Today, consumers are not only looking for stylish lighting options but also sustainable and energy-efficient fixtures for their homes. While light can change the look of a room with just the flick of a switch, lighting choices are a crucial part of any interior design plan.
From energy-saving smart lights to fixtures that are so stylish they double as pieces of art, the latest lighting trends can be a great way to add a trendy vibe to a room or change the whole feel of a living space.
Fashion Inspired & Driven by Innovation
Lighting design is just one way designers can innovate and step outside the box creatively. Designers have been inspired by fashion, nature and technology with their latest designs for fixtures, aiming to create centerpieces for the home, not just functional illumination.
Mid-century retro fixtures continue to be very popular, with the space-age look of the 1950s making a comeback in globe lights and vintage enamel fixtures. Industrial and farmhouse-inspired designs, using a mix of wood and steel, also continues to be popular.
Boho and minimalist design have taken hold of homeowners, from city dwellers to suburbanites. Materials such as bamboo and rattan are being used, and they fit right in with the minimal aesthetic that is all the rage right now because they integrate with any color scheme chosen for any room.
Smarter Lighting
Smart homes are becoming commonplace, with functions such as security and thermostats that can be controlled through a smartphone – even when away from home. Smart lighting is part of this technological revolution. With sensors, machine learning and connectivity technology, people can have ultimate control over the lighting in their homes.
Lights can be programmed only to go on when someone enters a room, to dim when necessary or to sync with security systems to make it look like someone is home when they’re not. This is not only convenient; it also allows the homeowner to save money and energy use as well. Many newly built homes are also automatically equipped with smart functions like smart lighting, making it an increasingly standard feature in 2025.
Sustainability in Mind
Eco-friendly living continues to be a consideration for design clients. Selections and purchases are increasingly driven by a greater focus on green living, and lighting choices are no exception.
The widespread adoption of LEDs is one way modern consumers are flexing their sustainability muscles. LEDs use up to 80% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs, saving consumers money and energy through a longer lifespan and creating less waste.
From an environmental standpoint, LED lights are also easier to recycle and contain no hazardous materials. From a design standpoint, homeowners are also interested in fixtures made from recycled materials such as repurposed wood and glass that are not only more sustainably minded but also often fit right in with modern interior design trends.
Setting a Mood with Lighting
Lighting is also a great way to set an overall mood in a home. Whether your clients are looking for a cozy, hygge-minded vibe or a brighter, multicolored atmosphere, there’s a design for them.
The tone and colorcast of light can matter just as much as the design of the fixture itself. Recently, we’re seeing a shift to favor warmer tones to match the natural color trends of interior design. The application of lighting is also becoming more of a consideration since it’s possible to change the entire feel of the home by using lighting in different colors, intensities or locations.
By thinking creatively and focusing on efficiency, designers can update their lighting schemes to create an atmosphere that makes their projects welcoming, fashionable and environmentally friendly.
—Dara Greaney, founder & CEO, LEDLightExpert.com
