If you’re not already one of the 18 million TikTok viewers captivated by the stick-on sorcery of a certain set of ceiling fixtures on Amazon, allow me to enlighten you.

Made by a company called Gotopceed, they look just like wired-in recessed lighting, except here, there’s no renovation required. You simply stick an easy-to-remove magnetic strip to the ceiling, which holds an impossibly thin disk flush against the surface as if it were custom-installed. No drywall dust. No anxiously awaiting an electrician between the hours of 12 and 4 PM.

Obviously, you can’t flip them on with a switch the way you would traditional recessed lighting, so there’s a workaround. Two, actually: a remote control or simply walking into the room.

They turn on via motion sensor, which makes them ideal for those areas where you need illumination but cannot be bothered to fumble for a switch – say, the garage, when your hands are already full of shopping bags, handbags, coffee, keys, and your phone. No more doing your Lucille Ball act in the dark.

Living in an apartment, I think my most practical use case for these stick-on lights is actually the entryway, so every time I walk in, I’m greeted by a soft, ambient glow. But I could also see them over the kitchen sink. Inside a closet. Maybe near the shower. Anywhere that I’d rather avoid the big light. Especially before a morning barre class, when I’m half-awake and trying to locate a matching workout set without fully activating my nervous system.

Basically, I want to stick them everywhere. I carry a lot of things – mentally, physically, emotionally, occasionally all at once – and this no-reno design hack feels like one small way to make life easier.

Additional Stick-On Ceiling Lights

Don't sleep on the non-viral lighting solutions. There are several lesser-known, though equally sneaky options where that came from.

Recessed lighting (or at least convincing people you have it) is essential. But for the decidedly more fun developments happening in the lighting world, don’t miss what’s trending for 2026. There’s a very real chance your new stick-ons can get involved.

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Every home has its floor lamps, its table lamps, its flush mounts, and its pendants – key details that both illuminate rooms and establish moods. But there's another player in the mix – one that is essential to a layered lighting scheme: the wall light.

Whether mounted, plugged-in, or rechargeable by design, wall lights are small but impactful lighting ideas that act as the finishing touch in a home's lighting layout. We were recently reminded of their usefulness in our tour of Cornerstone Design & Build's Toronto remodel. Room after room, wall lights are put to use in this project – in bedrooms as bedside lights, bathrooms as vanity lighting, and the kitchen as task lighting – demonstrating just how beneficial these details can be in every room around the home.

But here's the thing about wall lights – their appeal spans beyond just their practicality. Of course, they make sense for small bedrooms with no space for table lamps or bathrooms with no overhead lighting. However, they also play a role in creating layered lighting schemes, since their mid-level glow adds both depth and dimension to rooms. Wall lights can even double as wall decor, too, acting as illuminated embellishments for bare spaces. And since they conveniently mount on walls, they keep tables and floors free of excess clutter.

Think of wall lights as the quiet icons of home design – bringing light, style, and practical functionality to interiors without overwhelming a space. If you don't have one, consider this your sign to get one for your home. Trust us, your walls will be happy that you did. Shop our curated assortment of wall lights, below.

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If you've ever wanted to feel like an old Hollywood starlet getting ready for her close-up as you do your makeup, then Kylie Jenner has the perfect design formula for you. The 'Glam Room' in her Hollywood Hills home is utterly perfect.

Kylie worked with Martyn Lawrence Bullard to transform the property into a gorgeous pink getaway, and her makeup room captures the whimsical vibe woven throughout the home. Though the pink leather chairs, shag rug, and pink marble countertops are the most eye-catching elements of the room, we think the lit mirrors are the most striking. They give the room a retro, feminine feel that exudes old Hollywood glamour. It's like a sneak peek into Jayne Mansfield's pink palace. As if this wasn't perfect enough, Kylie adds a pink neon sign to add an extra touch of interest through her lighting.

Luckily for those who love the room, demand for 'weird' decor is only increasing in 2026. Google data shows a 427% increase in searches for 'whimsy decor,' and Kylie Jenner's mirror lighting is the perfect example of how to embrace whimsy in your home. To explore, let's take a peek into her space. We've also curated an edit of products that resemble those in Kylie's room, and interviewed experts on adding whimsy to your home.

Recreate Kylie's Glam Room at Home

Michael Rolland, Design Expert at The Paint Shed, explains: 'Whimsy is about silliness, joy, and making something innocuous into a charming detail. A simple way to do this in a home is to add joyful colour and, more importantly, a personal touch.'

As Kylie Jenner's dressing room shows, the real magic of a home comes through when you throw convention to the wind. One way to do this, advises Michael, is through the unexpected use of color. He recommends: 'Painting different surfaces in unusual colours can definitely bring some light-heartedness into a space and “whimsy up the room." Another trick can be to choose an unconventional, unique wallpaper pattern and apply it to one or two walls in a room, rather than all four. This half-patterned, half-unified decor scheme creates a slightly unconventional and charming style.'

Integrating vintage pieces, as Kylie has done with her Barbie prints, is another great option for livening up a space with whimsy. You can always redesign these pieces to make them even more fun. Michael suggests: 'Reworking old wooden furniture is ideal for embracing the creativity of whimsy. Incorporating a range of different colors on the different shelves of a bookshelf, for example, is a creative way to transform interiors. Try painting a furniture item that's not usually bright and colourful - like a dining table. For those not sure how to approach this, a moodboard of inspiring patterns and colour combinations can be a good start.'

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London-based decorative artist, designer, and printmaker Ellen Merchant and lighting brand Pooky share a few key sensibilities – namely, a love of color, craftsmanship, and a perennial sense of play. It’s why they’ve come back together for a third collaboration, this time on a series of handmade lampshades in lively botanical prints inspired by the shades of the English countryside.

If you’re familiar with Ellen’s work, the designs may ring a bell. The all-linen range draws from four patterns in her latest fabric and wallpaper collection: Palmette (‘A little bit of Ancient Greece meets a lot of groovy,’ a playful reworking of the classic palm), Posy (delicate bunches of florals forming squiggly stripes), Poppies (a mesmerizing tangle of Arts & Crafts–inspired interlacing stems), and Spriglee (musing the wild climbing jasmine in Ellen’s own garden).

‘It has been a joy to partner with Pooky for our third collaboration,’ shares Ellen. ‘This season, rather than designing from scratch, we worked closely to curate a selection from my newest fabric and wallpaper patterns, translating them into lighting that is vibrant in both motif and mood. We’ve sought to reimagine the traditional spring floral by pairing playful botanical silhouettes with an English countryside palette – balancing striking cornflower blue and canola yellow with sophisticated, earthy tones to ground the collection.’

True to Pooky’s mix-and-match ethos, the possibilities are near-endless across these signature shade silhouettes, ranging from 5.5” to 20”. You could pair one with a resin table lamp base shaped like a horse (why not), or riff upon the collection’s already-earthy feel with a natural wood floor lamp – either way, it serves as a small but welcome reminder that it’s no longer 28 degrees.

Florals and botanical references rarely miss, but this expansion, with its interplay of pale and punchy hues, arrives at a particularly opportune moment, offering a gentle nudge into spring and summer.

Whether you’re refreshing an existing Pooky base or starting from scratch, discover our favorite shades from the characterful new collection.

Speaking of seasonal transitions, your closet is probably due for the biggest reset of all. As you swap out lampshades and throw pillows, don’t forget to cleanse that wardrobe – it’s what really locks in that feeling of new.

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Having spent many a summer as a Style Editor in the interiors space, I’ve noticed one shift without question: the fastest-moving category in outdoor aesthetics right now is portable lighting. The clearest example this season is Shea McGee’s wicker-look lamp from her new Target drop – a piece that, from price tag to taste, feels almost too good to be true.

Not long ago, outdoor portable lamps were neither. Ugly – and, worse, expensive. Shea’s cordless number, on the other hand, priced at a cool $30, features an on-trend woven tapered shade, an integrated LED, and, unlike many purportedly ‘outdoor’ lamps, actually resists the elements.

It’s a bit like buying a flatscreen: prices are now a laughable margin of what we once forked over, and the quality is just so, so much better.

Back in the days of yore (read: 2023), a $30 portable lamp might have proved no better than a wildly overpriced piece of garbage. Now, it seems like the smarter outdoor living room buy – especially when (without naming names) it looks near-identical to options priced four times higher.

I give it a week before it sells out. Maybe less.

How I'd Style It

There’s plenty of leeway when it comes to styling a classic coastal lamp like this, but if I were setting the most 2026 scene possible (which, interestingly, looks a lot like St. Tropez, circa 1960), here are the top three patio ideas I’d pick to make it happen.

Additional Outdoor Lamps

Discover three more portable lamps that, as a style editor, make me want to cry tears of joy. They grow up so fast.

There are plenty more Shea McGee–designed gems where that came from – including a few I’d move on sooner rather than later. My edit of nine favorites covers every alfresco occasion.

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Very few problems can exist under the shade of the resort-style, fringe-trimmed parasol you flirted with all summer 2025 – and now finally own. You’re living that spring–summer fantasy all day, but come nightfall, one not-insignificant issue sets in: where did the ambience go? Your outdoor living room, unlike your indoor one, can’t exactly accommodate a ‘big light’ sans ceiling – or so you thought.

ALDI just dropped an unassuming, but highly impactful $10 umbrella light that clips neatly around the top of your patio umbrella, casting a soft overhead glow that makes outdoor dining or lounge setups feel like full-fledged rooms. It’s remote-controlled, too, which means you can adjust the ambience mid-hosting without abandoning your post.

As a style editor, I’ll be the first to say it: on its own, this umbrella light isn’t much to look at. But it does something beautiful – and getting the most out of its unlikely glow is all about what you pair it with.

How I'd Style It

Whether you need one new outdoor living room essential or you’re starting from scratch, here’s how I’d set the scene.

Portable Outdoor Lighting

While ALDI's umbrella light handles the lion’s share of the garden glow, any design-obsessed person knows the ‘big light’ can’t do it all. Here are a few portable lamps I’d layer in nearby – on side tables, dining tables, even in a lonely corner.

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Outdoor lighting takes center stage on your home’s facade. Whether it’s flanking the front door, illuminating the path that leads guests in, or casting a glow over the garden at night, the right fixtures do more than add safety and convenience. They enhance your home’s exterior in a way that feels polished, warm, and welcoming.

When you’re choosing your outdoor lighting, as such a visible and important design element, starting with the right retailer makes all the difference. Here, we've narrowed down our go-to brands and stores, broken down by price point and specialty, to set you down the right, well-lit path.

Luxury Outdoor Lighting

From period-inspired sconces to statement-making outdoor chandeliers, these retailers promise high-end, high-style lighting that's worth the investment.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is a go-to source for exterior lighting that looks like it’s always been there; in other words, high-quality pieces that take reference from classic fixtures and historic architecture. You’ll find industrial-inspired gooseneck sconces, lantern lighting with a French Provincial feel, and colonial-era pendants reimagined for today.

Many pieces are customizable in size and finish, which is rare at this price point and makes it a strong choice for buyers who want something that feels considered rather than off-the-shelf.

Best for: Customized outdoor lighting, classic and midcentury styles

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 5-7 business days, custom orders take 2-4 weeks

Restoration Hardware

For modern statement lighting that can hold its own against intricate architecture or a substantial facade, it’s hard to beat RH. Think oversized lanterns, iron-and-crystal outdoor chandeliers, and sleek, contemporary sconces that enhance the overall design of your home’s exterior.

The collection also includes lighting collaborations with creatives like master glass artist Alison Berger and interior designers Timothy Oulton and Jonathan Browning, which gives many of the pieces a more distinctive, high-design feel.

Best for: Statement lighting that feels special

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 7-10 business days, custom orders take 12-24 weeks

Frontgate

If you're after timeless, well-made outdoor lighting but don't want to scroll through pages of options, Frontgate is a smart place to shop. The collection of outdoor wall sconces, pendants, and path lighting is relatively small, but it's thoughtfully curated, with classic silhouettes and polished finishes that feel traditional in the best way.

Best for: Classic fixtures and finishes, reliable quality

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 3-7 business days

Ferguson Home

Ferguson is less of a brand and more of a destination. The site carries an exceptionally wide selection from some of the most recognized names in lighting, like Currey & Co., Hinkley, and Visual Comfort. If you’re lucky enough to live near one of their 250+ showrooms nationwide, seeing the lighting in person can streamline decision-making, especially if you’re trying to coordinate existing fixtures or finishes.

Best for: High-end brand selection

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 business days

Design-Forward Lighting Specialists

These retailers focus specifically on lighting, so you’ll typically find a wider range of styles, along with more specialized fixtures and landscape lighting options.

Pooky Lighting

Exterior lighting can often feel a little limited, style-wise, but Pooky breaks the mold with an outdoor collection that prioritizes design personality over predictable basics. You’ll find sage green lantern pendants, Art Deco-inspired lights with laser-cut details, and cast-brass downlights inspired by ships' funnels. It’s an especially good option if you're after outdoor lighting that feels distinctive and a little more design-forward than the norm.

Best for: Lighting that feels timeless but original

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most orders arrive in 7-10 business days

Shades of Light

The outdoor collection at Shades of Light includes more than 600 styles from leading brands, along with exclusive pieces designed and produced in the company’s Virginia workshop. The assortment is mostly made up of traditional styles, but you'll find bohemian and modern fixtures mixed in.

Best for: Coordinated lighting sets

Price positioning: $$

Delivery details: Most items ship in 1-3 days

Lamps Plus

If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it at Lamps Plus. The assortment is broad in terms of style, application, and price point, but there’s heavy emphasis on accessibility and value. The outdoor line is anchored by the brand’s own John Timberland label, which covers wall sconces, post lights, path lighting, and garden accents, but you’ll also find well-regarded lines like Kathy Ireland, Troy, and Savoy House.

Best for: A huge selection, from low-to high-end

Price positioning: $-$$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 4-8 business days

Volt Lighting

Volt specializes in landscape and outdoor lighting, making it a strong source for everything from uplighting trees to illuminating a pool area or lining a front walkway after dark. Because the company designs, manufactures, and sells its products directly, prices are notably competitive, and its landscape lighting kits make it easy to get everything you need to light your yard in one go.

Best for: Speciality landscape lighting that looks stylish

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items ship in 1-3 days

Affordable Outdoor Lighting

If budget and convenience are a priority, it's hard to beat these mass-market lighting sources.

Target

Target's outdoor lighting sweet spot is patio and garden accent lighting – solar string lights, rechargeable lanterns, and decorative path lighting – particularly from its in-house brands like Threshold and Hearth & Hand. The selection isn't comprehensive, but it's trend-focused and stylish, especially for the price. For a quick refresh or a tight budget where looks still matter, it's a reliable first stop.

Best for: Accent and decorative lighting

Price positioning: $

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 1-3 days

Wayfair

Like its other categories, Wayfair's outdoor lighting selection is enormous, making it an easy starting point for buyers who want maximum variety in style and price point. Its assortment of matching collections also makes it a convenient option for buyers who need a complete, coordinated exterior lighting scheme at a reasonable price point.

Best for: A large selection of affordable and coordinated lighting

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days

Home Depot

Home Depot's exterior lighting selection is, in a word, large. With more than 12,000 fixtures in inventory – from basic security and solar path lighting, to stylish wall sconces and string lights in almost any configuration you can think of – it’s an easy one-stop shop for almost any outdoor lighting need. Quality and price point tend to be middle of the road, with a mix of Home Depot’s in-house brands (Hampton Bay and Home Decorator’s Collection) and reliable mass-market brands like Jonathan Y and Kichler.

Best for: Landscape and security lighting, string lights

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Lowe's

Lowe’s fills a similar role to Home Depot, with a broad, practical assortment and the advantage of easy in-store access. If you’re in search of utilitarian lighting options or you’re prioritizing convenience and value over design variety, it’s a reliable option.

Best for: Coordinated lighting at an affordable price point

Price positioning: $-$$

Delivery details: In-stock items arrive in 2-5 days, Same-day delivery from local stores

Vintage, One-of-a-Kind and Specialty Makers

Looking for lighting that feels unique, vintage, or made to your specifications? Start with these go-to sources for more distinctive pieces.

Etsy

Etsy is the right call when you want something that no one else on the block will have – handmade copper sconces, vintage pendants from the year your home was built, mushroom-shaped garden lights, or custom-fabricated fixtures from independent makers and artisans around the world.

Best for: Custom lighting, pieces that suit any architectural style

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Chairish

Chairish carries a range of vintage, new, and pre-owned lighting, and if you know what you're looking for and are willing to get creative, there are plenty of stylish possibilities. For outdoor lighting specifically, the inventory leans toward vintage gas lanterns, modern re-editions of antique designs, and mid-century and Art Deco pieces that can add real character to an exterior.

