Top Lighting Trends of 2020
It can be easy to take home lighting for granted. All we need to do to brighten a room is flick a switch.
We don’t have to worry about exploding gas lamps or smelly candles to light our homes. Instead, we can focus on how our lighting looks and fits into our design schemes.
Wondering which lighting trends will be huge in 2020? Here are some of the top choices.
Retro Bulbs
Many people are choosing LED bulbs because they’re more efficient. They cost more up front, but the bulbs last longer. LED bulbs can last for up to 11,000 hours, compared to 1,000 hours for an incandescent bulb.
However, what do you do if you prefer the look of the old halogen bulbs? The answer is simple, buy the new retro LED version! Some designs use the diodes to create a fake filament inside the bulb.
They give that vintage look but with better environmental credentials. LEDs use less energy than incandescent bulbs, which also makes them cheaper to run.
Retro design is also part of the wider 2020 trend. Art Deco chandeliers are a popular choice for living rooms.
Pair these with 1920’s furniture in clean geometric lines and neutral colors. It’s a striking look that never goes out of style.
Accent Lighting
Thanks to the decrease in the size of LED lights, expect more accent lighting. Ropes and strips of diodes now let you light up unexpected parts of your home.
Try putting strips on the underside of shelves or in dark corners to brighten your room. This means you’re not restricted to lamps or overhead lights any more.
You can place lighting wherever the room needs it, letting you personalize the space. This makes it a popular addition to kitchen lighting trends.
If you live in an apartment, or your kitchen doesn’t get much natural daylight, try accent lighting. Install LED strips under cabinets. They brighten your work surfaces and make the room look larger.
Industrial Light Fixtures
Industrial fittings have become popular light fixtures over the last few years. Expect the trend to continue in 2020. The difference is in the type of fixtures now available.
Expect to see more variation in the tones and new metals designed for a more elegant finish. It’s the closest you’ll get to a feminine industrial look. They still look great in stainless steel kitchens because they carry the metallic theme into the kitchen’s lighting. These industrial fixtures also work with granite or marble countertops.
There’s a big focus on geometric shapes among the 2020 lighting trends. These work well with the simple materials involved in industrial design.
Want the ultimate modern look? Pair stainless steel fittings in straight lines with neutral colors in the kitchen.
Think Natural
As a total contrast to the industrial trend, there’s also a fashion for natural materials in lighting fixtures.
Think of lamps made from wood, rope, glass, ceramics, stone, or even bamboo. Recycled glass and natural rock crystal are replacing cut crystal within chandeliers.
Some chandeliers even use woven elements to mimic pendant lighting. Wicker, cloth, and even ceramic beads add a tactile feel to these natural fixtures. They become statement pieces because they look great whether the lights are on or not.
Straight geometric lines paired with neutral colors show off the beauty of natural materials. You’ll also see lots of woven materials among this trend.
They make a great contrast with the industrial fixtures. You can also choose metal and combine it with more natural materials for a bold look. Metal contrasts nicely with faux-marble designs for a contemporary finish.
Metal also looks more natural when the forms are more fluid and organic. Look for fixtures with flowing, curved lines. Spirals are a popular choice.
Try New Finishes
The newest finish is called Antique Silver, or Silver Leaf. It’s the opposite of the cold, and sometimes harsh, nature of shiny silver.
Instead, think warm tones with a more matte finish. This pairs nicely with the warm grays we’ve seen in interior design in 2019.
Silver Leaf works beautifully with the popular geometric forms and new freeform shapes. Pair it with recycled glass for a look that’s both modern and Art Deco at the same time.
If you prefer something more unusual, try a black finish. Matte options look stunning with accents of gold.
Dark Sky Compatible Lighting
Another lighting trend is extending indoor spaces into your yard. Using the right lighting outdoors helps to create a mood.
However, light pollution is a real problem in 21st-century cities. Even in rural areas, outdoor lighting can contribute to light pollution. With the right design you can avoid these problems.
Look for outdoor lights that point straight down, so the light doesn’t escape upwards. Look at the BUG rating, which is Backlight, Uplight, and Glare. The lower the rating, the better the light is for avoiding light pollution.
Check that the fixtures you buy are DLC Premium-rated, so you know they’re Dark Sky compatible.
Smart Lighting
Smart lightbulbs have been available for some time, but in 2020 expect bigger things. You can control your lighting set up using your smart home assistant.
Smart lighting lets you sync the lights to the music you’re listening to. It creates an immersive and enjoyable experience.
You can also automate the lights to turn off and on while you’re away from home. This improves your home security by letting others think someone is home.
Using colored smart bulbs also lets you turn your lighting system into an alarm clock. Simulating sunrise with your lighting provides a more natural way to wake up in the morning.
Which Lighting Trends Will You Follow?
It’s true that lighting trends can and do change. They can become dated when fashions move on. Often it’s best to choose trends that match the decor you already have.
That way the lighting choices become timeless and part of how you express yourself. Lighting is a personal preference and it can bring your home alive. Remember to have fun with it. Design is about creativity!
Want to explore the outdoor lighting trends? Contact us today to help you with your designs and installation.