The Once-Trendy Lighting Choice That Is Beyond Outdated Now

Choosing the perfect lighting for your space is a fundamental aspect of interior design. The right fixtures will enhance the decor of your space by illuminating focal points and bringing out the unique shades in your color scheme. Elegant lighting is a cornerstone of the ever-popular mid-century modern aesthetic. With this style, natural light reigns supreme, and artificial light carries the all-important task of preserving its flow when the sun disappears. The original design movement that helped establish this aesthetic involved a great deal of experimentation during the '40s and '50s, with new shapes and materials redefining the idea and purpose of a home's lighting. That's how the famous Sputnik chandelier with Edison lightbulbs became a non-negotiable when styling a home with mid-century modern decor. However, the trend pendulum has started swinging the other way, and this fixture is now considered a hackneyed choice.

This once-beloved lighting fixture gets its name from the Soviet satellite, which was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth and an emblem of the space race in the 1950s. Much like its namesake, this decor element features a central globe with multiple arms extending outwards. Each arm has its own lightbulb on the end. The Sputnik chandelier was an eye-catching addition to dining tables and living rooms that provided the illusion of movement, as well as an abundance of light. Although it has served mid-century modern-inspired homes for decades, its ubiquity has now rendered it outdated. 

Mid-century modern decor will never truly age. The design style's penchant for clean, simple lines and prioritization of function over style or ornament makes it timeless. However, iconic mid-century modern light fixtures like the Sputnik chandelier are an exception. Mid-century modern design often features a playful use of color with a base of natural elements. Sputnik chandeliers can sometimes have these same features, but often, they just have standard metal finishes instead. The fixtures are also some of the most evident nods to the bygone Atomic Age. As a result, they've become tired and dated faster than other mid-century modern essentials. 

Sputnik chandeliers are often too bulky and busy for modern interiors. Plus, the typical Edison bulbs that accompany them emit a bright yellow glow that can be overwhelming. Many current lighting trends also favor more organic shapes made from natural materials like wood or rattan. In addition, the single centerpiece chandelier has been slowly replaced by layered lighting. This technique involves balancing a mix of lamps and sconces across the room. It brightens select corners and creates a more intimate ambiance.