Lighting plays a huge role in interior design. Not only can it enhance the aesthetics of a given space, but it can also change the mood and ambiance of a room. Besides its obvious functional roles, lighting also creates a safe and comfortable environment. With lighting, a seamless combination of functionality and style can be achieved. When right lighting and correct placement is achieved, it can then work perfectly in conjunction with other areas of interior design such as color, layout, size, and furniture selection. Having all this will make your space functional and appealing at the same time.
Like any other aspect of interior design, lighting has been constantly changing. Technology, which is a big part of our daily lives, has also played a huge role in the transformation of lighting year by year. Of course, taste and preference of people in every generation are also key factors affecting these variations. Every year, lighting design trends change. Some lighting trends stay while we bid the others goodbye. As we start a new decade, check out the latest lighting design you must know which could still be popular as the decade progresses. These are not arranged in any way.
Must Know Trend No. 1 – Spherical Lamps
Image Credit: Renonation, The Scientist
One of the factors that affect trend is the liking of the “new generation”. And frankly, it’s a millennial world nowadays. Continuing with their ideology and fondness of things that “seem basic but aren’t”, spherical lamps are becoming a must know and must have. What’s great about spherical lamps is that they can stand alone while it’s also suitable as a backdrop.
Practical Tip:
If you’re into minimalism but you want a chandelier that isn’t too fancy, ceiling pendant globe lights are a good pick. These spherical pendant lights usually come in threes or fives, all with varying size. There are also other forms and designs available in the market.
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You can also use spherical lamps in other areas of your home, like in the bathroom as shown on the picture above.
Spherical lamps are also a great way to create an eye catching contrast between different forms. Place a spherical lamp against clean lines like wall panels or rectangular headboard, and you’ll create a nice divergence.
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Must Know Trend No. 2 – Upgraded Industrial Style or Modern Retro
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Industrial Style and Retro stays as a trend for the year 2020. But it is coming back quite differently and perhaps will be staying for long. Make way for the upgraded industrial style or modern retro.
Industrial theme has been widely used in recent years, with concrete finished walls, neutral colors, rustic lightings and emphasis on metals. It is usually associated with a warehouse themed finish and a warm masculine look. But the traditional industrial that you have grown accustomed to has undergone some changes that sources now refer to as upgraded industrial or simply, modern retro. If you had your own fair share of doubts on industrial design the past years, this might be time to look into it again.
On lighting fixtures particularly, the emphasis on metal for the upgraded industrial theme is retained. This time, however, sleeker metals are used with various styles and alternative designs emerging. It’s like seeing traditional industrial retro fixtures but with more kick of artistry and with finer details.
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Practical Tip:
The best thing about the upgraded industrial lighting is that it can now go with other themes. Basically, it is not exclusive for industrial finishes anymore. It can be used in modern, rustic, and minimalist themes. Shockingly, it can also be used in Bohemian and Scandinavian themes as some manufacturers are producing these fixtures in non-neutral colors.
Also, you can use it in practically any part of your house – in your bedroom, kitchen work area, Kitchen Island, dining, and even in your living room. It can even be used as the centerpiece of your home.
The updated look of upgraded industrial lighting fixtures will fit nicely with any 21st century interior design theme.
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Must Know Trend No. 3 – Soft Gold
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There has been an influx in the popularity of soft colors recently. This includes gray and beige, which is being used widely especially for lighting fixtures. These two colors, when used with white and other soft colored walls reflect elegance and class. Soft gold, one of the newest lighting trend lands in between the spectrum of soft colors that works best for contemporary designs.
For the color itself, it is in the middle of brushed silver and brushed gold. It has a soft matte finish that brings out the warmth and mellowness of gold. Soft gold has been around as early as 2018, but 2020 will see a spike in its use.
Practical Tip:
Soft gold lighting fixtures offer a variety of styles and designs. The best thing about it is it’s very eye catching. Thus, use it in areas that you want to highlight. A good idea is using two soft gold wall lamps surrounding a buffet or a credenza in your living and dining room.
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In using soft gold as your main centerpiece, choose the lighting fixture that emphasizes the gold. Soft gold will also be around for quite a while.
Must Know Trend No. 4 – Neon Signs
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Wait, you think you’ve read it wrong? Or somehow you’re wondering if this article is even credible? As a matter of fact, neon signs are actually in. Evoking nostalgia on the current interior design trends is obvious, and neon signs are a part of it. For the past years, neon signs have been associated with cafes, bars, nightclubs, and hipster joints. But this year, it is making its way into your homes.
Practical Tip:
Neon lights are not easy to pull off. It is trendy but just putting it at a wrong spot will make it look weird more than nice. It is more recommended for industrial themed homes. It can also be used for casual finishes.
If you want your neon signage to stand out, get a color that contrasts the wall it is attached to. If you want a subtler décor, keep the color in the same hue. You can also personalize what’s written on the signage, like a quote, family motto, or a catch phrase. Design wise, it also works well on a wall above a coffee table.
Image Credit: Qanvast
Must Know Trend No. 5 – Pendant Glass Balls
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Since spherical lamps are in, it just makes sense that pendant glass balls are also trending. The two are almost the same, but we differentiate the two mostly by its color. Pendant glass balls are the clear ones.
