The 1970s was a decade of change, and design was not left behind in that revolution. Many of the lamps designed during this era have become iconic, and their retro charm is still appreciated today. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of 70s lamps and why they have captured people’s imaginations for over 40 years.
History of 70s Lamps
In the 1970s, designers branched out from traditional styles and created bold, modern, and unconventional designs. This period was marked by experimentation, and lamps were not exempted. Designers started using new materials such as plastic, PVC, and resin which allowed them to create lamps with unusual shapes and bright colors.
The designs of this era were highly influenced by pop art and op art. Pop art was characterized by bright colors, simple shapes, and bold patterns, while op art was famous for creating illusions of movement through patterns and repetition. These two styles helped shape the aesthetics of 70s lamps designs.
Lava lamps, one of the most iconic lamps of the 70s, were invented by British accountant Edward Craven-Walker in 1963. These lamps were filled with colored oil and liquid wax, which when heated, created mesmerizing, flowing bubbles. In the 1970s, lava lamps became a symbol of the laid-back, free-spirited living of the decade, and their popularity soared.
Types of 70s Lamps
There were various types of lamps designed during the 70s, the most popular being:
Lava Lamps
As mentioned earlier, lava lamps were a hit in the 70s. Although their popularity dwindled over the years, they have made a comeback in recent years. These lamps are still made in the same way with colored oils and liquid waxes and are available in different shapes and sizes.
Bubble Lamps
Bubble lamps were another popular type of lamp in the 70s. They were made of plastic or glass and consisted of bubbles of different sizes that would light up when the lamp was turned on.
Disco Lamps
Disco lamps were designed to light up the dance floors of the 70s clubs. They had funky shapes and colors, and some had features such as spinning disco balls and smoke machines.
Geometric Lamps
As mentioned earlier, the 70s design movement was influenced by op art, which played around with geometric patterns and illusions. Geometric lamps were no different, and they had shapes such as cubes, spheres, and pyramids with intricate geometric patterns.
70s lamps are more than just functional lighting fixtures. They are objects of art that represent a unique period of design history. Their bold colors, patterns, and unconventional shapes still manage to captivate people today, proving that good design doesn’t have an expiration date. Whether it’s a lava lamp, a bubble lamp, a disco lamp, or a geometric lamp, 70s lamps serve as reminders of a time when design was daring and fun.