Best for: Vintage lighting

Price positioning: $$-$$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

1st Dibs

1stDibs is a top bet for buyers with a specific aesthetic or piece in mind (and, generally speaking, an ample budget). Like Chairish and Etsy, 1stDibs is a goldmine for vintage outdoor lighting, but what sets it apart is its community of renowned and avant-garde contemporary designers who sell directly on the platform. Whether it's concrete sconces made in Paris or a Brutalist aluminum wall light crafted in Sao Paolo, 1stDibs connects buyers directly to niche lighting designers around the globe.

Best for: High-end, one of a kind lighting that looks like art

Price positioning: $$$

Delivery details: Lead times vary by vendor

Our Favorite Outdoor Lighting to Shop Now

Outdoor Lighting FAQs

What Makes Outdoor Lighting Different Than Indoor Lighting?

Outdoor lighting may look similar to indoor styles, but the difference is in the durability. Outdoor lights are designed to withstand rain and wind, and are usually "damp-rated," or safe to use in wet locations. Outdoor lights are given an IP (Ingress Protection) safety rating, which "grades the resistance of an enclosure against the intrusion of dust or liquids," according to the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Can You Use Indoor Lighting Outside?

It is generally not advised to use indoor lighting outdoors, with the exception of indoor/outdoor string lights, or portable fixtures and table lamps that can be brought inside when not in use.

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As much as I enjoy spending time outside, I've never been a camping enthusiast. In fact, I tried camping in my backyard once (if that even counts), and it only took me an hour in that tent before I snuck back inside to my bedroom. So, when I saw that IKEA had released SOLUPPGÅNG, an outdoor collection brimming with camping essentials, I didn't think anything would be worthy of my attention. But I have very quickly been proven wrong.

Sure, the products from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG range are intended for outdoor recreation activities, but they're definitely not limited to such. The LED Lantern, for instance, though made for illuminating a campsite, is an outdoor lighting idea that I'm convinced belongs on every patio this summer. Just look at its industrial chic design aesthetic – it's a stylish choice for patio decor and it serves the practical purpose of lighting up your outdoor space.

At less than $25, this lantern is practically a steal. It can hang anywhere you need it to – from a tree branch in your backyard, a hook against your exterior walls, or even from your pergola. Plus, it's small enough to act as an outdoor table lamp, bringing ample light to any corner without taking up too much space.

In my opinion, there are few portable lamp designs that are as convenient as this IKEA lantern. Since it's made for outdoor activities, you can trust that it's sturdy and well-built. Its caged exterior adds an extra layer of durability that keeps it safe from any accidents. Not only that, but its handle makes it particularly convenient to move from place to place or hang up to create a makeshift pendant.

As for its light output, this LED lantern emits a warm, radiant glow. It's the perfect outdoor dining table feature – illuminating evening dinners with effortless elegance. And if you plan on enjoying any late night walks this summer, this lantern is the best light source to carry with you. Forget using your phone's flashlight, carrying this LED lantern will make your evening stroll feel like a 'main character moment'.

Like I mentioned before, this lantern comes from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG series, which is a range of products designed specifically for outdoor activities like camping. But if you're not one to trek out into the woods for an overnight stay, the SOLUPPGÅNG series is still useful – for park picnics, backyard lounging, or even beach days. Lucky for us, the rest of products are just as stylish as the LED lantern, and since they're made for outdoor activities, you can trust that their durability is top notch, too.

So, if you're interested in getting some high-quality outdoor decor, shop three more picks from IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG range, below.

More From IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG Range

IKEA's SOLUPPGÅNG series is brimming with things to bring to a picnic, things to bring camping, or things to keep in your backyard – including some practical pieces like the enameled steel mugs and handy sporks, and even some decor like this soft throw blanket and this washable throw pillow cover. With these pieces in your outdoor collection, you'll be prepared to participate in any summertime activity.

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If you've ever wondered why you sleep so incredibly well when you are on vacation by the sea, it's not a coincidence. In fact, some coastal populations are among the healthiest in the world, especially in the Mediterranean, which is known as a blue zone for its natural lighting and wellbeing benefits.

While your body's internal body clock works to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, it's heavily influenced by exposure to natural light, with cortisol hormones released in the morning to facilitate easier waking.

That increased alertness, especially around natural light, is exactly why, as the resident Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I recommend using the Govee Smart Light Bulbs, available at Amazon, in your bedroom space, to cleverly mimic the most beneficial morning sunshine, and help you to wake naturally without grogginess.

What Is the Circadian Rhythm Lighting Tip?

It's a simple and budget-friendly switch to help you sleep better and ensure you wake refreshed, rather than lethargic.

Blue zones was first coined by demographer Michel Poulain and physician Giovanni Mario Pes, who were investigating why some populations live longer than others in Sardinia.

Journalist Dan Buettner went on to collaborate with them in his own worldwide explorations on longevity and authored The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest, available at Amazon.

While there is no 'magic bullet', as noted in the paper published in the National Library of Medicine, those living in coastal areas often enjoy increased time in natural sunlight.

This, of course, helps to naturally regulate our circadian rhythms and, therefore, sleep cycles. Melatonin is released in the body towards bedtime (and as it gets dark) to help you drift off. As morning nears, the cortisol hormone is released to aid in easier waking. That's why having more natural light aids waking.

To easily achieve this cortisol-regulating benefit in your sleep environment, regardless of your location, you can switch your normal bedside lamp bulbs for smart ones and alter the hue to something more beneficial. Combined with the smart tech that allows you to program it to turn on automatically, you will be able to enjoy reduced grogginess every morning.

Smart bulbs, such as the Govee Smart Light Bulbs, available at Amazon, come complete with a sunrise setting timer. Filling your room with gradually brightening light in the morning is a scientifically proven way to wake up slowly and naturally, leaving you feeling more refreshed.

What the Sleep Experts Say

Dr. Andrew Gall is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College and a Neuroscientist who studies the neural mechanisms and functions of sleep, including how light affects circadian rhythms.

He explains, 'Smart bulbs can be a useful tool to improve sleep because they act as a "zeitgeber," (a time cue) to help you wake up naturally with the sunlight. This is especially important because our sleep-wake patterns need to be aligned with the sun and darkness to have maximal benefits for us.'

Restorative sleep is vital to long-term wellbeing as it allows the body to do important healing work overnight, removing or fixing damaged cells, reducing inflammation, processing memories, and much more.

Dr Gall advises that using other forms of traditional alarm clocks that wake us up at a specific, allotted time do so without regard for the sleep state we are in.

'We experience the most benefits of sleep when we wake up directly from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, because our brain activity during REM sleep is more similar to our brain activity during wakefulness,' continues Dr. Gall. 'You may have noticed that sometimes when your alarm clock goes off, you immediately hit snooze and feel very groggy.

'This is likely because your traditional alarm clock woke you up during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is a time when our brain activity mismatches that during wakefulness.'

This is where using a smart bulb comes in handy: The technology can be used to wake you gently, by providing a less jarring cue that cleverly aligns with and reflects the rising sun.

'We will then wake up naturally and refreshed, rather than artificially and groggy,' adds Dr. Gall, harnessing all the proven benefits of the Dutch Method for sleep, but without having to actually leave your curtains and blinds open.

How to Try the Circadian Lighting Hack

With the Govee Smart Light Bulbs, available at Amazon, trying the Circadian Lighting Hack for yourself is easy, as it comes with a Sunrise & Sunset mode, so you can set your bulbs to brighten when you wake up, and gradually dim in the evening to help you to fall asleep fast.

'It is important that the smart bulb is closely aligned with the time the sun comes up,' advises Dr. Gall. 'It is also important to go to bed sufficiently early, and at the same time each night, to meet your sleep need, and to align your internal clock – set by your body's circadian rhythms – with the sun.

'Our bodies will get maximal benefit if we go to bed at the same time each night, get enough sleep to meet our own body's sleep need, and wake up naturally when the sun rises.'

Additionally, he says, it's critical to get outside in the morning, to soak in some of the natural light's rays, help you to become a morning person, and provide you with benefits for your day ahead.

'Even better, if you go for a morning walk, you will get the benefit of exercise, natural light, and add a good, healthy breakfast, and you're making some important changes to benefit your health in the long run!'

More to Shop

Using a smart lightbulb isn't the only way to mimic the morning sunlight or make the most of it naturally. Shop my edit of sleep essentials to ensure you wake feeling refreshed, whatever the weather and time of year.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

You may now know how to harness natural light in the mornings, but do you know how to design your bedroom for sensational sleep?

One thing about me – I thoroughly think through every single purchase I make. It doesn't matter what it is – a cute dress, jewelry, decor for my apartment – you can bet on me to sit and think about something for days before actually buying it.

That said, all of my better judgment was lost when I came across this portable rattan lamp from Walmart. It was my quickest purchase to date – no leaving it open in my tabs for days on end, no sending it to friends for a second opinion. After just one glance, I knew I needed it.

Let me preface my impulsivity with the fact that I've been looking for a portable lamp for a while. Most styles I've come across have been too utilitarian for my taste, and the ones that I did like have sat in my cart for weeks as I mulled over the expense. Not this one, though. Its intricately woven base and shade, paired with its cordless capabilities, were what I had been looking for (and almost paid triple for). And for just $19.74 – which is cheaper than the cost of my lunch here in New York City – I was instantly sold.

At just 9" in height and 4.5" in width, this lamp is definitely mini, but that makes it perfect for small spaces. If your small bedroom nightstand isn't large enough for a full-sized table lamp, this is the most practical alternative. It's even short enough to fit on a bookcase shelf or on a countertop underneath kitchen cabinets. And though it be but small, its light output is ever-so mighty– providing three different levels of light to fit your needs.

This lamp also has excellent reviews on Walmart's site, with many commenting on its chic style, versatility, and ambient glow. 'I need like 5 more,' one reviewer wrote. And honestly? Same.

Bottom line: sometimes it's okay to impulse buy – especially when it's for Walmart's portable rattan lamp. With a design this chic and a price this cheap, it's unlikely that this lamp will stay in stock much longer. So go ahead, act on impulse. I won't judge. And if you want to get some matching rattan decor for your home, check out a few more options from Walmart, below.

Shop Chic Rattan Decor from Walmart

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In 2026, it seems like everyone wants a statement something in their home – from a striking, statement couch in the living room to a bold, statement wallpaper in the bathroom. While decorating with statement pieces is a must-do this year, it can also feel like a big commitment, but in terms of money and style.

If you like the idea of decorating a room with statement pieces but you don't want to commit to something major like a bold floral sofa or a vibrantly striped wallpaper, then allow me to introduce you to a more suitable, equally as stylish alternative: a design-oriented floor lamp.

Floor lamps have been making a slow but steady comeback in the world of lighting trends, and the designs are only getting more playful, experimenting with shapes, colors, and materials. These are the picks our style editors have on their radar for adding a low-commitment, high-impact focal point to any room.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

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IKEA has steadily been releasing smart tech for the home that's straightforward and affordable, including smart versions of IKEA's best-selling classics.

The IKEA VARMBLIXT Pendant Lamp is one of their latest releases. Now dimmable and color-changing, this pendant light delivers a striking yet seamless ambiance to the room, without needing to use an expensive smart hub to customize it.

It's a fuss-free addition to your smart home setup that can elevate any space that it's in.

IKEA's homeware has a talent for sitting comfortably between eye-catching and seamless, and the latest VARMBLIXT pendant light is no exception.

Frosted, U-shaped arms and color-changing ambiance bring an element of striking design into a device that can adapt to your evenings. Using the included remote, you can adjust the coloring and watch as it shifts from a bright yellow to a subtle, warm orange.

Unlike many other smart home must-haves, you don't need a smart hub to customize the VARMBLIXT pendant lamp. However, if you do have a hub, you can set the light to align automatically with the brightness levels throughout the day and control multiple lights at once.

The IKEA VARMBLIXT is Matter-compatible, so if you already have an Alexa, Google, or Apple Home device, it will work harmoniously within your setup.

You can also set the light to turn on and off at different times, to make it seem like you're home when you're away, as an expert-recommended home security tip.

The IKEA VARMBLIXT LED Pendant Lamp is available for $159.99.

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Installing smart lighting is one of the best ways to reduce friction in your home. It's a small upgrade that might not seem worthy of the investment (it's only replacing a light switch, after all), however, it can make controlling your lighting from anywhere simple, offering safety, peace of mind, and flexibilty.

Here are a few more of IKEA's recently released smart lamps to elevate your space while blending into your environment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn about the smart tech that's so beautiful, you don't have to hide it.

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Smart bulbs create a lovely ambiance in any room, emitting dimmable hues across millions of colors that can match your mood or gathering. You can also set up lighting schedules that are useful to you, and to ward off burglars, especially if you are planning to go away for spring break or for a summer vacation.

Typically, you'd expect to spend more than $50 on this luxury, but I was happy to find that the Lepro B2 AI Smart Light Bulbs at Amazon are currently on offer for just $6.65 per bulb, when you buy as a pack of four – a discount exclusively available for Amazon Prime members. Don't worry, you can activate a month's free Prime trial to snap up the deal if you're not.

This automated lighting smart home setup is a truly effortless way to bring calm into your home sanctuary, without an expensive smart hub or fiddly installation.

The Lepro Smart Bulbs Are an Affordable Way to Automate Your Evening Ambiance

By setting schedules in the Lepro app for their smart bulbs, your lights can turn on automatically at sunset, then gradually dim as the evening goes on.

The ability to set schedules removes the need for manually adjusting the lights as the evening draws in, but it can also help to secure your home while you're away on vacation.

Using two smart bulbs, you can make it seem like you're home by setting lights to turn on and off in different rooms, deterring potential intruders. It's an effective, inexpensive way to improve your home security while on vacation this spring.

You can also set presets for when you're hosting spring gatherings and dinner parties, or when it's time to settle in for movie night, so you don't have to move a muscle to enjoy a change in your mood lighting.

For comparison, a singular Philips Hue smart bulb at Amazon costs $51.99, while a four-pack of Govee smart bulbs at Amazon costs $33.98. Both options have similar features – dimmable light, smart home compatibility, and millions of hues – but cost significantly more.

Lepro is offering a quality, affordable alternative that actually has extra functionality that you don't typically find in Philips Hue and Govee bulbs. For instance, you can take a photo of your living room interior, for example, and the Lepro app will generate ideal lighting scenes.

It can also adapt to the movie that you're watching, emulating similar colors to what is on the TV screen for extra entertainment immersion. If you pair that with one of our best soundbars, your movie-theater-at-home experience will be exponentially elevated.

If you have a voice assistant, such as an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot or a Google Nest, you can use it to turn on and adjust the Lepro lights, too.

The four-pack of Lepro B2 AI Smart Light Bulbs is discounted to $26.59 at Amazon.

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The Lepro smart bulbs are an inexpensive solution to automating your evening routine, providing a warm ambiance that can also be simultaneously leveraged to secure your home while you're out or on vacation.

As Home Tech Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I have curated a selection of useful smart products to help uplift your space, streamline your routine, and make the most of the smart technology on offer.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, see how to make any room feel custom-designed with color-changing bulbs, and the surprising places you can use solar lights.

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Don't get me wrong, I love the elegance of hardwired sconces – their flush fit against a wall, their effortless glow, and of course, their clean, cordless look. But what I don't love is their permanence – designed to stay put, hardwired sconces force you to make a long-term design decision.

There's an easy alternative wall-mounted lighting idea that's far less permanent but equally as stylish as hardwired sconces: plug-in sconces. As the name suggests, these sconces conveniently plug into outlets to power on. They're far more adaptable than their hardwired counterparts, plus, they eliminate the need for you to call an electrician for installation. All you need to do is choose a spot on your wall, mount the sconce in its place, plug it in, and voila – an instant atmosphere shift with little to no effort.

For renters, plug-in sconces are a must-have. And for those stricken with interior indecision, they're a lifesaver. Plug-in sconces give you the luxury of change, allowing you to modify your lighting scheme without any hassle.

There are so many reasons to love plug-in sconces. In my opinion, their accessibility is paramount – without the need for hardwiring, anyone can install these light fixtures in no time. Plus, they're typically much less expensive than their hardwired counterparts, making them much more attainable for home redesigns on a budget.

Aesthetically speaking, plug-in sconces can look just as stylish as hardwired alternatives. However, their visible cords are definitely a point of contention. That said, some plug-in sconces are designed with stylish cords, like the woven fabric cord of Magnolia's Chester Enamel Plug-In Sconce. Others are made to be a design feature themselves, like the elongated stem cord on Mitzi's Faye Plug-In Sconce. But if the plug-in sconce you like isn't designed with a stylish cord, you can always cover it with a cord cover, like this plaid option from Greenrow.

Even their versatility makes plug-in sconces a convenient pick for interior lighting. While it might seem obvious to mount them on either side of your bed, you can hang plug-in sconces anywhere in close enough proximity to an outlet. Mount one in your living room next to your sofa as a reading lamp, or hang one in your bathroom beside the mirror for an ambient glow. If you have a small home or apartment, plug-in sconces are particularly helpful as they free up floor and table space by making use of your walls, instead.

