Complete guide to spider suspension: origins, styles and installation tips
The spider suspension, with its distinctive design and slender arms, has captured the imagination of design enthusiasts since the 1960s. This unique piece has transcended the decades, moving from raw industrial interiors to today's sleek modern spaces. As one of the most versatile of lighting fixtures, it has the ability to light up a room and transform it by serving as a focal point or subtly complementing existing décor. If you've already admired it and considered adding it to your space, this detailed guide explores its origins, the styles with which it pairs best, and offers invaluable advice on its installation.
Understanding spider suspension
The suspension spider, while it may seem modern and contemporary, has its origins in the industrial designs of the 1960s. At a time when minimalist interiors were beginning to gain popularity, this fixture captured the essence of simplicity while offering an eye-catching design.
Origins and evolution
When talking about spider suspensions, it's essential to mention their distinctive feature: multiple branches, often slender and elegant, spreading out from a central point. These branches, or arms, are reminiscent of a spider's legs, hence the name. Originally, these suspensions were mainly made of raw metal, a nod to their industrial heritage. Over the decades, however, the variety of materials used has broadened, including wood, glass and even some composite or even natural materials such as linen.
Key features of the spider suspension
Beyond its design, the spider suspension stands out for its ability to light large spaces. Thanks to its multiple bulbs, it diffuses light evenly. What's more, its modular design offers the possibility of adjusting the arms as required, whether for aesthetic reasons or to direct the light in a specific direction.
This is also a luminaire that invites creativity, as the LED bulbs can be chosen for their shape, color or light intensity, offering a multitude of possibilities for adapting the suspension to the desired ambience.
The different interior styles and the spider suspension
The spider suspension, with its modular design and sleek aesthetic, blends harmoniously into many interior styles. If you're considering introducing this versatile fixture into your home, it's essential to understand how it can complement and enrich different decors.
Modern style
Modern style relies on simplicity, clean lines and geometric shapes. In this context, a spider suspension with a minimalist design, featuring slender arms and metallic finishes, can become the focal point of a room. The absence of superfluous ornamentation on the fixture echoes the modern aesthetic, and the bare bulbs add a light industrial touch.
Industrial style
Authentic and raw, industrial style evokes the image of New York lofts and rehabilitated factories. Here, spider suspension naturally finds its place, especially if it's designed with raw materials like oxidized metal or wrought iron. Paired with brick walls, concrete floors and metal furniture, it reinforces the industrial character of the space. Our Cage industrial lampshade lends itself wonderfully to this style.
Bohemian style
At first glance, it may seem surprising to integrate a spider suspension into a bohemian interior, dominated by fabrics, ethnic motifs and handcrafted objects. Yet by opting for a version in natural materials such as glass, rattan or linen, this spider suspension can add a contemporary touch while respecting the bohemian essence. The warm-light bulbs will reinforce the cosy, warm atmosphere typical of this style.
Discover our spider hangers
Rustic style
Rustic style evokes the charm of cottages and farmhouses, with a predominance of raw wood, stone and natural elements. In this setting, a spider suspension with wooden arms and filament bulbs can add a touch that's both modern and nostalgic. It's reminiscent of old lighting fixtures while offering a revamped, up-to-date version.
How to define the ideal size of spider suspension for your space?
The choice of size for a spider suspension is crucial. A fixture that's too large can dominate the space and make it suffocating, while a model that's too small could get lost in the room and fail to provide adequate lighting. To harmonize your fixture with your interior, consider the following:
Analyze the room's scale
Before anything else, measure the width, length and height of your room. These dimensions will give you an initial idea of the space available for your fixture. In a large living room with high ceilings, a wider spider suspension with many arms can add a dramatic touch. Conversely, in a smaller space such as a hallway or entrance, a more discreet suspension will be in order. That's why HOOPZI offers the HANG 2, HANG 3 or HANG 5 with 2, 3 or 5 bulbs respectively.
Consider luminaire location
Think about where the pendant will be installed. Above a dining table, for example, it should be low enough to create an intimate atmosphere, but not so low as to obstruct the view. In this case, a general rule is to leave around 70 to 80 cm between the bottom of the fixture and the surface of the table. If the suspension is intended for a living room or passageway space, make sure it doesn't drop too low to avoid any risk of collision.
Take existing furniture into account
Furniture and other decorative elements play a role in choosing the size of your spider suspension. If your interior is busy, with massive furniture or numerous works of art, opt for a sleeker suspension. Conversely, in a minimalist space, a more imposing spider suspension can become the focal point of the room.
Installing spider suspension: location and height
Once you've selected your ideal spider suspension, the next equally crucial step is to determine its location and installation height. Proper positioning will ensure not only optimum light diffusion, but also harmonious aesthetics within your interior.
Choosing the ideal location
The location of your spider suspension largely depends on the room in which it will be installed. In a living room, place it above a coffee table or in a reading nook to create focused lighting. In a dining room, the obvious choice would be above the table. However, for spaces like hallways or entrances, favor central areas for even light distribution.
Take room specifics into account
In rooms with high ceilings, you might be tempted to hang the fixture higher. However, this could compromise lighting efficiency. Similarly, in spaces with low ceilings, avoid letting the luminaire hang too low, as this could create a feeling of clutter.
Conclusion on the spider suspension
Some pieces, like the spider suspension, remain timeless. Their ability to adapt and evolve with trends makes them valuable additions to any space. By understanding its roots, appreciating the variety of styles it can complement and following guidelines for proper installation, you can integrate a spider suspension into your interior with confidence and elegance. However you choose to present it, it's sure to add a touch of sophistication and contemporary charm.
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