Perhaps no design is more endearing to the American public than the theater marquee. Its chasing lights direct and frame your attention. Its symmetrically arranged bulbs lead you in. Everything about the marquee promises a show.

Marquees developed alongside an increasingly automobile-centric culture. To improve readability for passing traffic, the shape of marquees evolved from flat rectangles to angled trapezoids. They increased in size and complexity. Experience tells us bolder designs invite more detractors, but marquees received a pass. To the contrary, marquees like the Chicago Theatre’s become architectural landmarks and the bare marquees of deserted small towns act as nostalgic signposts for times gone by.

Bring the same dramatic flair into your home with marquee lighting from Everyday Art. Jerrad and Machel Green of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina run the company as a husband-and-wife team. They use old metal and a real rust finish to create a “found” look with design cachet. Unlike salvaged components, their components are UL approved and safe for home use. Each letter, numeral, or shape weighs approximately 10 pounds and up to 4 electrical cords can be daisy-chained. These designs evoke the style of exposed-beam lofts, but they easily support rustic and modern motifs as well.

//Shop Marquee Lights until January 4, 2013//