The Bare-Faced Brilliance of Exposed Bulbs
Embrace interiors with an industrial edge by installing exposed bulbs
Ruth Garner
4 August 2014
I'm a freelance writer and lifestyle blogger, currently living in Brighton.
A trend that’s showing no signs of relenting, many of us (me included) are a little bit in love with exposed bulbs. From old school filament lights, to the classic Plumen - here are some ways to work the trend…
Hang them above bedside tables
Cut down on bedside table clutter by hanging individual bulbs over each side of the bed. Take inspiration from this room and opt for neon wires for a pop of colour in a monochrome space.
Cut down on bedside table clutter by hanging individual bulbs over each side of the bed. Take inspiration from this room and opt for neon wires for a pop of colour in a monochrome space.
Go for multicolour cables
This contemporary kitchen is given a sense of humour and a talking point, thanks to the mass of tangled multi-coloured wires and exposed bulbs. (Not ideal for those of us with perfectionist tendencies.)
See how to maximise light in the heart of your home
This contemporary kitchen is given a sense of humour and a talking point, thanks to the mass of tangled multi-coloured wires and exposed bulbs. (Not ideal for those of us with perfectionist tendencies.)
See how to maximise light in the heart of your home
Loop up wires
Keep your dining area streamlined and neutral by hanging exposed bulbs, looping up their cables for added interest. Keep the wires symmetrical to keep the balance.
Keep your dining area streamlined and neutral by hanging exposed bulbs, looping up their cables for added interest. Keep the wires symmetrical to keep the balance.
Work out from the centre
The low-energy Plumen bulbs here come out from the centre, keeping a sense of order. Avoid it looking too structured by hanging the exposed bulbs at different heights.
The low-energy Plumen bulbs here come out from the centre, keeping a sense of order. Avoid it looking too structured by hanging the exposed bulbs at different heights.
Fit lights in a cage
If the idea of a bare bulb doesn’t appeal, try putting it in a cage fitting. The result will be a gently industrial vibe which casts a pretty shadow at night.
Discover the enduring appeal of laid-back linen
If the idea of a bare bulb doesn’t appeal, try putting it in a cage fitting. The result will be a gently industrial vibe which casts a pretty shadow at night.
Discover the enduring appeal of laid-back linen
Hang bulbs low over a dining table
This light and bright dining area uses exposed bulbs on pink wires to tie the look of the room together. Pairing round exposed bulbs with warmer tones is a lovely way to embrace the trend without it feeling too industrial.
This light and bright dining area uses exposed bulbs on pink wires to tie the look of the room together. Pairing round exposed bulbs with warmer tones is a lovely way to embrace the trend without it feeling too industrial.
Wrap around a central post
Hang lights on a central fixture at different heights to create a central installation which will be a statement piece in a minimal room. Try tying the colour of the cable in with the room scheme for a consistent look.
Discover the industrial style
Hang lights on a central fixture at different heights to create a central installation which will be a statement piece in a minimal room. Try tying the colour of the cable in with the room scheme for a consistent look.
Discover the industrial style
Combine with halogen lights
In a home office a single exposed bulb may not have cast enough light for the job in hand. Try combining a single bulb with halogen ceiling lights for a practical take on the trend.
In a home office a single exposed bulb may not have cast enough light for the job in hand. Try combining a single bulb with halogen ceiling lights for a practical take on the trend.
Give a nod to the traditional
Much like the cage lights mentioned earlier, if you prefer not to hang a bare bulb, why not try putting it up with an exposed pendant? It’s a fun way to refer to traditional lights, which also brings it bang up to date.
Much like the cage lights mentioned earlier, if you prefer not to hang a bare bulb, why not try putting it up with an exposed pendant? It’s a fun way to refer to traditional lights, which also brings it bang up to date.
Anchor above a mirror
Exposed bulbs are the ideal candidate for the important task of lighting a bathroom. Try mounting two Plumen lights at either end of a central post, as in this photo, for a striking and practical solution.
Do you like exposed bulbs? Where in your home would you hang them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Exposed bulbs are the ideal candidate for the important task of lighting a bathroom. Try mounting two Plumen lights at either end of a central post, as in this photo, for a striking and practical solution.
Do you like exposed bulbs? Where in your home would you hang them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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