If design trends have taught us anything recently, it's that our interiors aren't stagnant, unchanging spaces. Quite the opposite, actually – they're made to grow and evolve along with our personal taste. Plug-in sconces account for that. You can mount them as you please and move them around when need be – giving you full control to change your mind (and the style of your space) whenever you want.

Although one of the draws to plug-in sconces is their flexibility, they still need to be mounted, and they must be in close proximity to an outlet. So, if you're looking for a light feature that doesn't require either of those things, a portable lamp might be an even better alternative.

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Since its debut collaboration with Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis three years ago, IKEA’s donut-shaped VARMBLIXT lamp has been the retailer’s worst-kept secret – and easily its most popular lighting design to date. Now, the curvaceous silhouette remains the same, but for the first time, it’s upped its IQ, introducing color-shifting and dimmable capabilities that push the atmosphere at home well beyond the original amber glow.

The VARMBLIXT 2.0 works straight out of the box via a pre-paired remote control. Like IKEA’s other smart lighting products, it also connects to the DIRIGERA hub and the IKEA Home Smart app (as well as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and the like), unlocking far more nuanced control. Users can match lighting to the rhythm of the day, control multiple lamps at once, and explore a surprisingly expansive palette of more than 40 shades, drawn from a broader spectrum of over 12,000 color presets.

The update arrives hot on the heels of 2026's atmospheric lighting trend, which sees color-changing light as one of the easiest ways to shift the mood of a room – often out-ambiencing even the furniture itself. The original amber glow lent itself nicely to relaxed rituals like listening to vinyl records, but the expanded palette now opens the door to far more calibrated experience: turquoise for winding down in the evening, warm reds that won’t disrupt melatonin before sleep, lively yellows for morning, soft pinks for dinner parties, and plenty more in between.

Importantly, these shifts happen seamlessly. Considerable attention was paid to the transitions between colors – from standard white light to the glowing amber the original VARMBLIXT became famous for, and onward through the broader palette – allowing the atmosphere of a room to evolve gradually.

‘We spent a lot of time fine-tuning the transitions between the curated colors,’ notes VARMBLIXT designer Sabine Marcelis. ‘What makes this lamp unique is that switching between colors is not a sudden change, but a very smooth journey through all the hues to get to the next color. The light slowly moves through color to, in turn, transform the color of a space.’

IKEA’s VARMBLIXT is one of the rare affordable lighting designs to win over everyday decorators and serious design snobs alike. If the first version went viral, expect the 2.0 to go even bigger.

More IKEA Smart Lighting

IKEA VARMBLIXT Alternatives

Rumor has it Sabine Marcelis’s ongoing lighting collaboration with IKEA may continue expanding at the intersection of design and technology in 2027 – so stay tuned for future updates.

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IKEA has launched a new motion-activated light that can be fixed instantly on any flat surface. No screws, wires, or smart hub are required for this battery-powered and adhesive gem, allowing installation anywhere from bathrooms to dark cabinets and corridors in need of a lighting lift.

The IKEA ANKARLÄGG LED nightlight costs just $3.99. That's less than a morning coffee, and significantly less than the $15 to $30 one would normally expect to pay for a motion-activated LED light. At this affordable price, and coupled with the hassle-free installation, ANKARLÄGG lights can be placed around your home for automated, app-free illumination.

I have been thrilled to see IKEA steadily releasing such devices that seamlessly blend into your smart home setup, while still aligning with the brand's core ethos of affordability and simplicity.

IKEA's New ANKARLÄGGLED Effortlessly Lights the Way at Night

Requiring no wiring, hub, or smartphone app, the ANKARLÄGG nightlight could not be simpler to mount on your wall. Insert your batteries and use the self-adhesive to stick it to any surface, and it will automatically turn on whenever it detects motion within 9.8 feet. It's an easy way to instantly expand your lighting ideas.

For a long time, I have endeavoured to move to automated illumination in my home, but I have been put off by the costs of buying the number needed for the impact I desire. Now that IKEA has launched them at just $3.99 each, I can finally elevate my home.

The simplicity of the design speaks to IKEA's central focus: To make easy-to-use, affordable products that work for the everyday person. I'm a Home Tech Editor and can handle wiring and more complex installs, but the beauty of this device is that no such knowledge is needed for these gentle nightlights to improve your space.

I often see brands overcomplicate new releases or over-engineer products that would otherwise be versatile and useful to all, so it's reassuring to see that IKEA's continued journey into home technology has stayed true to its commitment to simplicity.

Everyday Uses

Place these motion-sensor lights in your bathroom for gentle visibility in the middle of the night, or through entryways and dark corners lacking sockets. You can also use them to illuminate your stairs for better visibility in the late evening. These uses are not only practical, but can also help reduce your energy bills.

At $3.99 – one of the lowest prices for such a device on the market – IKEA has become the most affordable place to bulk-buy motion-activated lights and upgrade your home's most useful lighting ideas at once.

As the ANKARLÄGG device responds to your presence, emitting a soft, dim hue that is bright enough for visibility without startling the eyes, you can create a gentle ambiance at home that adapts to your movements. This immediately adds a sensation of soft luxury to your space.

Smart Triggering Means Minimal Recharging

The devices only turn on in the dark, so precious battery charge won't be wasted as you move throughout your home during the day.

There are countless reasons why smart lighting improves your well-being, but lights that are specifically activated by motion are invaluable in creating a safer home at night. Whether it's when heading upstairs in the evening or during sleepy middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, having automated visibility helps to prevent accidental falls from loose cables and other household obstacles that are easily missed in the dark.

Many of my closest friends, particularly those with limited mobility, have motion-activated lights dotted around the house, and it transforms the space as well as improving user safety. The home becomes easier to live in and more natural to move around, while feeling warmer and calmer.

The added draw is that similar items, including IKEA's new smart sensors, seamlessly blend into your space and work with your existing tech so you can start to upgrade your home's technology without arduous installs, difficulty using, or a separate and expensive hub to connect it.

The IKEA ANKARLÄGG LED nightlight is available for $3.99.

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The IKEA ANKARLÄGG is a simple, inexpensive device that elevates how it feels to move around your home. I have curated more simple but effective upgrades that can improve your space without the need for any technical know-how.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Next, learn how to use color-changing light bulbs to have more impact than decorating.

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The thought of buying a nightlight sounds rather juvenile, doesn't it? After all, these light features are most commonly found in children's bedrooms – helping to aid little ones in falling asleep and eliminate their fear of the dark. So, why would an adult need one in their home?

This was the exact question I asked myself after seeing IKEA's MÖRKRÄDDLED Nightlight with Sensor – a best seller from the brand with over 700 reviews. Why is this child's light getting so much attention? I thought. But with each glowing review I read (pun intended), I realized just how ridiculous I had been for discounting nightlights as a childish lighting idea.

Contrary to my previous opinions, nightlights are, in fact, highly practical, space-saving light solutions that make sense for pretty much any room of the home (most notably, bathrooms and entryways) – not just a child's room.

This nightlight is so convenient for adult living spaces for several reasons, but the two that stand out to me are as follows: it takes up hardly any room and it requires little to no effort to use. All you have to do is plug it, wait for nightfall, and watch its soft glow shine across a room. Unlike a table lamp or floor lamp, you don't need to find a spot to style it, and you don't have to constantly turn it on and off. Just find an open outlet to plug it into, and this nightlight will do the rest of the work for you.

In terms of light output, this nightlight radiates a soft, ambient glow rather than a harsh, strong light – perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in a dark space. Plus, its design is simple, sleek, and stylish. When turned off, it doesn't draw too much attention to itself, and it certainly won't hinder the design of any room in your home.

As far as where to position this nightlight, the obvious choice is to use it as a bedroom lighting idea. It could become especially useful if you don't like to sleep in total darkness. That said, there are many other practical places around the home to use this nightlight as well. Lots of reviewers explain how perfect it is as a bathroom lighting idea – rather than turning on a big, overhead light in the middle of the night, this light acts as the perfect, soft-glowing alternative. It can also work as a hallway lighting idea – guiding you from room to room while it's dark in your house. However, I think this nightlight would be best as an entryway lighting idea – it can help you enter the house calmly while it's dark outside without scrambling to find the light switch.

In my opinion, this clever little plug-in light from IKEA is proof that nightlights are not just for children. Rather, they're a practical and convenient light solution that can enhance any dark spot in your home – from the bathroom to the entryway. And at just $7.99 for a pack of two, why not try it out for your home?

If you want to weigh your options before impulse buying IKEA's MÖRKRÄDD nightlight, check out three alternatives that are equally as practical, below.

If you're looking for a more impactful light source that can move with you around the home, check out our roundup of the best portable lamps on the market – styles that'll illuminate your home and look stylish while doing so.

Nothing seals a scene quite like a portable lamp. Without one, an outdoor sofa is just… furniture on a patio. Add a warm glow on the side table, and suddenly, it’s a room.

Still, not all that long ago, 'chic portable lamp' sounded slightly oxymoronic. Portable meant plastic; outdoor meant industrial. Did such a thing even exist? Fortunately, now they do, with designers like Venice-born Federico De Majo crafting sleek, color-soaked lighting ideas for Zafferano America, and retailers like Serena & Lily turning out weather-friendly wicker versions you’d never suspect could withstand damp air.

Home may be where the heart is, but the living room is wherever the glow goes. Ahead, Homes & Gardens' 15 favorite portable lamps to lounge with, light up, and love – indoors and out.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

Mosaic-style Art Nouveau lamps by Tiffany Studios cost roughly the same as a Birkin on a good day – and well over a million at auction on a bad one. You might recognize them from the American Wing at the Met, or from the New-York Historical Society’s formidable collection. Created around 1895 by stained-glass obsessive Louis Comfort Tiffany, this vintage lighting style feels strangely salient again in 2026 – a reflex, perhaps, against a snooze-worthy decade of colorless minimalism.

This new (old?) vintage trend and fixture-fixation crystallized for me recently at the Winter Show, the long-running American art and antiques fair held each year at the Park Avenue Armory.

I attended the Young Collectors Night – a dizzying social swirl of philanthropists and design obsessives debating early Victorian multi-gem brooches and 19th-century Sinhalese wooden center tables. Between the 75-plus internationally recognized dealers and a generous illustrator who sketched my off-kilter organza gown (the evening’s theme was ‘Deconstructed Beauty’), I saw more original Tiffany lighting – glowing in all its glory – than I had ever seen in one place.

They were presented by Lillian Nassau LLC, the storied New York gallery founded in 1945 and widely credited with reviving serious interest in Tiffany Studios’ work, from lamps to Favrile glass and pottery.

‘The revival of interest in the work of Tiffany Studios has been a work in progress for several decades and is now in full force,’ notes Lillian Nassau LLC owner Arlie Sulka. ‘We think that as some parts of society are turning towards automation, AI, screens, etc., there are those who yearn for objects made meticulously by hand that showcase the human eye/touch, pieces whose creation required skilled craftsmanship that took years to develop, and investment of time and energy to produce.’

The most famous – and famously labor-intensive – example is Tiffany Studios’ Wisteria Lamp. Produced between 1902 and 1932, the design comprises more than 1,000 pieces of mottled opalescent glass arranged into cascading clusters of wisteria blossoms, complete with deliberately irregular edges meant to mimic the plant’s trailing petals. The base, richly patinated in bronze, resembles a tree trunk. One example sold for $1.5 million at Sotheby’s.

Originally designed in 1900 by Clara Driscoll, head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department (the so-called ‘Tiffany Girls’), the lamp has been copied, referenced, and riffed on endlessly. Not simply as a shortcut to the illusion of wealth or heritage, but because its unabashed use of color, ornament, and chaos feels equally, if not more, resonant in 2026. After years of mistaking ‘good taste’ for restraint – and restraint for some sort of twisted aesthetic virtue – this kind of maximal, handcrafted exuberance reads as a reminder that beauty can be loud, irregular, and, at its best, alive.

‘They are all objectively beautiful and very well made, which alone makes them collectible, but we find their commitment to the natural world incredibly soothing, so we would like to imagine that others feel the same way when choosing to incorporate them in their interiors,’ continues Arlie – a sentiment that may even have tangible benefits. ‘There are scientific studies that spending time in nature relaxes the nervous system, which I believe 100%, so I think in a way Tiffany’s designs are a way to bring that energy into the home year-round.’

For Colorado-based interior designer Nadia Watts, the pull toward Tiffany lamps isn’t just about nature, or even our collective desire to look up from our screens – it’s generational. She is the great-great-granddaughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany himself.

‘I think the renewed interest in Tiffany Studios lighting comes from a desire for depth and sensory richness in our interiors,’ Nadia agrees. Like Arlie Sulka, she points to the natural world as a guiding force, noting how the hues of the Wisteria Lamp mirror the vines at Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s former country estate. ‘That direct connection to the natural world makes the work feel alive, relevant, and deeply human, even or perhaps, more importantly, in 2026,’ she explains.

For her, ‘Tiffany will always be its own category.’ Whether or not one buys into the revival as an interior design trend, simply encountering the work is a reminder of real cultural and material presence. ‘While the revival coincides with a broader return to craft, nature, and ornament, Tiffany occupies a singular space where art, innovation, and material mastery intersect… a moment when art, industry, and craftsmanship were in real conversation.’

That sensibility carries through to how Tiffany lamps – or, at least, lamps that muse them – are styled today. ‘These lamps are expressive and layered, so I like to pair them with calm, neutral architecture,’ Nadia says. ‘Think clean lines, warm plaster, natural stone, or soft textures so the glass can glow on its own. One exceptional lamp can anchor a room and let other lighting remain subtle.’

Though Tiffany lamps are often photographed in very proper, old-world interiors – probably par for the course, when the price tag clears seven figures – Nadia insists that reverence isn’t required. ‘You don’t need a period interior at all!’ she says. ‘Tiffany feels most alive when juxtaposed with modern furnishings. Pulling color gently from the glass into the palette, rather than matching it literally, keeps the look contemporary while honoring the artistry. In this way, Tiffany lighting feels timeless, soulful, and incredibly current.’

If I ever win the lottery, there will be signs. Tiffany signs. Until then, discover a few mosaic lighting ideas that nod to the legacy, the natural world, and remind us that good lighting, as ever, should make you feel something.

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Part of the je ne sais quoi of a Tiffany lamp is its sense of feeling – an aesthetic effervescence we’re newly attuned to in 2026. Lean into that energy by brushing up on the whimsical decor trend, and meet your new lights where they are, with equal enchantment.

Tonight marks the start of the Lunar New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Horse. 2026 is specifically the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare combination that occurs once every 60 years, symbolizing energy, passion, and new beginnings. It is also a time for a centuries-old tradition that's easy to practice in many households: lighting up the home with lamps, candles, and lanterns.

Like many Lunar New Year rituals, this practice has its roots in ancient Chinese beliefs about the power of light to bring fortune and protect against misfortune. For centuries, people kept lights burning in their homes to ward off darkness and evil spirits and to invite positive energy, happiness, and good luck. The glow of lanterns and lamps was thought to create a welcoming environment for blessings in the year ahead, and it's just as powerful today.

Today, electricity has replaced oil lamps, but the symbolism remains. Turning on every light honors this age-old superstition and serves as a simple yet meaningful way to welcome prosperity and promote good Feng Shui in your home.

It may be too late to shop for new lamps and candles ahead of midnight. However, I've rounded up some accessories (including these candlesticks from Amazon) that are said to promote good luck around the home, regardless of the time of year.

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In some spiritual interpretations, turning on the lights is believed to ward off negative energy and is considered by some to be a way to invite good fortune at the start of the new year.

Philosophical experts explain more about the general power of light in some spiritual beliefs.

'Physical darkness is the absence of physical light. The darkness itself is not real. It is merely an absence of something that is real,' comments Owen Waters on the symbolic power of light. 'Likewise, spiritual darkness is the absence of spiritual light. Spiritual darkness itself is not real. It is merely an absence of something that is real.'

Ultimately, lighting itself carries protective power. Just as spiritually light dispels negativity, keeping lamps or lights on in the home symbolically pushes out misfortune and darkness as we begin a new Lunar chapter. I'll be practicing this tonight, won't you join me?

Mixing vintage and modern lighting can feel intimidating. Lighting is highly visible, often sculptural, and closely tied to a home’s architecture – which means mismatched pieces can quickly feel jarring. But when done well, blending old and new lighting adds depth, warmth, and a sense of evolution that purely period-correct schemes often lack.

Lighting is also one of the most forgiving places to experiment with mixing eras. Fixtures are relatively easy to change, highly expressive, and often collectible, making them ideal for introducing contrast without committing to a full redesign. Here, interior designers share five expert-led ways to mix modern and vintage lighting, so it feels intentional, cohesive, and timeless.

