INTRODUCTION
During the 1980s, it was very popular (especially in the west) to place strips of lights on either side of a mirror, similar to those found in Hollywood dressing rooms. Many materials were used as the backing, but this recognizable trend swept through America in the '80s anyway.
During the 1980s, it was very popular (especially in the west) to place strips of lights on either side of a mirror, similar to those found in Hollywood dressing rooms. Many materials were used as the backing, but this recognizable trend swept through America in the '80s anyway.
ORIGIN
PURPOSE
VALUE
LIMITATIONS
SOURCES
- This style of bare lightbulbs on a backing placed vertically around a mirror started in dressing rooms (like in Hollywood) as a way to fully illuminate a person's face. This assisted in the complete and even application of makeup.
- In less professional settings, such as an average American's home, it was simply a style choice.
PURPOSE
- This design choice was new in the time period because dressing rooms were usually very separate from home bathrooms. However, it soon became very mainstream.
- The trend took off in the '80s, mostly in the western states, and was very indicative of the time period.
- Typically, the lightbulbs would be large, and an opaque white. They would be mounted on a strip of wood or fake metals. In most cases, as shown in the picture, the strips would be vertically placed. However, some were installed horizontally on top and below the mirror.
VALUE
- This piece expresses the growing audience of movies and TV shows, who get a glimpse of their favorite stars with these kind of lights and want their own.
LIMITATIONS
- However, this source cannot tell us about the other light sources left in bathrooms (if there were any). It also cannot tell us how there lights were wired, or which class included them the most (middle class or lower class? Rich families?).
SOURCES