12 Best Lighting Trends of 2023, According to Designers

Lighting experts say these styles will be everywhere this year.

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Published on April 12, 2023

It's time to stop thinking of lighting as the jewelry of the room and start thinking of it as the head-turning gown. Statement lighting is having a moment right now, and designers are choosing lighting near the beginning of the decorating process—even before the furnishings, upholstery, and wallcoverings.

black sconce light in bedroom — Courtesy of Z-Lite

With such an emphasis on lighting styles and fixtures, the options can be overwhelming. To help you plan your next room refresh, designers and lighting experts are dishing on the most popular trends of 2023. Take inspiration from these ideas, which range from practical to aesthetic.

black statement light in white living room — Courtesy of Revelation by Uttermost

1. Statement Light Fixtures

Statement fixtures act as sculpture in a room. “A fixture can change a room in a dramatic way—from the aspect of the light it provides, but also from the scale and form of the texture,” says Greg Martin, creative director for Kichler.

When choosing a statement light fixture, consider scale: They should be bigger than the other lighting features in the room, but not imposing. Consider how the fixture illuminates a space. Does the fixture give direct light? Bounce light off the ceiling? Cast a pattern through glass or a shade? “It all adds visual drama,” Martin says.

2. Nods to Nostalgia

A longing for the past and simpler, if idealized, times is a natural response to a few years of pandemic, unrest, and a possible global recession. Classic silhouettes from influential design periods—from old world to midcentury—and new interpretations will emerge in lighting this year.

round brass light fixture — Courtesy of Lark by Hinkley

3. Brass and Black Finishes

This winning combination continues to dominate. While farmhouse and industrial lighting styles are still popular, warmer blacks with heritage or vintage-look brass bring a new twist. While you definitely can score secondhand pieces that feature the antique brass look, there are also plenty of new options on the market that mimic this style.

4. Natural Tones

Natural elements are popular in all elements of home decor right now, and lighting is no exception. Woven grasses (like rattan and seagrass), stone, rough-cut crystals, and even highly reactive ceramic glazes continue to be style front-runners.

clear glass light fixture — Courtesy of Lark by Hinkley

5. Trending Glass

The soft glow from white glass creates less glare. Less glare means everyone using the room will see better. While LED bulbs have become much more stylish and attractive, white or patterned glass can disguise a bulb if needed. If you choose a clear glass fixture, "find one that’s totally sealed so dust doesn’t get into it,” says Bob Warmbold, certified lighting consultant at Accent Lighting.

6. Warm Finishes

Whites, warm grays, and blonde wood—hugely influential in paint and furniture colors—are making their way into lighting. Soft, warm lighting is in as well. Whether the fixture acts as the room’s centerpiece or is more in keeping with the overall room style and recedes, its light output can bring visual tension.

7. Sustainable Choices

While fixtures crafted with organic materials are a long-running trend, sustainable lighting choices, such as LED and low-voltage options, are quickly catching up. Shoppers are choosing fixtures with sustainable looks and sustainable components.

8. Lifestyle Lighting

When it comes to lighting, one thing is certain: A home should offer the best fit possible for the family’s lifestyle, and lighting plays a big role in that. Today’s lighting customers make it their own with mix-and-match options for shades or configurations. They want the ability to make lighting adapt to a room’s function—especially when that room needs to pivot from kitchen to office to workout studio.

“Break it down room by room,” says Pam Bailey of Currey & Company. “You live differently in each room. Think about: How do I use this space? Where do I need light?” In the bedroom, for example, you want easy-to-reach bedside lights. “But in my own bedroom, I need an overhead fixture and a lamp on the dresser,” she says. “I travel often, and I need light for packing my suitcases.”

gold chandelier in brown wood living room — Courtesy of Capital Lighting Fixture Co.

9. All Things Gold

Gold tones continue to grow in popularity as silver finishes recede. Muted golds and matte finishes that appear soft to the touch are on the rise. And because gold tones can match just about any decorating style, it's easy to incorporate gold fixtures anywhere in the home.

10. Lighting for Aging Eyes

With each passing year of life, it becomes more difficult for people to make out small details, see the difference between light and dark surfaces, and discriminate color. Aging also makes everyone more sensitive to glare. Brighter and more consistent lighting is increasingly important as you age.

The ALA offers these tips to help with lighting for aging eyes:

Employ indirect lighting to soften shadows and make a room’s lighting uniform.
Use diffusing shades to reduce glare.
Use adjustable task lights to direct lights where you need it.
Illuminate hazards with low-level stair, entry, and hallway lights.
Consider automatic motion sensor lighting for way-finding at night.

11. Outdoor Lighting

Alfresco rooms were all the rage during the pandemic. That trend, and lighting to make outdoor living comfortable, is staying strong. As you plan your next patio refresh, be sure to incorporate outdoor lighting that both illuminates your space and adds a soft, warm glow for a cozy atmosphere.

brass and black sconce light — Courtesy of Kichler

12. Wall Sconces

Whether they're displayed above the bed, flanking open shelving, lined up in the hallway, or even hung between mirrors in a bathroom, sconces are everywhere. Whether they're hardwired or pin-up, this lighting style works with every decorating scheme from midcentury to contemporary.