Sparkling opulence, mirrors reflecting golden gleams, dramatic details that catch the eye: the glam style is not just a way of furnishing, it is a celebration of luxury and theatricality. With its unmistakable mix of fine materials and sophisticated hues, this style transforms rooms into elegant, timeless settings with a decidedly rock aftertaste.
What does ‘glam’ mean?
The term glam derives from the English glamour, of which it is a contraction.
Glamour, in turn, originates from the Scottish word glamer, which means ‘magic, enchantment’ and is a variant of gramarye, also Scottish, which is an alteration of grammar, ‘grammar’, used in the medieval sense of the study of the occult (hence also Grimory, i.e. book of magic).
Around the mid-19th century glamour began to signify an almost magical beauty, a seductive allure.
In the 1930s it became inextricably linked to the glitz of Hollywood cinema and its celebrities.
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What is glam style
In its essence, glam represents a mix of luxury and theatricality with a touch of attention-grabbing extravagance. It is often associated with worlds such as fashion, film and music: from the Hollywood glitz of the 1930s to a certain rock of the 1970s labelled glam rock, epitomised by the eccentric looks, bold make-up and histrionic performances of artists such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Queen.
Glam rock influenced not only the way music was made but also the fashion and design of the period, with glittering clothes, flashy accessories and a strong emphasis on individuality and theatricality.
The history of glam in interior design
The glam style has its roots in the 1920s and 1930s, a period marked by the luxury ofArt Deco. This movement – with its geometric lines, precious materials and opulent atmospheres – laid the foundation for modern glamour. Subsequently, glam was reinterpreted – as already mentioned – in the 1970s, a decade characterised by an explosion of glitter, gilding and bold decorations.
Today, glam style combines vintage and contemporary influences, creating a balance between classic elegance and modernity.
The characteristics of the glam style
The glam style is defined by a number of distinctive elements that make it immediately recognisable.
Materials
- Velvet and silk: rich, soft fabrics for curtains, sofas and cushions.
- Metals: gold, silver, brass and chrome, used for details, frames and lamps.
- Glass and crystal: ideal for chandeliers and decorative accessories.
- Marble: widely used for tables, floors, wall coverings and architectural details.
Colours
The colour palette of the glam style is based on sophisticated shades such as:
- refined neutrals: white, beige and light grey;
- deep shades: black, aubergine violet, emerald green and navy blue;
- metallic accents: gold, silver, copper and bronze.
Decorative Elements
- Geometric or animalier patterns: used on carpets or cushions.
- Mirrors: with elaborate and often large frames to amplify light and space.
- Scenic lighting: drop-shaped chandeliers, shiny metal wall sconces, diffused lighting and table lamps with bold lines.
- Sequins and sequins: on fabrics, e.g. the cushions of sofas and armchairs.
Recommended pieces of furniture
To create a glamorous ambience, certain pieces of furniture are indispensable:
- velvet or quilted leather sofas and armchairs: ideal for a touch of luxury. They can be the elements around which to focus the entire furnishings of the room;
- coffee tables in marble or with gilded finishes: perfect for the living room;
- beds with upholstered headboards: often covered in velvet or fine fabrics;
- decorative mirrors: essential for visually enlarging the space;
- lamps with distinctive and conspicuous shapes;
- elements that directly recallArt Deco: graphic motifs, frames, colour contrasts.
Rio Verde’s Golden Prestige paints are perfect for glamorous styling.
That metal and gilding are key features of glam style we have already explained.
A perfect ally for those who want to decorate or redecorate a room or the whole house in glam style is Rio Verde’s Golden Prestige line of paints.
These are highly opaque metallic enamels that can even be used without sanding or stripping and can be applied to a variety of materials: wood, metal, plastic, glass, fabrics and small portions of wall.
Available in five shades – brown gold, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and black gold – they can be used on their own or in combination with Vintage Prestige paints to achieve numerous material effects. Here and here are some examples.
In terms of glam, they can be used for:
- walls (creating small metallic accents);
- mouldings and architectural details ;
- mirror and picture frames;
- furnishings and accessories;
- lamps;
- ornaments.
Besides communicating a sense of luxury, metallic paints can also be used to enhance smaller spaces, thanks to their ability to reflect light and create visual depth.