1. Balance Silhouettes and Let Shape Create Cohesion

When mixing vintage and modern lighting, designers often look beyond age and focus instead on shape. Strong, considered silhouettes help create cohesion, even when fixtures come from very different eras. A sculptural vintage lamp base might echo the curve of a modern table or pendant, while rounded sconces can soften sharper architectural lines elsewhere in the room.

New York–based interior designer Lauren Stern explains that this approach mirrors how she thinks about rooms as a whole. ‘Every room we design has a balance of materials – metal, stone, wood, upholstery – and a harmonious combination of color, dark and light,’ she says. ‘Vintage pieces echo this philosophy. They should feel cohesive in a room and bring balance and harmony.’

By repeating shapes and visual weight rather than styles, vintage lighting stops feeling like an outlier and instead becomes part of the room’s rhythm. The result is a space that feels calm and composed, where old and new sit comfortably together.

2. Assign Different Roles to Vintage and Modern Lighting

One of the most effective ways to mix eras is to think about lighting in terms of function. Vintage fixtures often excel as decorative or focal pieces – chandeliers, statement pendants, or characterful table lamps – while modern lighting is typically better suited to task and ambient roles.

George Kypreos and Shana Sherwood, the husband-wife team behind Los Angeles-based design studio, Sherwood Kypreos, describe lighting as a cast of characters rather than a collection of showpieces. ‘Not every light can steal the show,’ they explain. ‘Too much feature lighting can cheapen a space. Some must be supporting characters, but they’re still as important to the overall story.’ By allowing vintage lighting to provide atmosphere and personality, and modern fixtures to support everyday living, rooms feel both beautiful and practical.

3. Customize the Component

Designers rarely treat lighting as a fixed, finished object. Instead, they often see it as a collection of parts that can be mixed, matched, and tailored to suit a space. This approach is especially useful when decorating with vintage lighting, which can be adapted to feel more contemporary without losing their charm.

‘You can tailor lighting to suit your needs,’ say Sherwood Kypreos. ‘Change cord colors, change fitters, fabricate different shades – buy vintage globes from one place and chains from somewhere else to achieve the outcome you want.’

Breaking lighting down into components gives greater control over proportion, finish, and material, allowing vintage pieces to sit more naturally within modern interiors. Visually, this creates a collected, custom feel – lighting that looks designed specifically for the room rather than sourced in one go.

4. Play with Scale to Create Intentional Contrast

Scale is one of the most powerful tools for making mixed-era lighting feel deliberate. Contrasting proportions help prevent a room from feeling flat, while also ensuring that no single piece overwhelms the space.

Chicago-based interior designer Claire Staszak, founder of Centered by Design, notes, ‘Scale really makes all the difference in lighting. Varying the size of your lighting is one of the most effective ways to mix old and new.’

Playing with scale within each lighting role adds depth without disrupting function. A generously scaled modern fixture can provide even, anchoring light, while smaller vintage pieces introduce moments of softness and detail. The contrast in proportion creates visual tension that energises the room, without asking decorative or ambient lighting to do the wrong job.

5. Update the Shade and Let Contrast Do the Heavy Lifting

Sometimes, the simplest way to mix vintage and modern lighting is by rethinking the lampshade. Swapping an outdated or utilitarian shade for something more refined can instantly transform a vintage base – or soften a modern one.

Ellie and Hermione Gee, co-founders of Hum London, say this idea is central to their brand. ‘Making lampshades to pair with vintage lamps is actually where we began. Antique pieces can bring so much to a space, and we’re very much in favor of mixing old and new,’ the sisters explain. ‘A great way to make a vintage lamp sing is by pairing it with a more elevated lampshade.’

They point out that many vintage lamps come with plastic-lined shades that cast harsh light, whereas thoughtfully made shades can dramatically change the mood of a room. Their perforated designs are intended to soften light and add atmosphere, proving that even subtle updates can have a significant impact. Visually, this approach makes heritage pieces feel intentional rather than inherited, while creating warmer, more inviting light

Mixing vintage and modern lighting is less about strict rules and more about balance, contrast, and repetition. When shapes relate, finishes complement one another, and each fixture has a clear role, rooms feel layered and personal rather than chaotic.

Experiment slowly, mix in pieces with vintage character alongside true antiques, and don’t be afraid to customize. When done well, mixed-era lighting brings warmth, depth, and a sense of history – creating interiors that feel genuinely lived-in.

70-some years after Isamu Noguchi made his formative visit to Gifu, Japan – where he fell in love with, and ultimately riffed upon, the town’s mulberry bark paper and bamboo lanterns – it’s hard not to imagine him cringing post mortem at the flood of flimsy, dorm-room knockoffs that hit the market in the late 2010s. Akari, they were not.

Fortunately, the current paper lighting trend revival is treating the medium with a little more reverence. This new wave feels truer to the spirit of the original 16th-century forms (and a clear step up from first-apartment fare).

As Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, co-founders of Los Angeles–based Ome Dezin, observe, these designers ‘treat paper lighting with the same respect they would give stone or wood’ – a mindset that pushes the lighting idea forward, but keeps Noguchi’s reference point very much alive.

‘We see a lot of our clients wanting their home to feel softer and more cozy,’ explain the co-founders, who used one of these paper lights to crown the office area of their Cerro Gordo project in Echo Park. 'These pieces are being placed in more considered spaces, alongside richer materials, which allows their simplicity to feel intentional rather than temporary,’ they continue – a sentiment that extends beyond this single project and into the broader interior design shift toward raw, spectacle-averse materials.

‘Paper lanterns are great because there is also a big range in size, price, and shape, so really anyone is able to have one in their space,' add Joelle and Jesse, pointing to this design trend's refreshingly democratic appeal.

And since the duo mentioned size, it's worth noting that paper lights placed on the floor – especially grouped in a multi-height cluster – allow for a loose rein on styling. But once you take things overhead, proportion matters.

‘When choosing a paper lantern, scale is key,’ explains Megan Schlabaugh of Megan Lynn Interiors. ‘A helpful rule of thumb is to add the length and width of the room in feet – that total becomes the fixture’s diameter in inches (for example, a 10-by-12-foot room calls for a 22-inch lantern).'

'If you’ll be walking beneath it,' Megan continues, 'make sure the fixture hangs at least seven feet above the floor. Over a dining table or island, aim for one-half to two-thirds the width of the surface below,' she advises.

Still, don’t stress the logistics. According to Michelle Accetta, founder and principal designer of Michelle Accetta Home, the impulse to micromanage runs counter to the spirit of this revival. Softly diffused, non-centralized light has a calming effect on the nervous system, ideal for unwinding at the end of the day and supporting circadian rhythms. ‘These paper lights are a great option to support wellness in this sense,’ she says.

Indeed, lighting in recent years has gotten more gorgeous, but often unforgiving. ‘Paper lanterns offer a softness that many interiors have been missing,’ say Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph of Ome Dezin, noting their gentler relationship to light, texture, and atmosphere. At its most romantic, the effect muses an era of mid-century and modernist interiors, 'where light was treated as part of an experience, not just a utility.’

Isamu Noguchi once wrote, ‘All that you require to start a home are a room, a tatami [traditional Japanese flooring mat], and Akari.’ At long last, this new class of paper lights delivers the kind of soothing, scene-completing sensibility he dreamt of.

Shop Chic Paper Lighting

The paper light renaissance proves that the best lighting ideas tend to arrive with some history attached. In 2026, that conversation naturally extends to the candle sconce, too.

Vintage lighting brightens up a room with a softness that newer pieces often struggle to replicate. It glows rather than glares, casting light that feels atmospheric instead of utilitarian. Whether it’s the shimmer of Murano glass or the sculptural weight of a mid-century floor lamp, these pieces do more than illuminate – they bring history, texture, and intention into a space.

In an era of mass production and disposable fittings, decorating with vintage lighting reminds us that light was once a marvel – a scientific breakthrough as much as a decorative one – carefully engineered, materially ambitious, and designed to shine for generations.

Lighting has always been a reflection of how we live. Early domestic lighting was shaped by necessity – oil lamps, candles, and gas fixtures designed to make interiors usable after dark. With the arrival of electricity in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, lighting became a site of design experimentation. Early electric fixtures often echoed gaslight forms, using opaline glass and carefully calibrated shades to tame what was, at the time, a startling new technology. Art Deco embraced glamor and geometry; mid-century modernism favored clarity of form and new materials; postwar European designers pushed lighting toward sculpture.

Today, these histories aren’t confined to museums. Los Angeles-based design studio Ome Dezin, for example, have built a small but intentional archive of vintage lighting – from sculptural mid-century steel sconces to delicately colored Louis Poulsen pendants – pieces that founders Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph return to again and again, allowing the ideas of earlier eras to continue shaping contemporary interiors.

Interior designer Sasha Adler often sources vintage lighting for her projects, and is drawn to pieces from the 1930s through the 1970s, citing French iron sconces from the 1940s, Austrian crystal chandeliers, and Murano glass as enduring standouts. These eras treated lighting as architecture in miniature – fixtures were engineered, not styled, and often made by hand or in small workshops. The result is lighting that feels purposeful and materially authentic, shaped by the technological optimism and aesthetic confidence of its time.

Why is Lighting Better Vintage?

What sets vintage lighting apart is presence. ‘Vintage lighting has character,’ says Sasha. ‘You feel the hand of the maker, the weight of the materials, the subtle irregularities – the craftsmanship that’s hard to replicate today.’ Unlike contemporary fittings designed around efficiency and price point, older fixtures were built to last. Metals are thicker, glass is heavier, proportions more deliberate.

Sophie Salata, Head of Brand at vintage specialist Vinterior, notes that vintage lighting often feels more considered. ‘The proportions, the materials, the detailing – there’s a level of intention that gives vintage lighting real presence. It’s one of those smaller decisions that quietly sets the tone of a room.’ Vintage pieces also age gracefully. Patina develops on brass and bronze; glass softens and catches light unevenly; wear becomes part of the object’s story rather than a flaw.

There’s also longevity to consider. As designer Susannah Holmberg points out, lighting holds its value in a way many furnishings don’t. ‘Unlike a sofa that gets spilled on and weathered, a light fixture holds its value,’ she says. Vintage lighting isn’t just decorative – it’s an investment in both atmosphere and durability.

What to Look For and Where to Buy Vintage Lighting

Buying vintage lighting requires a mix of romance and practicality, but safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. Older wiring should always be checked, tested, and often rewired by a qualified electrician. Beyond that, scale and proportion are critical. ‘The right scale is everything,’ says Sasha. A lamp that’s too small will feel misplaced; whereas one with that’s well proportioned can anchor an entire room.

Material quality is another marker. Look for substantial metals, well-made glass, and evidence of thoughtful construction. Sophie recommends going bigger than you think, especially with table lamps: ‘If the space can take it, a larger lamp can make much more of an impact.’ Signs of age – light wear, patina, gentle irregularities – are desirable, but structural damage or unstable fittings are not.

Designers source vintage lighting widely. Sasha Adler shops globally, from Paris flea markets to long-standing European and US dealers. Ome Dezin often buys pieces before they have a project in mind, holding onto fixtures that ‘truly speak’ to them until the right moment arises.

‘There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a vintage light you’ve never encountered before,’ Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph note, ‘and feeling like you’ve discovered something meant just for you.’ The duo is drawn to lighting with architectural references, playful contrasts between materials, and a clear intention behind how light reflects and moves within a space. They rely on trusted dealers such as Two Enlighten, DEN, Re-Wired, and Amsterdam Modern, while embracing the thrill of the hunt at auctions like Billings or online platforms including 1stDibs, Etsy, and Chairish.

How To Style Vintage Lighting Today

Vintage lighting works best when it’s allowed to shine – literally and figuratively. Layering lighting is key. Sophie Salata advocates for multiple light sources in every room: table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lights working together to create warmth. ‘Overhead lighting should rarely be doing the heavy lifting,’ she says. Warm white bulbs and dimmers help preserve the softness that vintage fixtures naturally lend.

Mixing eras keeps spaces from feeling staged. Sasha regularly pairs pieces from different decades, letting contrast do the work. A Murano glass chandelier might sit alongside plaster sconces and a 1970s floor lamp, each contributing its own character. Ome Dezin suggest finding crossover in material or form when mixing vintage with contemporary lighting, but also embrace moments of deliberate contrast – especially in clean-lined, modern spaces.

Shades matter too. Original fabric shades often don’t age well, so many designers opt for bespoke replacements in linen, silk, or natural fibres. This allows vintage bases to feel fresh while maintaining their integrity. As Susannah Holmberg notes, wear can be a virtue in the right context: a gently aged fixture can add soul to an otherwise pared-back interior.

Shop Vintage Lighting

Whether sourced online or discovered at a flea market, vintage lighting reflects a different way of thinking about illumination. Engineered with intention, rich in material presence, and valued for longevity, these pieces continue to shine in modern interiors – not by being brighter, but by being better considered.

Picture this – after a long day, you're finally tucked into bed enjoying your current read. You catch yourself dozing off, but before you fall asleep, you realize you have to turn off the bedroom light... and the switch is all the way across the room.

When you're already in bed and eager to sleep, there's nothing worse than having to get up to shut off the lights. That's why you need a reading lamp in your bedroom's lighting scheme. And I'm not talking about a flimsy clip-on light that'll weigh down the pages of your book. What I mean is a proper reading lamp – one that can light up your evening read in style and switch off with ease.

However, not all reading lamps are made equal; not all are worthy of a spot next to your pillow. Some are too big, some are too utilitarian, and some will definitely look like an afterthought in the room's design scheme. That's why I've used my style editor eye to scour the internet for the chicest styles – reading lamps that'll give the bedroom a luxury hotel room feel, provide ample light to read by, and look good while doing so.

With their sleek finishes and simplicity in form, my pick of the best reading lamps taps into some of the hottest lighting trends of the year, in on-trend finishes and sconce-like silhouettes, each designed to tastefully complement your bedroom's existing decor scheme. Plus, all are made to either clip onto your headboard or mount to your wall – no hardwiring required, so you can install them in minutes.

For convenience, for practicality, and for increased style, your bedroom needs a reading lamp. Find your match, below.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

Portable lighting has become a modern essential for flexible living. A cordless lamp lets you move light exactly where you need it, whether you are hosting a relaxed dinner party, curling up with a book, or softening a dark corner in the evening. Without cables or fixed positions, portable lamps allow for easy shaping of the room's mood and create a calm, welcoming glow.

For anyone drawn to minimalism, portable lighting fits seamlessly with minimalist decor ideas by reducing visual clutter and keeping surfaces clean and intentional. A single beautifully designed lamp can replace multiple fixed light sources, helping a space feel lighter and more considered. When it comes to where to shop, The White Company portable lighting collection has some designs that feel simple, timeless, and quietly luxurious.

Portable lamps also support a more mindful way of living. They adapt to your routine rather than dictating it, adding warmth for entertaining, focus for reading, or a gentle ambiance at the end of the day. When chosen with care, a portable lamp becomes both a practical tool and a refined design detail, perfectly aligned with a pared-back, elegant home.

Beautiful Portable Lighting I am Loving

Portable lighting can also help shape cozy living room ideas that feel thoughtful rather than styled. A small lamp placed low on a shelf or side table adds warmth and encourages you to layer lighting naturally, combining soft pools of light instead of relying on a single overhead source.

The same flexibility works just as well for kitchen lighting and bedroom lighting, where atmosphere is often as important as function. In kitchens, portable lamps can soften dining areas or open shelving, while in bedrooms, they create a calmer, more restful feel than a central light alone. Used this way, portable lighting becomes part of a considered interiors scheme, supporting simplicity, balance, and a more relaxed way of living.

My pre-war New York apartment has plenty of unphotogenic quirks, but the bathroom is the real offender. It’s so small that even I – at 5’5” – have to choreograph my movements. The tub crowds the toilet, the toilet blocks the sink, and overhead looms the worst offense of all: a ceiling light, installed lord knows when, casting a harsh, interrogation-style glow.

Or rather, it was. Because I eventually stumbled upon a workaround with potential to make my bathroom lighting not only update the space, but totally change it: the Gem by Tulip.

I’d been seeing Tulip’s wire-free, renter-friendly, anti–‘boob light’ shades everywhere online. My fixture doesn’t technically protrude, but I figured it was ugly enough to qualify. Still, I hesitated. Would the adhesive actually hold up in a damp bathroom? Would the sculptural designs overwhelm a space this cramped? And were the ‘easy’ installs truly easy, or just influencer-easy?

I went back and forth until I saw Tulip’s collaboration with LA-based textile atelier Studio Ford. The Gem Tuberose – a floral block print in soft pink with contrast piping – ultimately sealed my fate.

So, renter or not, should you buy one too? Ahead, my experience installing the very viral Tulip lighting idea and living with it for nearly two months to help you decide.

