a statement within your kitchen that can help to elevate the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the space. They add a softer glow, warming your surroundings rather than adding harsh lighting. Since your cooking space needs to remain practical, fixtures like the Vinlighting glass hibiscus flower light add a stylish element while leaving surfaces free for other purposes. You can even use modern appliances and furnishings with just a vintage light (or several) to build a really cozy ambiance that is also very chic and designer-inspired. Don't underestimate the power of your lighting fixtures, as these can turn your space into a really unique layout people will want to copy in their own homes!

Since the best type of lighting to use in your kitchen is layered lighting, adding a table lamp to your surfaces is both clever and useful. Vintage lamps featuring etched or milk glass bring dimension to the space thanks to the materials. If you do thrift an older lamp, you don't have to rely on the cord to give it power, so even if it doesn't work, you can still use it. Instead, remove the cord and install a battery-operated bulb in the vintage fixture, and you have a source of light that can be placed anywhere on your countertops without needing to be near a power source.