5 Hot Lighting Trends

Written on January 25, 2013 at 8:30 am , by Style Spotter Editor

Hi everyone, Karman Hotchkiss, here! About a month ago, I was replacing a lightbulb in myback hallway at home. For the first time in about a decade, I really looked at the sconce I was putting the bulb into. And I thought, ‘”That’s the ugliest light fixture I’ve ever seen!” I instantly realized it was (past) time for a little lighting update.

The good news: There are more cool, trendy, interesting light fixtures than ever before. And replacing one requires only minimal DIY skills. In my research for that replacement sconce, I looked at tons of new fixtures and compiled this list of 5 hot trends in lighting.

If you’re ready to shed a little new light (har-har) on your fixtures, here are 5 trends to think about:

1. Colorful. Lights shouldn’t have to blend into the background. Use one to add a punch of color, with the shade or with the fixture itself.

2. Overscale. Pick a light that’s big. Really big.

3. Industrial/scientific. Exposed bulbs, “cage” designs, raw materials … They all evoke the sense that you just snagged your light from a warehouse or laboratory.

4. Organic. Shapes and materials inspired by nature are sure to add a layer of texture to your decor.

5. Beads and baubles. Crystals are nothing new to light fixtures. But the latest incarnation uses strings of beads or individual bubble-like balls.

Which of these ideas would work best in your home? Find a trend (or two!) you like and update a fixture today.

Happy Decorating!

–Karman Hotchkiss