Setting Up

Fresh out of the box, my first thought was: wow, what a lovely fabric. I’d happily take it as a throw pillow or a drape, should Tulip ever pivot. I’d also been bracing for something far flimsier, but the shade felt surprisingly durable. Alongside it came a circular ceiling mount, screws, alcohol wipes, and 3M strips – all part of the included Tulip installation kit.

As an Aquarius, I’m famously opposed to chores, instructions, and anything remotely tedious. I was relieved to discover that Tulip’s ‘How To’ section is a one-minute-and-43-second video, which I watched instead of reading anything. Perfect.

The screws gave me a brief jump scare, but a quick glance at the instructions confirmed that because my ceiling is smooth, I could skip them entirely and use the adhesive strips instead. (The drywall screws are meant for popcorn ceilings or more permanent installs.)

I cleaned the six intended contact points on the plastic ceiling mount (the areas without magnets – those are what the shade eventually snaps onto, and what makes future shade swaps possible), waited for them to dry, then paired up the Velcro strips and pressed them firmly into place. After that, I cleaned the area around my ceiling light, peeled the remaining adhesive backing, and pressed the mount onto the ceiling – holding each section down for a full 30 seconds, per instructions.

Then came the fun part: attaching the shade. The magnets snapped it into place instantly. Immediate gratification. For about 14 minutes.

Then the whole thing fell down.

I’m fairly confident this was due to the state of my pre-war bathroom ceiling, which – if I’m being honest – had never been cleaned by me or, I suspect, anyone before me. I ran out, bought rubbing alcohol, gave the area a real clean, repeated the process, and reinstalled everything. The second attempt took minutes and has held perfectly ever since.

So, if you live in a similarly old city apartment, consider this a warning that you may need a little extra cleaning power beyond what’s included.

Once it was finally up for good, I stepped back and admired it. The scale felt a touch excessive in my small bathroom, which I actually loved. It looked like the cool-girl bathroom chandelier I was never supposed to have. Am I... an electrician? Unclear, but I was pleased.

Living With My Gem Light

My one hesitation going in was that my ceiling light also functions as a fan – essential in a bathroom this small – and I worried the shade might interfere. Thankfully, the design accounts for this: the bottom of the Gem is open, so airflow continues uninterrupted. Moisture control remains intact.

The lighting itself was the bigger upgrade. What had been harsh and unforgiving is now softly diffused into something warmer and more flattering. I can still see well enough to do my makeup and move around comfortably, but the room feels calmer – almost elegant, words I truly never thought I’d use to describe this bathroom.

Beyond that, there’s very little to report. I turn the light on and off as usual, and nearly two months in, I haven’t adjusted, fussed with, or thought about it once.

Final Thoughts

Despite the slightly rocky start of having to reinstall the Gem Tuberose a second time, it was more than worth the trouble. In one reasonably priced $169 move, I solved my ugly bathroom light problem and added a piece of Studio Ford’s textile work to my ceiling. No Taskrabbit required. (If I can do it, you absolutely can.)

Of course, this is an especially good solution for renters, but the thing about the Gem Tuberose – and Tulip’s shades more broadly – is that they don’t read like a band-aid. Even if you could swap out a fixture entirely, these look good enough that you might not want to.

I also like knowing it’s not permanent. When I eventually tire of it (hasn’t happened yet), the ceiling mount stays put, and I can simply snap on a new magnetized shade for a quick refresh.

I’ve already started eyeing other lights in my apartment that could use the same treatment – and after this experience, I’d suggest you do the same.

Living in a rental, I am all about the no-reno design hacks, and this has been one of the easiest and most transformative yet. The Tulip Shade gets the seal of approval from me.

Shelf styling, in my opinion, is an art form. Between positioning books and arranging decorative objects, it's as if you're creating your very own masterpiece in the heart of your home – a masterpiece that deserves to be lit.

That said, finding the right lighting ideas for bookshelves is no easy feat. Most table lamps are either too tall or their shades are too wide for shelves, and while mini rechargeable lamps have been a game changer for lighting bookshelves, Joanna Gaines just created something better.

As part of her new spring collection at Target, the Wood Mid Tone Bookshelf Lamp doesn't sit next to your books; it can subtly sit within them.

Because of the curvature of its body, this lamp can comfortably fit on shelves, and since its metal base is wider than its wooden stand, it's sturdy enough to stand upright on its own. And did you notice how it resembles a bookend? This lamp was designed that way so it won't look out of place on your shelves – in fact, it'll fit right in, supporting books and providing ample light for the bookshelf in its entirety. It's the perfect bookshelf styling component.

This bookshelf lamp is a hot commodity for good reason. Not only is it a practical choice, but it's a chic one, too. Its simple yet elegant style leans into the modern farmhouse aesthetic that Joanna Gaines is known for, and its design can certainly elevate any shelf on which you place it.

Aside from my praise of this lamp, it has great reviews. 'This lamp was exactly what my built-in shelves were missing,' one reviewer wrote. 'It adds the perfect amount of light, and it’s so cute. Recommend!' Lots of reviewers have even added photos of the lamp in their spaces, further proving how beneficial this lamp is for shelves in reading nooks or home libraries.

Of course, the obvious styling choice for this lamp is on a bookshelf. However, there are loads of other places in which it can be styled. You can position it on the desk in your home office, next to a cocktail-making book on your bar cart, or even on an open shelf in your kitchen. As long as it's positioned within 5' from an outlet, the styling possibilities are endless for this clever little lamp.

Joanna Gaines designed and released a similar version of this lamp a few collections back, and it sold out almost immediately after it dropped – I kept such a close eye on it for months after, but I never saw it reappear at Target. And sure enough, that lamp is now being sold on resale sites like Mercari and Poshmark for significantly more than its initial price. Needless to say, people love this bookshelf lamp. So while this variation is in stock (and less than $50, might I add), pick it up ASAP.

As for the rest of your bookshelf, I've pulled together a few decor choices from the rest of Joanna's new collection that can help stylize the scene. Shop them, below.

Shop Shelf Styling Decor from Hearth & Hand With Magnolia

A well-styled bookshelf is like a work of art that deserves to be lit. With the Wood Mid Tone Bookshelf Lamp from Joanna Gaines' Target collection, your bookshelf will become the standout feature whatever room in which it exists. Plus, it'll contribute to the bookshelf wealth display that you've already set up on your shelves.

Lighting has moved beyond pure function to become a form of sculpture in its own right. A statement pendant or an expressive table lamp can anchor a room just as powerfully as a piece of art. These designs shape the atmosphere even when switched off, adding rhythm, texture, and personality to an interior.

Right now, some of the most compelling lighting ideas treat form as the hero. Think sculptural silhouettes, considered materials, and designs that feel intentional from every angle. It is this art-led approach that makes The Heal's Sale so compelling, offering a chance to invest in pieces that blur the line between illumination and object.

From softly glowing glass to architectural metal forms, sculptural lighting has the power to transform a space instantly. Choosing a design with presence brings depth and character to both modern and classic rooms. With carefully selected pieces now easier to access, it is the perfect moment to let lighting take centre stage.

Sculptural lighting is one of the most exciting lighting trends right now because it does more than illuminate. It inhabits space like art. We love it for the same reason we love sculpture, its presence, its form, and the way it changes how we see a room. Paired with furniture trends that favor clean lines and natural materials, these lights act as both statement and companion, drawing the eye while shaping the atmosphere.

The magic of lighting as sculpture is its ability to surprise. Shadows fall differently, angles feel unexpected, and a simple fixture can redefine a corner or anchor a room. It is functional, yes, but it is also a daily encounter with beauty, a way to make every space feel intentional, curated, and alive.

Lighting That Doubles as Art

Sculptural lighting invites a new way to think about how to choose art for your home. Unlike a painting or a vase that sits passively, these lights occupy space and interact with it, creating movement and changing perspectives as you move through a room. When selecting pieces, consider not just the fixture itself but how it relates to the scale, color, and texture of your surroundings. A single sculptural pendant can feel like a gallery installation, while a cluster of smaller lights can become a dynamic composition that transforms an ordinary corner into a point of interest.

Sculptural lighting can feel strikingly modern, with clean lines and bold shapes that turn a fixture into a moment of art. It looks incredible in minimalist spaces where it can really take centre stage, but it’s the mix with older architectural details that makes it really sing. A contemporary pendant above a fireplace with intricate moulding, or a sculptural floor lamp beside a bay window, brings together the new and the old in a way that feels effortless. The contrast adds texture, rhythm, and a subtle sense of drama, letting both the light and the room’s character shine.

This blend of modern and heritage means a room can feel layered and lived-in rather than staged. In a high-ceilinged Victorian hall, a sleek chandelier draws the eye upwards, while in a cosy terrace, a bold lamp can highlight panelling or a built-in bookcase. By pairing sculptural lighting with the architecture around it, you create spaces that feel thoughtful and dynamic, where every corner has its own story and light becomes part of it.

When choosing sculptural lighting, think beyond just how it looks and consider how it changes the way you use a space. A carefully placed fixture can create intimate corners for reading, frame a view of your garden, or draw attention to a favourite piece of furniture. Experiment with scale, layering, and unexpected angles to see how light can transform both mood and perception.

Pleated lampshades are no longer just a classic choice – they are making a bold comeback in British interiors. From living rooms to bedrooms, designers are embracing pleats for the texture, elegance, and visual interest they bring. This season, pleated shades are being used to add subtle sophistication or a striking focal point – proving that old-school charm can feel completely modern.

Out of all the lighting trends out there, pleated lampshades offer perhaps the most aesthetic versatility. They work on table lamps, floor lamps, and even pendant fixtures – adding softness and dimension while complementing a wide range of interiors. Layering pleated shades with different textures and finishes can turn simple lighting into an intentional design feature – bringing warmth and personality to every corner of your home.

From muted neutrals to bold colours and metallic finishes, these are the pleated lampshades worth shopping now to update your interiors with the trend everyone is talking about.

If, like me, you adore decorating with vintage, but don't want your whole home to feel like an ancient relic, embracing a more transitional design is key. The challenge here lies in blending old and new. Pleated lampshades are a simple yet transformative detail in this context. Now, pleated lampshades come in all manner of patterns, colours and shapes, so they look just as at home on an ultra modern sideboard as they do on a Georgian writing desk.

It is the bridging between past and present that the British do so very well, and if there's one (albeit small) item in a home that represents this perfectly, it's the humble pleated lampshade.

'The most wonderful thing about pleated lampshades is that they don’t date, ever, and will slot into all interior styles', explains Oxfordshire-based interior designer Caroline Borgman.

'Pleated lampshades are deceptively simple but endlessly versatile. I love them suspended on a brightly coloured flex cable in a cosy reading nook for a playful, contemporary note, yet they also sit beautifully on stone lamp bases atop an antique console. They are one of those small details that can effortlessly tie together modern and traditional interiors' she explains.

Shop The Trend

Ultimately, pleated lampshades endure because they offer something many lighting ideas do not: character without excess. They soften a room, add depth, and introduce a decorative note that feels considered rather than contrived. While they work comfortably across almost any interior design style, from contemporary townhouses to relaxed modern homes, they feel especially at ease in classic interiors, where texture, proportion, and craftsmanship matter most.

In interiors inspired by English country style, pleated lampshades add a sense of warmth and refinement, proving that the most successful lighting choices are often those that feel timeless, lived-in, and effortlessly harmonious.

Culturally, we’re craving a world we never inhabited, an era when candles were the only lighting ideas on the table and evenings, at least in our imaginations, were threaded with enchantment and a little mystery. In 2025, we’re grateful for electricity, of course, but we're longing for romance. So the candle sconce is back: flanking artwork, anchoring furniture, and rescuing sad, shadowy corners.

They are perfect for this time of year, when you want to create romantic mood lighting for your festive gatherings. And if you are concerned about the fire hazard, pair a sconce with LED taper candles that give all the romance of the real thing, without the risk.

No wires, all whimsy – consider this the return of your new (old) favorite ambient glow.

The Cut is all about Homes & Gardens helping you invest in pieces that feel current now, but won’t date as trends shift. Finds that elevate a room today and still feel right years from now. Whether it’s a sculptural accent chair or a chic pendant light, our editors will curate an edit that balances style, longevity, and quality. Consider this your shortcut to smart, beautiful shopping.

Pendant lights, often dubbed the jewelry of the ceiling, hover at their metaphorical peak as dining room lighting, where they cast a soft glow over long, leisurely dinners with your cast of collected characters (and whatever culinary masterpiece you’ve decided to plate).

You could opt for a flush mount. You could go full chandelier. But if you want elegance without the obvious, and sophistication without the theatrics, a single pendant – or a strategic series scaled to your table – is the dining-room lighting formula designers decidedly swear by.

Whether you’re prepping for entertaining season or simply elevating an ordinary Wednesday, Homes & Gardens has curated 18 dining room pendant lights that bring discreet, decorator-level polish and satisfy even the most selective design appetites.

I’ve been on a mission lately to fix one of my biggest pet peeves: bright glare. I love a cozy, layered lighting scheme, but harsh bulbs instantly kill the mood for me.

So when I came across an Instagram video with an inexpensive solution found on Amazon – simple light diffuser discs – promising instant, softer light without me having to switch up my bulbs or fixtures, I was suitably intrigued. As someone who’s recently researched all the lighting basics you need to know to find a solution, and tried every warm white bulb under the sun, I was skeptical it could be solved with such an easy hack.

But after seeing how dramatically these little discs transformed her big light, I added them straight to my Black Friday basket. If you’re also glare-sensitive or just sick of staring at your bulbs, this trick might be the fix you’ve been waiting for.

In her video above, the creator, Diana Elizabeth, says, 'I love turning on all the lights in my house, but I don't love the glare, and seeing an exposed bulb can really hurt my eyes.' Thankfully (for Diana and for us), she found the solution.

What really convinced me to give this lighting idea a try was how simple yet genuinely clever it is. They’re literally just little lightweight plastic circles, but once placed between your bulb and your shade, they help to soften glare and harshness so the light feels warmer, gentler, and instantly more ambient.

With diffusers available in multiple sizes for different lighting – from chandeliers, spotlights, table lamps, pendants, and sconces – they’re one of the most affordable fixes I’ve found for bright or exposed bulbs.

To make them work for different fixtures, she shows how she preps the discs using basic tools to suit her dining room light. 'I use these drill bits – the WORKPRO 13-Piece Spade Drill Bit Set from Amazon – and create a template so I know where the middle is. I then make a little mark,' she explains, demonstrating how she quickly drills a neat hole in the centre when needed.

If your lamp doesn’t require a central hole to fix it to the bulb holder, you can skip this step entirely, but Diana proves how easily it can be customized for different lighting styles.

From there, installation is super straightforward. She removes the shade and bulb, places the diffuser on the top of the fixture, and screws the bulb back in so it rests lightly on the disc.

When ordering, you want to be sure to select a disc that is smaller than your shade, for example, a 12" shade with an 11" diffuser for safety. 'Just so you know, it can wiggle, so there’s not going to be any melted plastic!' Diana adds. With her shade added back on, the lamp suddenly casts a softer glow rather than a harsh beam. 'Now I can put the lights at full power and not feel like my eyeballs are burning.'

With plenty of options available at under $20 for a pack, this is the kind of Black Friday add-on that feels like a no-brainer: budget-friendly, renter-safe, and genuinely transformative. If you’ve been battling bright bulbs, these discreet little light diffusers might be the upgrade your home has been missing.

Shop Amazon Light Diffusers

Looking for some gorgeous lighting to complete your Amazon Black Friday basket? Here are 3 I've got my eye on in the sale:

It’s rare to find a fix that’s this easy, this affordable, and this instantly transformative – especially when it comes to lighting, which usually requires either a pricey new fixture or a complete rethink. If you’re searching for a quick, renter-friendly way to make your lighting warmer and easier on the eyes, this might just be the simplest solution out there.

I love my nighttime routine, the hour or so before sleep that I can truly relax. And my bedside setup is a key player, it's where I house everything I need within easy reach – skincare, books, phone, drinks. I have my bedside tablescaping down to an art.

But I have never managed to perfect the bedroom lighting. I want something right there next to me so I can read and scroll and sip my tea, but it needs to be soft and compact. My bedside light just wasn't cutting it, and the visible wire wasn’t adding anything aesthetically.

Of course, I toyed with the idea of a portable lamp (I just added the viral Addison Ross Bobbin Lamp to my bathroom and it’s totally changed the vibe in there), but during my shopping research, I found something even better: wireless, battery-powered sconces. Specifically, these Rattan Battery Operated Wall Sconces from Wayfair. Beautiful, hotel-worthy wall lights that could flank either side of my headboard, adding a soft, symmetrical glow. And the best part? No electrician needed.

