Nautical Lighting

Why We Love Nautical Lighting

Nautical lighting lends a touch of a lighthouse or shipboard swag to any interior space. Surrounding metal brackets, exposed bulbs and lantern-style silhouettes reproduce authentic nautical light fixtures for use in homes, restaurants or anywhere that needs some seaside ambiance. Marine style light fixtures once had to stand up to the temperament of the sea, so heavy-duty materials such as sterner metals and thicker glass were required. Sometimes caged in metal with an industrial or old-fashioned motif, the choices vary widely, but the ceiling fans, lights and accessories in this style all imbue the spirit of the sea or seashore.

Where Nautical Light Fixtures Work Best

The dining room and kitchen are ideal places to showcase nautical lighting in layers with wall sconces or nautical pendant lighting. For chandeliers with a lantern vibe, accents in mixed metal, such as copper and stainless steel, reflect the light and theme beautifully. Marine style light fixtures can take the form of a bell, anchor or sea creatures that grace your bathroom with a feeling of adventure and freedom. Use LED lighting to mimic low light conditions onboard an ancient vessel. For nautical outdoor lighting on the porch and patio, try nautical light fixtures in rustic styles, such as caged frames and clear bulbs. Meanwhile, nautical ceiling fans in the foyer or balcony elevate a functional appliance with the spirit of the wind and waves.

Nautical Lighting Designers We Love

Visual Comfort offers bowl or dome-shaped nautical lighting that directs illumination upward for a nuanced spill in modern applications. Hinkley Lighting boasts cylindrical and rectangular nautical light fixtures suitable for many spaces, as well as LED light for galley-style lighting on staircases or room perimeters. Sea Gull Lighting features marine style light fixtures with rope and lantern elements in brush nickel or chrome for an array of decor themes. Troy Lighting designs are named after seaside towns like Sausalito or cities famous for metalwork like Toledo, and their outdoor lighting options are exceptional, offering an architectural complexity that elevates outdoor living spaces. Davey Lighting has fun and functional bulkhead wall sconces suitable for indoor and outdoor decor.

How to Choose the Best Nautical Lights

With low-hanging nautical lighting consider the ceiling height before making a final selection. For vaulted or high ceilings, a chandelier with exposed lighting provides plenty of light and anchors the room. In bathrooms, nautical light fixtures are popular, but you can always add personal mementos from seaside excursions to make your own look. Marine style light fixtures look great on exterior walls or in a galley-style kitchenette, especially when accenting industrial or historical decor. Sconces with a bulkhead or lighthouse vibe illuminate passageways beautifully after sunset.

Other Considerations

Nautical lighting offers a wide range of styles and materials for the creative designer. Consider whether the lighting itself will be the focal point of the space. In that case, larger, showier nautical light fixtures are a perfect choice. For minimalist or modern industrial effects, wall sconces and bulkhead lighting are functional items of interest, without overloading the space or breaking clean lines. To underscore marine style light fixtures, choose braided rugs, seaside or ocean art and photos, and figurines that celebrate whales and other denizens of the deep.