Practical Tip:
Pendant glass balls are a good fit for almost any interior design theme- minimalistic, modern, industrial, or contemporary, it will look great. You just have to choose the right one since it comes in various designs.
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What’s best about pendant glass balls and spherical lamps are its shape itself. It’s a classical shape and will no doubt endure for ages. It is a good investment if you’re not looking to remodel again anytime soon.
Get This Look: Eglliano Ball Pops Hanging Lamp
Must Know Trend No. 6 – Vintage Edison Style Bulbs
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As mentioned previously, nostalgia on interior design is in. Vintage Edison Style Bulbs are adding to the mix of 2020 retro lighting trend. Mostly used in coffee shops since 2015, these lights are now trending to be used at home as it provides a touch of effortless mystery and intrigue to your household. These bulbs look great in exposed light fixtures and can add an industrial yet nostalgic feel to any space.
Practical Tip:
Edison style bulbs are more recommended for modern and industrial themed homes. With its rounded cone shape, it gives your space a homey vibe, making it perfect for dining areas and living rooms. To get these lights at its optimum in terms of design, a system of lights is recommended than a single bulb. For example, there are chandeliers made with Edison style bulbs that will provide more warmth to your industrial or retro themed home. It is also perfect for your kitchen work area.
Shop this look: Bertil Hexegon Ferris Wheel Industrial Pipe Hanging Light
These Edison style bulbs come in LEDs and vintage incandescent bulbs. If you want a more energy efficient bulb, go for the LED. But if you want the authentic retro experience, Edison style incandescent bulbs are still available in the market.
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Must Know Trend No. 7 – Cleaner Lines and Less Clutter
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Minimalism has reach new heights and for the year 2020, it is becoming more prominent in lighting. Modern décors boast clean forms despite not having the ornamentation that people once loved. The simpler, the cleaner, the better; this is becoming the trend in modern lighting.
Neutral soft colors, simple geometric designs, and a prominence of form over excessive aesthetics is in.
Practical Tip:
For modern homes, introducing lighting with cleaner lines is easy. It works perfectly in the living area, bedroom, or kitchen. When used overhead, it is great as a statement piece giving you a bold look.
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This is where the saying “less is more” comes. If you want your modern lighting fixture to stand out, avoid crowding it with other fixtures. It can stand on its own and is actually better alone, design wise. There are also reading lamps, overhead lights and accent piece that falls under this category of lighting.
Must Know Trend No. 8 – The Bigger the Better
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Big fixtures are becoming popular again. Remember in the late 90’s when it was normal to have only one lighting fixture per room? This is starting to be a thing again albeit a transformed one. This will work well usually over the dining table or over the kitchen island.
The main goal is to create a “Wow” factor and attract instant attention. More than lighting, these fixtures act as centerpieces of your space.
Practical Tip:
To pull this off, choose a big lighting fixture with ornate design. Use it in a central area like the dining or kitchen, as mentioned previously. For best results, support it with small lighting fixtures around the room to create a sense of balance.
Get this look: Laluno Lord of the Ring Lamp
A big lighting fixture over the dining table surrounded by small wall lamps on the perimeter and a pair of individual lamps on top of your buffet table is an example.
Must Know Trend No. 9 – Mid Century Modern Lighting
Shop this look: Nadeen Classy Sleek Mounted Balls Ceiling Lamp
Since its conception in the 50s and 60s, mid century designs have gone over different transformations. Now, mid century modern lighting is finding its place into your homes. Let’s face it, mid century lighting looked great. It just looked outdated. But now, the old styles have been upgraded and modernized, keeping the designs relevant and forever enviable. What’s best about mid century modern lighting is that it is available for chandeliers, pendants, wall lamps, and floor lamps.
Practical Tip:
If you want a touch of classic mid-century touch to your space, then mid century modern is your go to. For your hallway and bedroom, a good choice of mid century modern wall scone is nice. For your bathroom, there are also mid century modern vanity lights available in the market. For your dining and living room, mid century modern pendant lights and chandeliers are extremely popular.
Get this look: Incana Golden Wand Ball Pendant Lamp
Mid century modern is also a good investment if you believe that you’re home will last. It is timeless, and classic. It is a great blend of traditional and contemporary in lighting.
Shop Here: Insuppar Oval Ring Ball Pendant Lamp
Must Know Trend No. 10 – Smart Technology in Lighting
Image Credit: The Independent
Well of course, when it comes to trend, we cannot forget smart technology. Of all in the list, this is what’s going to last for more years as its innovation has yet to reach its peak.
First, what is smart technology? It is a lighting system that allows you to schedule when it will go on and off, change the brightness, and even change the colors and lighting mood depending on the installed light bulbs. Also, smart technology in lighting is now powered by your apple or android phone, making utilizing Siri, Alexa, or a google assistant possible for your lights. Albeit given the technology, smart tech lightings are still considerably quite costly in comparison to standard LED bulbs, hence uptake is still relatively low given it’s more of a want than a need.
Conclusion
It is always good to know the latest trend in interior design particularly in lighting. However, note that it is important to stick with the theme of your home. You may like everything in this list, but not all will fit your current theme. Hence shop by theme of lightings easily on our store! Furthermore, it’s important that you love your choice and you find a sense of comfort in it. After all, your home is where you will spend a lot of your time in!