Decorating Skylights with Art Deco-Inspired Shapes
Skylights flood rooms with natural light, but they’re often overlooked as mere functional holes in the ceiling. Not anymore! I’m rushing through this, brain buzzing with ideas, to show you how Art Deco-inspired shapes—those bold, geometric, glamorous forms—transform skylights into jaw-dropping focal points. Picture this: you’re sipping coffee, sunlight streams through a skylight framed with zigzag patterns, and your living room feels like a 1920s jazz club. Let’s jazz up those skylights with wall decor, plants, mirrors, and more, all while keeping it Deco-chic. Ready? Let’s go!
Why Art Deco for Skylights?
Art Deco screams luxury, symmetry, and drama—perfect for skylights that crave attention. Its sharp angles, sunburst motifs, and metallic accents catch light like nobody’s business. I once visited a friend’s loft where a skylight was framed with a faux-gold geometric trim; it was like the ceiling wore a tiara! You don’t need a fat wallet to pull this off. Art Deco’s versatility lets you mix high-end vibes with DIY flair, turning your skylight into a portal to Gatsby’s mansion.
Wall Decor: Framing the Light
Wall decor around skylights sets the stage. Install bold, Deco-inspired wallpaper with chevron or fan patterns on the surrounding ceiling or walls. I tried this in my dining room—pasted up some black-and-gold zigzag paper, and the skylight popped like a champagne cork! For a subtler touch, hang a series of small, hexagonal wall decals in metallic hues around the skylight’s edge. They reflect light, creating a kaleidoscope effect. Pro tip: avoid clutter; keep it sleek to let the shapes shine.
“Install bold, Deco-inspired wallpaper with chevron or fan patterns on the surrounding ceiling or walls.”
Plants & Flowers: Greenery with Glam
Plants around skylights scream life, and Art Deco loves lush contrasts. Suspend trailing pothos in geometric macramé hangers from the skylight’s frame—think brass or black for that Deco edge. Or, place tall, sculptural snake plants in angular, ceramic planters on the floor below. I once saw a skylight with a cluster of orchids in mirrored vases; the light bounced off, making the room feel like a tropical speakeasy. Flowers like white lilies in sleek, chrome vases add elegance without overpowering the vibe.
Storage Boxes & Baskets: Functional Flair
Who says storage can’t be stylish? Place Deco-inspired storage boxes or baskets near skylights to catch the eye. Opt for lacquered boxes with inlaid geometric designs—black, ivory, or emerald green work wonders. I tossed a few under my bedroom skylight, and they doubled as decor and a spot for blankets. Woven baskets with metallic threads add texture; stack them asymmetrically for that curated, slightly chaotic Deco charm. They’re practical, pretty, and keep your space tidy.
Flower Pots & Planters: Sculptural Statements
Flower pots and planters are your secret weapon. Choose angular, glossy ceramic pots with gold or silver accents to hold ferns or monstera. I plopped a fan-shaped planter under my kitchen skylight, and it’s like the plant’s posing for a photoshoot every morning. For smaller skylights, cluster mini pots in triangular or hexagonal shapes on a nearby shelf. The key? Mix heights and sizes but stick to a cohesive color palette—think metallics, deep greens, or creamy whites.
Mirrors: Reflecting Deco Drama
Mirrors and Art Deco are soulmates. Hang a sunburst mirror near your skylight to amplify light and add that iconic Deco flair. I scored a thrift store mirror with radiating spikes, hung it on the wall below my skylight, and now my hallway sparkles like a ballroom. For a bolder move, install mirrored tiles in a herringbone pattern around the skylight’s frame. They bounce light, making the room feel bigger and brighter. Just don’t go overboard—too many mirrors scream funhouse, not finesse.
Candle Holders & Candles: Evening Elegance
When the sun dips, candle holders keep the Deco magic alive. Place tall, angular candle holders in polished nickel or brass on a table under the skylight. I lit some ivory candles in geometric holders during a dinner party, and the skylight’s glow mingled with the flicker—pure romance! For a quirky twist, use candle holders shaped like pyramids or ziggurats. They’re conversation starters and tie into the Deco obsession with exotic, structured forms.
Vases & Bowls: Art in Every Angle
Vases and bowls are where Deco’s love for curves meets its obsession with edges. A sleek, black vase with a stepped design screams 1930s chic—fill it with calla lilies for drama. I keep a shallow, hexagonal bowl on my coffee table under a skylight; its mirrored finish catches every ray. Group a few vases in odd numbers—three or five—for that effortlessly styled look. Stick to materials like glass, chrome, or lacquered wood to keep it authentic.
Noticeboards: Organized Opulence
Noticeboards near skylights? Yes, please! Cover a corkboard with velvet or faux leather in jewel tones—emerald or sapphire—and frame it with a metallic trim. Pin notes with decorative pushpins shaped like stars or arrows. I hung one in my home office, and it’s both functional and fabulous, catching light from the skylight above. For a playful touch, shape the board like a Deco motif—think a fan or a stepped pyramid. It’s organization with a side of glamour.
DIY Deco Shapes: Get Crafty
Feeling crafty? Create your own Art Deco-inspired skylight decor. Cut foam board into zigzag or sunburst shapes, paint them gold, and glue them around the skylight’s edge. I did this on a whim one weekend, and my living room now feels like a movie set. Or, string fairy lights in a geometric pattern across the skylight for a starry, Deco-inspired glow. The best part? You’re in control, and the results are uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
Decorating skylights with Art Deco-inspired shapes isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a vibe. Whether you’re draping plants, stacking vases, or framing mirrors, every choice reflects your personality. As designer Elsie de Wolfe once said, “I am going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life.” So, grab those geometric goodies, play with light, and turn your skylight into a Deco masterpiece. Hurry up—the sunlight’s waiting!