I say not having to pay someone to hardwire these sconces is the best part, but the price of some of these easy-to-install designs is almost unbelievable. I would have thought having wall lights installed in my bedroom would have cost nothing shy of $500. But thanks to the Black Friday sales happening right now, there are tons of options that make this look easy to achieve for under $100, such as these dimmable rustic wall sconces, also from Wayfair, in a set of two.

I love the hotel feel these sconces give my bedroom; there's something about symmetrical wall lights that feels very luxurious. But these easy-to-install designs could work anywhere – either side of a vanity mirror, to add soft lighting to a kitchen, or make more of a focal point of a console in an entryway.

Shop Battery Operated Wall Sconces

During my hunt, I came across hundreds of options for cheap battery-powered wall sconces. Wayfair, in particular, had some gems, and I was so shocked at how cheaply you could find them on Amazon(these black vintage-style lights are only $35 for two!). If you’re after something a bit more luxe, West Elm had a couple of beautiful designs, and of course, I have to mention the queens of portable lighting, Pooky, who have a rechargeable Genesis cell that you can use to turn so many of their gorgeous designs wireless.

I can't think of a purchase I’ve made recently that's changed a room more drastically (apart from the portable lamp I just bought for my bathroom). Lighting can totally change the feel of a room, especially at this time of year when we are all about the soft pools of cozy light. If I had known I could achieve such a luxurious effect without spending much or calling an electrician, I would have done this so much sooner.

Moving to a new house has made me rethink lighting completely. My new kitchen is beautiful, but the kitchen island sits in a pool of shadow, and the sockets are in all the wrong places. I have been resisting portable lighting for years, convinced it was unnecessary, but I have reached the point where I cannot ignore how awkward the layout really is. I want the room to feel moody, low lit and comfortable, not full of trailing cables and badly placed lamps.

For the longest time, I assumed portable lighting was more of a lighting trend than a solution. I admired it in magazines and showrooms, but never believed it belonged in a traditional kitchen like mine. Then I started looking more closely at lighting trends and saw how designers use small, warm pools of light to bring atmosphere to darker corners and to make an island feel intentional rather than stranded in the middle of the room. Clearly, I had been holding on to an old idea for far too long.

So I am finally giving in and buying two of the Soho Home Emmie Portable Lampfor the island. They suit the mood I want to create and bring that gentle, focused light that a classic interior needs. I have realised that portable lighting is not a fad at all. It is simply a clever way to make a room feel finished, especially when the wiring refuses to cooperate.

You have probably noticed the skyrocketing popularity of rechargeable and portable lighting. It was once the case that small rechargeable, wireless table lamps were dotted on the streetside tables of chic restaurants and bars, and rechargeable lighting within the home just wasn’t feasible. Those attempts at portable or rechargeable lighting were lacklustre, with a short-lived, pitiful attempt to cast light. Invariably, the light that it did produce was a bright, unflattering white light. Now, though, the tide has most definitely turned.

Those inventive minds that conjure up the latest outdoor lighting ideas have remedied these issues. Now, homeowners are able to implement lighting without the need to go to the costly and disruptive length of summoning an electrician to track electrical cable through walls.

This unleashes a whole world of possibilities for many of us. Renters can implement beautiful lighting without the need for permission, particularly true of the peel-and-stick wall sconces, which are exceedingly popular.

What drew me to this particular lamp was the design. The antiqued brass plating gives it a softness and depth that suits a classic interior, so it never feels out of place or too contemporary. It has that quiet, collected look that works with older furniture and natural materials, almost as if it were designed for a room with history. The proportions are balanced, the finish has a gentle patina, and the light it casts feels warm and intentional. It behaves like a considered design object rather than a piece of convenience lighting, which is exactly what I want for this space.

As with everything that swiftly gains popularity, we have seen an enormous increase in the amount of portable lighting available online, and so, as ever with vast quantities, quality is not always a given. That doesn’t necessarily mean the more affordable options are inferior, but like with anything, there won’t be consistent quality across the board, so ensure you check for these key things before investing in any portable lighting.

Firstly, and most importantly, ensure you check the battery life. Hannah Walter, Creative Manager of British lighting brand Heathfield & Co, thinks ‘a well-designed portable lamp should last several hours without recharging. It should provide between 8 to 12 hours of light on a full charge, ensuring it can comfortably last for an evening gathering or provide reliable light throughout the day. Some designs also include discreetly integrated dimming options, allowing you to adjust brightness to suit the mood and conserve battery life when softer lighting is needed.’

That said, as this technology improves, you will find some portable lamps that can last several evenings without being charged. On the other end of the spectrum, some have very short battery lives, rendering them close to useless, so be sure to check the battery life before buying online.

What I like most is the freedom this kind of lighting gives me. I can shape the mood of the room without relying on fixed wiring or compromising the look of the traditional kitchen. A pair of well-chosen portable lamps will let the island feel grounded and inviting, with a soft glow that suits the traditional style of the space. It feels like a small change, but it will make the whole room work in a way it never has before

They say there’s a lid for every pot, but table lamps are freer spirits – serial monogamists, really. A single base can find chemistry with any number of shades, each one rewiring the ambience entirely. A neutral, sleek-lined empire shade communicates rustic restraint; a fringed bordeaux checkerboard screams moody, fun, and maybe a side hustle in art direction. Same lamp, different story.

‘Changing a lampshade might seem small, but it can completely shift the mood of a space,’ says Lauren Lerner, founder and principal designer of Living with Lolo. On a practical level, the material dictates how a lighting idea behaves – softer fabrics diffuse and glow; darker or textured ones sharpen and dramatize.

‘It’s one of those effortless updates that can make everything around it feel more intentional and elevated without redecorating the entire room,’ Lauren notes of the low-lift, low-cost change. She tends to favor timeless shade shapes (us too), but even she can’t deny the lighting trend shift toward scalloped edges, unexpected silhouettes, and exaggerated proportions.

Play it safe, or don’t. ‘One of my favorite tricks is using a statement shade on a simple base to turn lighting into art,’ she says.

Because truthfully, there’s no such thing as a boring lamp – only a boring shade. And none of the nine ahead are guilty of that. They're the perfect simple swap for your fall decorating ideas.

If you thought your shades stopped at the living room or bedroom, you’re only skimming the surface. Have you ‘lampscaped’ your kitchen? Here’s why this kitchen countertop lighting trend might just be the most delicious upgrade to your culinary routine.

In stark contrast to when the clocks spring forward and we benefit from all that extra light at home, the clocks falling back makes everything feel a little gray and glum.

While we all know when Daylight Saving Time ends, the shift in light comes at us pretty fast. The days are suddenly shorter, the air is cooler, and corners that once glowed now feel shadowed, so it’s no wonder this time of year calls for a little extra warmth. But don't worry, designers – who have all the lighting basics you need to know – have some bright ideas to fix your home's seasonal affective disorder.

It seems rather obvious, but alongside some pretty fall decor and a pumpkin spice candle, some lighting ideas can make all the difference to how your home looks, feels, and performs in winter. And according to the experts, it just takes 2 simple shifts.

The 2 Lighting Shifts Designers Make When the Days Get Darker

Good lighting design is all about creating comfort and atmosphere – as well as practicality. While natural light does a lot of the heavy lifting in spring and summer, in the later months, we need to up the ante.

Plus, we're spending so much more time at home. From holiday hosting to quiet nights in, this is the season of staying home. So, I asked interior designers for the key adjustments they make every fall to keep homes feeling warm and inviting. These are the 2 swaps they make in every home they design.

1. Layering in Low-Level Lighting

Layered lighting is key to any good room, no matter the time of year or day. But it really comes into its own during the fall, when you can't simply rely on the harshness of the big light to brighten your space.

'The key to a well-considered lighting scheme that supports you throughout the year lies in layered illumination, and importantly, in planning it from the very beginning of a project,' advises Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. 'As daylight fades and the need for artificial light increases, having a variety of sources at your fingertips ensures flexibility.'

A variety of light sources is crucial – and combining lamps, wall lights, and picture lights will help to create warmth and rhythm. Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe agrees: 'As evenings draw in, I always introduce more low-level lighting. Table and wall lamps as well as picture lights create a cocooning atmosphere that overhead lighting alone cannot achieve.'

As well as adding more layers, Christina Cruz of Christina Cruz Interiors suggests making the switch to more heavy-duty lighting designs.

'I swap my lightweight task lamps for more substantial bases and larger, heavier patterned lampshades for fall. In the winter, table lamps become the primary source of light over recessed fixtures, so a grounded lamp with presence creates a warmer, more intimate glow.'

For Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, portable lamps work double time in the fall. 'We love adding in additional accent lighting like cordless table lamps to create a cozy environment as daylight fades earlier.' They’re perfect for shelves, side tables, or the entryway – spaces that might not have an outlet nearby to add little pockets of warmth.

'In this cold, dark season, when the sun sets as early as 4 pm, I always make a point to up the ante on indoor illumination,' adds designer Kathy Kuo. 'I recommend adding an extra table lamp (or two!) to the most-used rooms in your home, particularly the spaces you tend to frequent in the evening hours. After all, your cozy family room or restful bedroom can truly never have too many lamps.'

2. Warming Up Your Bulb Temperature

Beyond adding more light, you want to ensure that the lighting you do have works well throughout the darker months. Designers suggest a few clever ways to ensure this.

'The second daylight starts to fade earlier, I lean into lamp light. Table and floor lamps become the new hearth, warm, low, and ambient,' says Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. 'We swap cooler bulbs for ones closer to 2700K and add timers or smart plugs so the house feels lit from within before you walk in the door. I personally use Kasa plugs that I can control from my phone,' she recommends.

Speaking of timing, Lucy Harris, founder of Lucy Harris Studio, sets her lamps to come on automatically before dusk: 'In the fall, I set my floor lamps and table lamps to come on about half an hour before sunset. I live in New York State, and it starts getting dark in the late afternoon in the fall, and my house, which is set in a forest, can start to feel gloomy after such long summer days,' she explains. 'I find turning on table and floor lamps, with a very warm bulb, at least 2700k, warms up a room and makes it feel inviting.'

'I also switch to warmer bulb tones where possible,' Lauren adds. 'They soften the room and complement natural materials such as timber and stone. This subtle shift ensures the home feels intimate, inviting, and reflective of the season.'

'As the days shorten, I lean into mood lighting by swapping brighter bulbs for warmer ones, and bring in more low-level lighting like table and floor lamps,' agrees Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN. 'It’s all about embracing that golden, cocoon-like glow that feels comforting during darker months. In fall and winter, I truly believe there are never too many lamps in a room,' she adds.

And sometimes, it’s not about adding more light at all – but instead making the most of what’s already there. Allison Lind of Allison Lind Interiors likes to incorporate mirrors into her lighting plan.

'When it makes sense within the confines of the design, I love to add a mirror as part of the lighting plan,' she suggests. 'Mirrors bounce light, whether adding to the effect of the natural light entering the room or reflecting the glow of mood lighting.'

While they might sound easy, each of these small lighting shifts carries more impact than you might expect – and is a great place to start before looking at this year's lighting trends. Together, they reintroduce warmth, depth, and dimension just when your home needs it most.

A large part of your home's atmosphere lies in how well you nail your lighting. We all want our rooms to feel cocooning and calm, not stark or austere, and yet getting that balance right takes much more than a few scented candles and a well-placed lamp.

And in the fall, lighting really comes into its own. The shift in daylight exposes a multitude of sins – corners that sit in shadow, bulbs that suddenly feel too blue. Thankfully, interior designers know everything there is to know about lighting – and exactly what missteps to avoid.

According to the experts, there are three subtle but significant lighting mistakes that many of us make in fall – choices that can unintentionally drain a room of its warmth. And, unsurprisingly, it comes down to the small details.

3 Lighting Mistakes to Avoid in Fall

Before you reach for another lamp or new shade, it’s worth looking at how your lighting ideas are working for you. From missing dimmers to choosing the wrong bulb tone, a few simple oversights can leave your home feeling stark instead of soothing.

According to the designers I spoke to, these are the three most common lighting mistakes to avoid in the fall.

1. Skipping Dimmers

If there’s one lighting feature designers urge you not to overlook, it’s the humble dimmer. Without the ability to adjust brightness, spaces can feel flat and unwelcoming in the darker, cooler months, and as designer Nina Lichtenstein says, 'a dimmer allows light to ebb and flow like natural daylight, easing the transition from the bright energy of morning to the calm of evening.'

'Dimmers are the unsung heroes of good lighting,' says Kit Kemp, creative director of Kit Kemp Design Studio. 'They let you set the mood, shift the atmosphere, and bring a sense of theatre to even the smallest spaces. Every room should have them; they’re like volume control for your interiors.'

'They offer the flexibility to adapt a space throughout the day, allowing you to shift from task lighting to a softer, more ambient glow as evening falls,' adds Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. 'It’s this control that transforms a room from simply functional to beautifully atmospheric.'

2. Relying on a single light source

For years, I assumed that a single statement pendant was enough to light a room. It wasn’t until the darker months rolled in that I noticed how flat and cold my spaces started to feel. Relying on one central light creates a stark, overhead glare that can drain the warmth out of even the most thoughtfully decorated room.

As Hollie Moreland, creative director at David Hunt Lighting, explains: 'Many people rely too heavily on a single light source, such as a single overhead pendant, for areas such as bedrooms, the entryway, and living rooms, which can create a bright and stark feeling.'

'Instead, introduce a layered lighting scheme which incorporates a combination of table and floor lamps, wall lights, and task lighting such as picture lights, to create a beautifully cocooning atmosphere,' Hollie suggests.

Designer Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, agrees that layering is key. 'The biggest fall lighting mistake is relying solely on overhead lighting,' she says. 'As the days get shorter, harsh ceiling lights can feel cold and flat. Layer in lamps and sconces on dimmers to create that soft, cozy glow we all crave this time of year.'

3. Choosing the wrong bulbs

If you’ve ever turned on a light and wondered why your room suddenly feels more like an office than a cozy retreat, the culprit is probably your bulb temperature.

The color of your bulbs – known as Kelvin – can make or break a room’s atmosphere. No matter how stylish your fixtures are, if your bulbs are too cool, everything from your paint color to your upholstery can feel lifeless.

'Don’t ignore Kelvin,' warns Allison Lind, design director of Allison Lind Interiors. 'The temperature of the bulbs you use is so incredibly important – gorgeous light fixtures or perfectly placed architectural lighting are useless if they don’t have the right temp.'

She advises saving brighter, cooler bulbs for working spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, where you need good getting-ready light – although she says never above 4000K – and opting for dimmable versions. Anything higher, she explains, starts to look blue and harsh.

Jo Plant, chief creative director at Pooky, adds: 'Be careful when you are choosing your bulbs. Make sure you are choosing 2700-2400K for beautiful ambient lighting that is welcoming and comfortable to sit in,' she advises. 'Even with a dimmer, if you choose the wrong color temperature for your bulbs or LEDs, your room will feel cold and you won't get the super cozy feeling we all love at this time of year.'

The smallest tweaks to your lighting scheme, like adding a dimmer or swapping out a bulb, can completely transform how a room looks and feels. It's one of the first and easiest steps to take before you even begin decorating every room for fall.

While often overlooked, lighting ideas dictate the mood, function, and the very character of a room. Get it right, and every surface, texture, and color comes to life; get it wrong, and even the most beautiful interiors can fall flat.

So if you're planning a major makeover, remodel, or home renovation, before you start poring over the latest lighting trends, there are some basics you need to nail from the outset. In The Library this month, we explore the foundations of great lighting design – from layering and placement to color temperature, output, and control.

With priceless and practical tips from interior designers and professional lighting experts, plus easy-to-digest rules to remember, consider this your blueprint for lighting a home that works beautifully from morning to night, and summer to fall – no matter your interior design style. This is Lighting 101.

The Essentials

Before you even start looking at beautiful fixtures, you need to sort out the Where, What, When, and How.

Where do you need lights? What do they need to light? And at what time of day? How many lights do you need in that space? And what wiring or ratings do they require? These are just the tip of the iceberg of questions that designers and lighting experts ask before working out how to practically and stylishly light a home.

But don't panic, here, we break it all down for you. Consider this your ultimate guide to everything you must consider for your home renovation – before you get to your electrical walk-through.

1. Layers of Light

How to layer lighting is one of the biggest tricks you can learn from the experts. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as picking a beautiful overhead light and being done. In fact, designers are leaning more and more away from the 'big light' in favor of a more layered and cozy approach.

'Lighting is far too often a design element that is overlooked – not the fixtures themselves, but the functionality and mood behind them,' explains Allison Lind, Design Director of Allisson Lind Interiors. And there are three key types that designers implement in almost every space.

'Just like textures and materials, one layer won't suffice when it comes to lighting. Every beautiful room needs its full function (brighter overheads), mood (sconces or decorative floor lamps), cozy task (table or reading lamps), and even sexy evening light (toekick or decorative uplighting),' she suggests.

