Gold Lights: History's Boldest Accent Color
Elegant. Timeless. Versatile. Unique. Just a few words that come to mind when thinking of the color gold. Gold has been used throughout human history and while the precious metal was used for currency and to demonstrate wealth, it also served many decorative purposes because it was considered ornate. From simple wedding bands to crowns to gilded architecture to fabric, gold coloration has been used by craftsmen and decorators for millenia. Incorporating gold lights into your decor is a unique way to add a rich accent color but it also creates something unique in the lighting world: a golden color halo that is only associated with gleaming treasure. Gold is a rich, saturated hue that offers a happy medium between warm white and amber. Warm white is the most popular light color for Christmas decorating and it is used in many ways, including entire displays. In some examples, warm white almost acts like a canvas of light that other colors and decorations can then complement. Conversely, amber is a bold, unique color choice that is used more for Fall holidays; Amber can appear orange with a red undertone that may clash with other decor. Gold on the other hand is the best of both worlds. Gold is a classic, refined color choice that readily lends itself to a multitude of occasions and complements almost any color scheme.
Yellow vs. Gold: Is There Really a Difference?
Technically, gold is a shade of yellow; hence, all golds are yellow, but not all yellows are gold. The color gold is uniquely associated with a metallic look whereas yellow is not, but in lighting, this distinction does not exist unless the bulb lens has metallic properties, like "frosted" gold bulbs that are coated in pearlescent paint or faceted bulbs that provide a more jewel-like appearance. When desiring a golden look, it is best to select yellow/gold faceted LED bulbs or yellow transparent incandescent bulbs. Faceted bulbs offer more shadowing, which enhances brown undertones, and the light halo covers a wider color spectrum, which makes the entire light quality more rich. With yellow transparent incandescent bulbs, the visible amber filament provides an added richness that takes the bulb from yellow to a more golden look. If a true yellow is preferred, we recommend opaque yellow christmas light bulbs.
Gold Christmas Lights: The Complement for Holiday Decor
Combined with green and amber, gold lights remind us of the beautiful foliage seen during Fall, making them perfect for Thanksgiving decorating. Incorporating gold fairy lights into a table centerpiece is an easy way to add a little magic. Replacing standard clear bulbs with gold light bulbs will create a cozy, warm atmosphere. Even the dreaded kiddie table can be spruced up with LED gold lights that remain cool to the touch.
Gold was presented as one of the three gifts by the Magi and gold lights can be used in Christmas nativity scenes to create the glow that is associated with the golden gift. Red and gold is one of the great classic color combinations used for Christmas decorating; this color combo can be used anywhere from outlining a roof to wrapping bushes. A Christmas tree decorated with silver ornaments and wrapped with gold lights makes a stunning, regal display.
There are many other occasions where gold lights can be used outside of Christmas. Host your own Mardi Gras party and decorate with purple, green and gold lights. Gold lights tie in beautifully with green lights for St. Patrick's Day. Fall weddings are becoming increasingly popular and gold lights are a gorgeous way to imbue receptions with the trappings of Fall.