These three layers are often referred to as:

• Ambient Lighting provides overall illumination. This often comes from ceiling fixtures or recessed downlights.
• Task Lighting targets specific activities like under-cabinet lights in a kitchen, a reading lamp beside a chair, or vanity sconces flanking a bathroom mirror. These lights are focused and purposeful.
• Accent Lighting adds mood and character and can be used to highlight certain features within a room, like picture lights to draw the eye to artwork.

Charlie Bowles, Director at Original BTC, recommends 'combining task, ambient, and accent lighting to ensure both functionality and atmosphere.'

'Lighting for the home has three distinct purposes. Task lighting helps you perform specific jobs, ambient or mood lighting creates atmosphere, while accent lighting highlights areas of interest,' Charlie explains. 'Effective, efficient lighting should be built up in layers, using a mixture of all three lighting types to achieve the perfect balance. If possible, consider at the planning stages to maximize opportunities,' he advises.

Similarly, Mark Holloway, Director at Holloways of Ludlow, also believes that good lighting design is all about balance. 'Start with a practical foundation, like your ceiling or wall lights, then build up with task lighting for function, and finish with decorative pieces that bring personality and warmth,' he suggests.

2. Placement and Spacing

Good lighting is as much about practicality as it is about looking pretty, and even the smallest shifts in position can change how a room feels and functions. Once you know what layers you need, you then want to work out placement – a.k.a. where light falls, and how evenly it is distributed.

This can vary between lighting types and from room to room. For kitchen lighting ideas, designers recommend following the three kitchen lighting rule that suggest using ambient, task, and accent lighting as follows: pendant or overhead lighting for the main cooking area or over an island, task lighting over the counters with sconces or under-cabinet lighting, and then finishing with some accent lighting with a kitchen countertop light.

Alternatively, for living room lighting, Charlie Bowles suggests: 'Pendants will throw down a large pool of light, while carefully placed table, floor, and wall lights will provide task and accent lighting for reading, watching TV, or highlighting your favorite piece of art. Having lots of options also means you can pare back your lighting later in the evening for a more intimate, cozy feeling.'

Sarah Magness, founder of Studio Magness, advises, however, that 'When lighting specific decorative features or elements, it's important to consult with an art or lighting specialist. The intensity of the light could be damaging to specific artworks or textiles. Always steer on less is more.'

Once you've worked out locations for your lights, there are a few reliable measurements to keep in your back pocket.

'For recessed fixtures, start with 4–6 feet of spacing between downlights, adjusting based on beam spread,' advises designer Nina Lichtenstein. This helps prevent harsh “hot spots” in the center of the room and creates a more flattering ambiance.

Olga Malyev, cofounder of Malyev Schafer, shares her top placement tip for recessed lighting: 'Follow the furniture lines,' she advises. 'Align your lights with the furniture below to create balance, symmetry, and a sense of flow throughout the room.'

'As a general rule, I place recessed lights around the perimeter of the room to avoid dark corners,' she continues. 'They should not be closer than 20–24 inches from the wall to prevent unwanted reflections. In larger rooms, perimeter lighting alone may not suffice, so I add extra fixtures above seating areas, never along main circulation.'

Pendant placement is also key. 'Placement and proportion matter,' Mark Holloway continues. 'For pendants, aim to hang them around 30–35 inches above a dining table or kitchen island, and allow roughly 20 inches between multiple fittings.'

At the bedside, sconces should sit roughly 20–24 inches above the top of the mattress, with the shade at eye level when seated for bedtime reading (or scrolling). For bathroom vanities, flank the mirror with sconces set around 4–6 inches from the mirror edge to provide balanced, shadow-free light and combine with some ceiling downlights on a separate switch circuit.

3. Color Temperature

While it might sound all rather technical, understanding lighting temperature is essential. To put it simply, the color temperature of your bulbs and lighting fixtures will determine how the paint on your walls reads (warm or muddy), how the slab of marble in the kitchen looks (crisp or stark), and how your own skin tone appears in the bathroom mirror (flattering or flat).

'Color temperature is the difference between a cool white or blue light – approximately ~3000 Kelvin, which is often referred to as daylight – and the warm soft light, ~2,700 Kelvin, you would get from traditional bulbs,' Charlie explains. 'Daylight bulbs are good for creating a bright room, but aren’t the best for relaxing in – throughout my home, I prefer to use warm light.'

Measured in Kelvins (K), as Charlie points out above, color temperature runs on a scale from warm to cool. Designers typically lean towards 2700K, or warm white, bulbs for living spaces and bedrooms, as it feels softer, more inviting, and is the closest to candlelight.

3000k, on the other hand, works better in kitchens and bathrooms where it offers a slightly cooler, more neutral tone that keeps these functional spaces looking fresh.

One of the most common lighting mistakes made is mixing multiple color temperatures in a single space. A combination of warm and cool light sources can create an uneven and unsettled effect, so instead, choose one consistent baseline for each room to create a sense of harmony.

'CRI (or Color Rendering Index) is just as important,' adds Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'Aim for 90 or above to ensure colors appear true and materials retain their richness under artificial light.'

Additionally, Olga suggests you should prioritize light quality and 'look for a high CRI (90+) for colors that pop naturally, and make sure your lights are flicker-free. A quick phone video can reveal hidden flaws: if the light dances or flickers, it’s not up to standard.'

4. Output and Dimming

The brightness level, otherwise known as the output, of lighting is an often misunderstood aspect of lighting. We often think the brighter the better, but too much, and a room feels harsh – while too little, and it becomes flat or impractical rather than cozy.

The idea is to balance output with dimming, which is an approach that allows you to fine-tune the atmosphere in the room as the light and your tasks change throughout the day.

'For output, aim for flexibility,' Nina suggests. 'Overhead ambient lighting should deliver around 20 lumens per square foot, task lighting around 50, and accent lighting can be lower but more focused.'

Beyond brightness, dimming lets you transition from crisp morning light to an intimate evening glow with a simple adjustment. 'Always ensure you can dim – it’s the simplest way to shift mood and function without changing the fitting itself,' says Mark.

'When it comes to choice of bulb, ideally, all your lights should be controlled separately and on dimmers, so you can switch off your bright task lighting when it’s time to sit down and relax,' adds Charlie.

'If possible, make sure your lights are controlled separately so you can create different moods at the flick of a switch. Asking your electrician to install several circuits means you’ll be able to introduce texture and depth.'

5. Bathrooms and Safety Ratings

While there are no hard and fast rules to lighting areas like your kitchen, bedroom, dining, or living spaces, bathroom lighting is a totally different game.

When it comes to lighting a bathroom, be that the master bathroom or a small powder room, they demand a mix of practical precision lighting and moody, atmospheric lighting for relaxing moments. They also come with strict safety requirements, since water and electricity don't mix well.

A well-planned bathroom scheme strikes the balance between function, feeling, and compliance. Start with the right ratings. Fixtures in bathrooms and wet rooms should be designed to withstand moisture, so you must be sure to use damp-rated fittings for general bathroom zones, and wet-rated fixtures inside showers or anywhere exposed to direct spray.

'Lighting should be factored in at the initial design stage to allow for the wiring and the creation of two or more lighting zones within the space,' Charlie suggests. 'Remember to ensure the lights you are planning to install have the relevant rating for where they are being placed. You don’t have to use damp-rated lights in a bathroom if they are outside the zones, for example, more the 60cm (23.6") away from the tap of a bathroom sink,' he notes.

In terms of layout, wall sconces flanking the bathroom vanity remain a designer favorite. 'One major mistake is relying solely on overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering shadows and create a flat, uninviting space,' he continues. 'Instead, incorporating wall lights at eye level provides even, flattering illumination.'

Layer this with ambient lighting from a ceiling light, and, if space allows, add a dimmable accent or decorative element for a spa-like finish.

'It’s also important to consider how lighting needs change throughout the day – brighter task lighting for mornings, softer ambient lighting for winding down in the evening,' says Charlie. 'Dimmable fixtures offer flexibility, while well-placed wall lights help reduce shadows for grooming tasks.'

Rules to Remember

To sum it all up, here are a few quick-fire tips and tricks to help you light your home with confidence and clarity.

1. Remember you're lighting THINGS, not the floor

It is worth remembering that you're looking to light surfaces and focal points, not creating a puddle of light on the floor in the middle of a room. Layering is your best key to achieving this.

Christina Cruz, of Christina Cruz Interiors, recommends: 'Layer in task lighting, like unique table lamps and art lights that display artwork on the wall. Incorporate cordless reading lamps that can move around the room freely. Sconces are always a nice touch if you want to create a mood.'

2. Three is the magic number

Designers urge you to consider three light sources in every room. Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, reiterates: 'Three is the magic number of light sources you need per room! You know that feeling when you walk into a boutique hotel or restaurant and it feels so cozy?! It’s the lighting!'

She says each room needs to have: 'Ambient background lighting like sconces, table lamps, recessed lights, or a beautiful sculptural overhead fixture. Accent lighting to add drama: think picture lights and strip lighting in bookcases. and task lighting like cozy reading lamps and floor lamps.'

3. Dimmers on everything

One of the biggest tips designers and lighting experts agree on is ensuring everything is dimmable. 'I love dimmers,' says Michelle Murphy of DEMI RYAN. 'They’re not just functional – they’re emotional. They let you shift the energy of a space throughout the day. I believe all lighting should be on a dimmer, whether it be task lighting or mood.'

'My golden rules are simple,' agrees Nina. 'Every room deserves at least three light sources, dimmers on every circuit, and color temperature consistent throughout the home. When light is right, everything and everyone feels better.'

4. Stick to one temperature per room

The color temperature of your bulbs is another small detail that designers urge you not to overlook. For an easy guide, Christina Cruz recommends:

'Kitchen: We recommend 2700-3000K for recessed lighting, but prefer a dimmer to provide control.

Undercabinet Lighting: 2700-3000K, align the temperature to the same lights in the space.

Sconces & Decorative Fixtures: 2700–3000K to create a calming atmosphere when the overheads are off.'

5. Mix up your lighting STYLES as well as TYPES

As well as creating layers of ambient, task, and accent lighting, Olga Malyev advises: 'To avoid making the space feel overloaded – like a lighting showroom – I suggest mixing fixtures of different designs and scales: sculptural and minimal, vintage and contemporary, with shades and without. As always, it’s all about contrast.'

'When choosing fixtures, don’t be afraid to combine different finishes, metal tones, and shapes – they shouldn’t look like they were all bought in one shop,' she adds. 'What matters is that the fixtures are connected stylistically and by the warmth of their light. I prefer a consistent, warm tone close to that of traditional incandescent bulbs (around 2700 K).'

6. Have different lights on different switch circuits

As well as ensuring your lighting is dimmable, you want to be able to switch off these different layers depending on the time of day or task. For example, in the bathroom, overhead lights and sconces will help you with getting ready, while switching off the overheads leaves lower light for relaxed bathing.

'If there are many decorative fixtures, I like to divide them into several groups on separate switches,' says Olga. 'This allows you to create different lighting scenarios and adjust the atmosphere depending on the mood or occasion. Brighter, more functional lights can then be on dimmers.'

7. Placement is crucial, too

Don't underestimate the power of the placement and spacing of your lighting in each space.

Designer Lauren Gilberthorpe shares her easy tips: 'For ceiling fittings, I typically place recessed lights around 4-5 feet apart, depending on ceiling height and the size of the space. Over a dining table or kitchen island, pendants should hang around 30–35 inches above the surface for balance and proportion. Wall lights are ideally positioned at eye level, approximately 5 feet from the floor, while table and floor lamps should be scaled to the furniture and surrounding space.'

8. Don't ignore bathroom safety ratings

Lighting in bathrooms requires a little extra attention due to moisture and electrical safety standards, and it is important to ensure you're being code-compliant.

Christina Cruz breaks it down, saying you need to look for the "Damp Location" on the spec sheet, as this means 'the fixtures are suitable for areas with humidity but without direct water contact (e.g., above mirrors, general ceiling lights). Most bathroom sconces and ceiling lights fall into this category,' she says.

'A wet-rating is required anywhere a fixture may come into direct contact with water (e.g., inside a shower or above a freestanding tub if within the splash zone),' she adds. 'These fixtures are sealed to prevent moisture damage and electrical hazards. Look for “Wet Location” or “IP65” or higher ratings.'

FAQs

When done well, good lighting disappears – or rather, it becomes something you feel rather than notice. It shapes mood, flatters color schemes, and turns a room from purely functional into deeply inviting. Whether you’re mapping circuits or choosing shades, it always pays to start with expert guidance and remember to light things, not floors, layer for warmth and clarity, and plan for all moments of the day.

The Homes & Gardens Library is your definitive guide to timeless design wisdom. From choosing the perfect sofa to mastering the fundamentals of layout, each piece in the series draws on expert insight to guide you through the key principles of interior design. Thoughtfully curated yet easy to digest, it’s the essential reference for anyone looking to create a home that is beautiful, practical, and enduring.

As the season begins to transition into deeper winter weather, and dark evenings continue to get longer, optimizing Feng Shui lighting tips is one of the best ways to make your home feel instantly cozy this November.

Our Feng Shui expert practitioners explain that as the rooms that felt bright, light, and airy in summer suddenly feel heavy and dark in the colder months, a stagnant Qi, or Chi, can be created. This can bring fatigue, poor health, and leave us uninspired.

For that reason, it's more important than ever to set the mood with layered lighting, to bring comforting rest and reflection energy, and it will instantly become a fall Feng Shui essential for a cozier home.

How to Use Feng Shui Lighting

Lighting is often used in Feng Shui to create good energy in your home.

Suzanne Roynon, Feng Shui consultant and Interiors Therapist, explains, 'Layering is used in a multitude of ways to add depth, and support the Feng Shui energy required in any particular part of the home, so taking advantage of light to add a more inviting ambiance for a positive flow of chi – or lifeforce – energy makes total sense.

'Ensure the shades of lighting are mutually supportive, and avoid crossing cool tones with warm ones as this creates a clash, which can be difficult to relax in.'

To use Feng Shui lighting in your home:

1. Think About How a Room is Used

First things first, says Suzanne, avoid any Feng Shui design mistakes by thinking about how the room is most often used before getting started on additional lighting ideas.

'If the room is occupied during the day, you’ll need to amplify or simulate natural daylight wherever possible to support mood-regulating hormones,' she explains. 'Feng Shui is all about making the best use of positive energy, so consider daylight bulbs, such as the TJOY LED Light Bulbs available at Amazon for task lighting, and to offset SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and the winter blues.

'Some SAD lamps, like the Light Therapy Lamp from Amazon, can switch from daylight level lumens to warm white at the flick of a switch, making them the perfect choice for rooms which double as work from home spaces during the day, to sitting rooms at night.'

Task lighting, adds Ivana Nady, Feng Shui consultant and the founder of Zen-Interiors, is purposeful, adding directional light for specific tasks, such as reading lamps.

'Depending on the lightbulb used, it can bring in yin or yang Qi,' she explains. This is something to consider when it comes to your home office lighting ideas, for example.

2. Use Accent Lighting

Next, layer lighting with accent lights to make your home cozy in November and beyond.

'The easiest way to activate the Qi and bring back the warmth to our home is to layer the lighting,' says Ivana. 'As our homes are multi-dimensional, we have to design the lighting with this in mind.

'Ambient lighting is usually the main source of the lighting in the room: a ceiling fixture, suspended lighting, or wall-mounted lighting. This type of lighting carries yang Qi, and encourages action and clarity, but can feel too harsh and clinical for cozy autumn evenings.

'Accent lights are the real mood setter. They bring depth and character to the room. They are soft and diffused, and carry calming and restorative Qi. A little lamp that you bought on your last trip to Egypt can be placed in dark corners to wake up the sluggish Qi.

'Or, add a sparkle of fairy lights playfully spread over the walls. These touches will turn a house into a home – without them, a room can feel impersonal. With layers, the rooms will feel textured and alive.

Importantly, adds Suzanne, accent lighting will define without being overpowering, which is why it's preferable to the downward puddle of brightness from central light fittings or a sea of ceiling LED spots.

'Choose dimmable options wherever possible to fine-tune the room to your own requirements.' For example, Suzanne recommends the LDOPTO Under Cabinet Lights available in a pack of four at Amazon for this.

3. Illuminate Dark Corners

Finally, says Suzanne, speaking of dark corners with sluggish Qi, 'Illuminate the dark corners where stagnant Chi might skulk,' which is essential for Feng Shui energy mapping.

'Unused or cluttered spaces will not support your Feng Shui in any way, and this is as relevant to a multitude of light sources as to a pile of unsorted stuff. Think of the space in 3D and pool light in layers from floor to mid-height.

'Lift a low ceiling with uplighting to manage any suggestion of downward pressure, and lower a high one for a cozy feel in a double-height great room or lobby. Be creative with your options to bring the room alive.'

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

'Layered lighting brings harmony, and the essence of Feng Shui to your room, allowing you to adjust the yin and yang Qi as you need it,' concludes Ivana.

As you focus on your lighting, don't forget to consider these Feng Shui living room mistakes, too.

Obviously, I’d heard the buzz about Pooky's cult-favorite cordless table lamps. As an interiors editor, I’d tracked the beloved UK brand’s arrival stateside back in February – and its meteoric rise since. In just over a year, its playful, mix-and-match shades and sculptural bases have gone from insider secret to ubiquitous obsession.

I’d tested them before in stores but never actually taken one home – until recently, when I got my hands on the Smaller Marmaron Table Lamp. I picked out the classic combination of a gray marble base and a gloriously punchy black-and-white ikat shade.

I hailed a cab instead of my usual train simply because I couldn’t wait to get home and see the lighting idea in action. Where would it go? Would the legends be true? Would I finally retire my clunky plug-in lamps in favor of something sleeker, smarter, and cordless?

After living with this portable lamp in situ for a few months now, here are my honest thoughts on whether Pooky’s Smaller Marmaron Table Lamp is really worth the hype.

First Impressions

I have zero patience for complicated tech. I don’t read manuals, I refuse to download extra apps, and if something requires more than two cords, I’m out. So the fact that the Marmaron fit so seamlessly into my life speaks volumes.

If you’re new to Pooky, the cordless magic comes down to the brand’s Genesis Rechargeable Cell: a sleek, removable capsule with a clear on-off button and a discreet USB port. I popped the cell into the base, pressed the button (it lit up immediately), and placed the shade on top. The entire encounter took maybe 90 seconds.

You can tap the cell directly to turn it on or off, but the real thrill is the tiny gold remote. From across the room, you can adjust the brightness (lower settings stretch the charge to 17 hours) or even set a timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes, which means you never have to remember to switch it off yourself.

After a few test runs – and the slightly humbling realization that I was lusting after a remote control – the real question was: where to put my new obsession?

Living With the Marmaron

Sure, I could have put my Marmaron on a desk or bookshelf – and, to be fair, it’s had brief stints on both in the month or so since entering my life – but I wanted to test the full promise of its cordless freedom. So I chose somewhere more unorthodox and maybe even a little precarious: my shoe rack. Necessary? Probably not. But I like to think my children deserve a little ambience, too.

And I think they enjoyed it. Most nights, as I gestured from my laptop toward the lamp with its gold remote, the soft, linen-diffused glow washed over rows of mostly black leather, transforming a purely functional storage zone into something approaching a vignette. I’ve mostly kept it on the lowest brightness, which might explain why I’ve only charged it twice in a month – impressive for what I’d call pretty heavy use.

For now, the shoe rack seems to be its spiritual home. But after my bathroom vanity light mysteriously gave out last week (no, not the bulbs), the Marmaron has been pulling double duty there. It’s been the perfect stand-in – casting a warm, moody glow that somehow makes my small bathroom feel elevated and serene.

Final Thoughts

My marble-and-ikat combo comes in at a cool $265 – not nothing, but fair given the materials, craftsmanship, and that glorious gold remote, which, in my opinion, is priceless. It has the weight – both visual and literal – of something substantial and enduring, not a placeholder piece (which, frankly, too many cordless lamps end up feeling like). Yet it still delivers all the flexibility I didn’t know I needed.

My apartment is small and always in flux – constantly rearranged depending on my mood, my guests, or my inability to commit to one layout. The Marmaron rolls with all of it, somehow making every configuration feel intentional, even when I’m phoning it in. (If future me can’t be bothered to get up after watching my nightly shows, the built-in timer has become my unofficial bedtime reminder – a rare act of technology I actually appreciate.)

Aesthetically, I’m convinced I’ve landed on my perfect pairing in the marble base and ikat shade. Still, the beauty of this lamp is that it doesn’t demand monogamy – there are hundreds of shades to mix, match, and swap like accessories. I’m already eyeing a few backups for future mood shifts – or, more likely, wardrobe changes. My Marmaron gets it.

Alternative Pooky Shades

I landed on the living-room/closet/shoe-rack junction (in NYC, those zones tend to merge), but again, the real magic of this lamp is its portability. Believe me – it’s already making guest appearances all over the place.

And speaking of wandering light, have you ‘lampscaped’ your kitchen yet? Dive into the kitchen countertop lighting trend, cozying up our culinary endeavors.

For decades, many of our bathrooms suffered from the most basic – and disastrous – of lighting choices. The dreaded overhead spotlights were once the go-to default, a decision many interior designers bitterly disapprove of and one most homeowners are now coming to profoundly regret.

The spotlight’s first sin is just how nauseatingly unflattering the bright, overhead light is, casting harsh shadows that emphasize every flaw. Its second sin is the glaring lack of control: there is nothing more frustrating than trying to wind down for a hot, relaxing soak in the bath when your only options are total darkness or full-throttle, dazzling, bright-white floodlights. The crucial, corrective key lies in layering lighting – using multiple sources to achieve the perfect middle ground between task functionality and tranquil atmosphere.

If you are currently setting out on a bathroom remodel and wondering where to find truly inspired bathroom lighting ideas and where to buy bathroom lighting UK that will transform your daily routine and truly elevate your design, the time to ditch the spotlights is now. Forget the single source and embrace sconces, vanity strips, and dimmable warmth.

The places to shop for beautiful, timeless bathroom lighting

Here is our exclusive edit of the most esteemed bathroom lighting brands in the UK, everything you need to understand about their unique aesthetic, and the specific designs we recommend for achieving that perfect, flattering glow.

C.P. Hart

C.P. Hart has long been celebrated for redefining luxury bathroom design – and its approach to lighting is no exception. With over 80 years of expertise, the brand understands that lighting is the quiet architect of atmosphere, transforming practical spaces into serene sanctuaries.

From precision-engineered task lighting to sculptural wall sconces and ambient ceiling pieces, every C.P. Hart lighting design is meticulously curated to balance beauty with function. The brand collaborates with the world’s most innovative manufacturers – including AXOR, Dornbracht, Gessi, and TOTO – to offer collections that reflect both technical excellence and timeless style.

Across its award-winning showrooms, C.P. Hart presents immersive lighting displays that showcase how layered illumination can elevate form, texture, and mood. Whether you’re seeking to enhance a contemporary scheme or highlight classic detailing, C.P. Hart’s expert designers are on hand to craft lighting plans that bring your vision beautifully to life.

Drummonds

Every Drummonds bathroom is known for its delectably elegant and deeply sophisticated aesthetic, and their lighting offering is an equally sublime continuation of that ethos.

While Drummonds’ bathroom lighting collection is deliberately modest, it functions like the perfect capsule wardrobe for your interiors: comprising a few select pieces of truly timeless, classic, and always-in-style fundamentals. The overarching aesthetic is a clear nod to bygone, luxurious eras, defined by a refined sensibility of expert craftsmanship.

Each fixture is a sophisticated investment, featuring beautifully detailed metalwork and a protective, moisture-proof glass casing over the bulb, making them perfectly suited for the challenging, steam-filled environment of a bathroom. These are lifelong, inherently elegant additions that instantly elevate your home above the ordinary.

Best for: Vintage luxe style

Price: From £430

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Heathfield & Co

If your style gravitates toward luxurious, art deco-inspired, and genuinely striking designs, the Kent-based brand Heathfield & Co. is essential to know.

Their highly curated edit of bathroom lighting, engineered to meet rigorous safety standards for installation near water sources, features several distinct and wonderfully unconventional styles. Their selection of sconces, in particular, delivers a concentrated, flattering glow to a bathroom, and crucially, many styles are dimmable – which, in our opinion, is an absolute necessity, transforming the room from a utilitarian space to a true spa retreat.

What makes their collection truly fascinating is their unique and artful approach to lighting design. They specialize in uncommon fixtures that elevate the functionality of lighting to an expressive, decorative art form, ensuring your bathroom illumination is as stylish as it is atmospheric.

Best for: Sculptural lighting

Price: From £240

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The Soho Lighting Company

The bathroom lighting collection from The Soho Lighting Company is a fantastic example of a hard-to-achieve blend: seamlessly marrying traditional elegance with a sharp contemporary edge.

There is a distinct, appealingly nautical theme woven through their designs, notably in the liberal use of brass. This brass, which develops a unique, rich patina over time – known as a 'living finish' – means the fixtures age beautifully, in fact looking better and more customized the longer they remain in your home. Nearly all of their lighting features elegant fluted glass, the perfect companion to the developing brass finish. The two materials combined achieve a wonderfully retro-luxe look, making them the ideal, character-filled antidote to mundane, unflattering spotlights.

While The Soho Lighting Company offers a selection of handsome sconce lights, it’s their pendant lights that truly pack a punch. Pendants are seldom seen in bathrooms, but they can be extraordinarily stylish and serve a crucial function: softening the overall look of the space. Given that bathrooms are often dominated by hard, shiny surfaces, these fixtures introduce interesting textures and shapes. Although their pendant lights aren't IP rated, for those with a larger bathroom, they are worth considering, as they are safe to hang as long as they are placed 2.4 meters away from any water source.

Best for: Art Deco-inspired lighting

Price: From £120

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Original BTC

Original BTC, a truly exceptional British company, stands out in a world of mass mechanical production. They use centuries-old techniques to painstakingly handcraft every one of their beautiful lights, all locally in Oxfordshire – with the exception of their beautiful bone china lights, which are still made in Stone on Trent, the heart of the British ceramics industry.

This commitment to local, handcrafted design details is absolutely crucial to so many homeowners today. The bathroom lights on offer at Original BTC are distinctly edgy and cool, which look perfectly at home in modern and contemporary interior design schemes.

However, they also do a wonderful job of providing a sophisticated, industrial cut against more traditional or maximalist looks, serving as a wonderful juxtaposition that adds immediate interest and a genuine point of difference. If you want to get a foothold on what lighting styles are absolutely bang on trend and exceedingly stylish right now, their site offers inspiration in abundance.

Best for: Contemporary lighting

Price: From £199

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Pooky

If you feel an uncontrollable urge to buy everything in sight when you browse the Pooky website, rest assured – you are not alone.

This brand is a genuine design force, with so many of us adorning our houses with their fixtures, yet their collection manages to deliver perfectly judged designs every single time. Despite being one of the industry's go-to brands, Pooky’s almost infinite variety of shades and fixtures means it is highly improbable you will ever see your specific choice in somebody else's home.

The clinical nature of bathrooms can often leave them feeling cold and soulless, but Pooky lights are always unerringly characterful, injecting large quantities of personality into the space. For their ability to reliably warm up a room and add genuine charm, they are an absolute must-have.

Best for: Trend-led lighting

Price: From £45

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Rothschild and Bickers

Interior trends are, by their very nature, ephemeral. However, when investing in items that sit at the luxury end of the spectrum, the trick is to spot those that deliver far more than immediate allure – those special items that can genuinely be cherished over a lifetime. Rothschild and Bickers produce truly swoonworthy bathroom lights that achieve exactly that, and it is this commitment to enduring quality that places them firmly in the pantheon of design greats.

Every light in their bathroom collection is meticulously crafted from mouth-blown glass. This artisanal process is what gives each piece its distinctive coloring and unique shape, ensuring that no two fixtures are identical. While every light in their collection possesses a powerful, timeless appeal, they are far from understated or muted. This stands in direct contrast to the popular belief that only simple design can be enduring.

Instead, these fixtures are opulent decorative flourishes with recognizable, formative influences: think the decadent, glamorous maximalism of Victorian boudoirs blended with the voluptuous, organic shapes and trims of Art Nouveau. They are an investment in expressive, sophisticated style that will never fade.

Best for: One-of-a-kind pieces

Price: From £494

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Jim Lawrence

Jim Lawrence boasts one of the most impressive and expansive collections of bathroom lighting we’ve encountered. They offer an expertly curated edit that includes an unusually large variety of traditional yet strikingly refined pieces that will instantly prettify any bathroom, looking perfectly at home in town, country, traditional, or contemporary schemes alike.

Their collection features a vast selection of bathroom wall lights in a plethora of styles, alongside a thoughtful selection of bathroom ceiling lights. The ceiling fixtures, in particular, showcase an attractive waterproof cable and are crafted from solid natural brass. Crucially, Jim Lawrence treats this brass with a specialized antiquing solution to intentionally speed up the natural tarnishing process. This technique achieves that desirable mottled patina, resulting in wonderfully soft and unique organic patterns on the surface – a testament to quality craftsmanship and enduring style.

Best for: Large selection of classic designs

Price: From £190

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Holloways of Ludlow

The necessity of strict bathroom lighting regulations often forces lighting brands to offer a limited, frustratingly small collection of fixtures. However, this scarcity absolutely does not ring true for Holloways of Ludlow, which provides an abundant, ample choice with its bountiful collection designed specifically for bathrooms.

The overarching aesthetic expertly recalls yesteryear, lending an inherently welcoming and familiar feel – a look that is classic, yet effortlessly style-forward. Crucially, their sheer variety caters to every taste, with several striking contemporary pieces dotted throughout the collection for those who prefer modern decorating.

So substantial is their collection that there is very little chance of not finding the perfect fixture – they even offer specialized sauna lights, ideal if the concept of Hygge and a spa-like retreat is your goal. Their website is information-dense, making it a highly reliable resource for making a stylish and sensible choice if your bathroom is in dire need of a sophisticated style injection.

Best for: Affordable luxury

Price: From £75

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Corston Architectural Detail

Corston Architectural Detail is a brand that may have flown under your radar, but it is one well worth getting acquainted with immediately. They have perfected a range of clean, unfussy, and ultra-chic lighting designs that instantly convey a sense of quiet elegance and restraint.

Their bathroom lighting collection is specifically designed for use in zones two and three of the bathroom, ensuring essential safety compliance. Each piece features a pared-back, exceedingly sophisticated silhouette with enduring appeal.

For a brand with such a forward-thinking, design-led aesthetic, you would be forgiven for expecting steep prices. However, their lighting is remarkably reasonable price-wise, offering genuine value for high style. As a final bonus, each of their styles is refreshingly customizable, available in your choice of bronze, brass, or nickel finish to perfectly complement your hardware.

Best for: Simple, timeless, and beautifully made lighting

Price: From £90

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West One Bathrooms Ltd

Celebrated for its visionary approach to luxury bathroom design, West One Bathrooms Ltd has become synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and a uniquely British sense of elegance. Since its founding in London in 1978, the family-run brand has mastered the art of transforming the everyday ritual into something extraordinary. Now, its approach to bathroom lighting reflects that same philosophy – creating ambience as much as illumination.

From sculptural wall sconces that frame a mirror in soft, flattering light to statement pendants that bring architectural presence, each design in West One Bathrooms’ curated collection unites form and function with effortless precision. Every fixture is selected for its ability to enhance mood, texture, and reflection – the essential ingredients of a beautifully lit space. With decades of expertise and an unwavering dedication to bespoke design, West One Bathrooms continues to define what elegant, atmospheric bathroom lighting looks like today.

What is IP Rating and why do you need to pay attention to it?

Lee offers some insight in terms of lighting regulations; a bathroom is considered a special location for electrical installation. You just need to ensure your bathroom lights meet the IP regulations required, wall lights should carry a minimum rating of IP44, and a higher IP65 rating when closer to water.'

Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC, adds, 'IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ and is used to define the degree of protection provided against water to its electrical connections. You don’t have to use IP-rated lights in a bathroom if they are outside the zones, for example, more the 60cm away from the tap of a bathroom sink.'

Luckily, any good manufacturer of bathroom lighting should make it quite explicit on their site or in their showroom which lighting within this collection is suitable for bathrooms.

What bulbs work best for bathroom lighting?

Lee advises we first decide precisely how we want our bathroom to feel: 'Do you want your bathroom to feel warm and cosy or bright and light? Allow this to lead the way in choosing the colour temperature to ensure you create the appropriate ambience for the room.'

'Equally, for applying makeup, you need your bulbs to have a high CRI (Colour Render Index). CRI is the degree to which your artificial light represents true daylight, with 100 CRI being the truest form. The average UK bulb is level 82 CRI, and ours are the highest available 95-97 CR, so you will not leave the bathroom with unseen toothpaste on your cheek or needless shaving cuts!'

How and why to layer bathroom lighting?

Layering lighting essentially means giving yourself more choice and is the key to well-thought-out and well-executed lighting ideas.

Where 'task lighting' is required, bright, even harsh light is a necessity - maybe in areas where we apply makeup or inspect that relentless chin hair that won't get the message. But on the whole, the bathroom is a place to soothe, relax, and unwind, so setting the tone with warmer, softer, ambient lighting is ideal.

A candle sconce is a wonderful addition to any bathroom, so too are rechargeable and portable lamps, which require no electrical feed and allow you to read a book in the tub without squinting. They also help to make the bathroom feel more relaxed and in keeping with the rest of the house. Bathrooms needn't feel clinical and lifeless.

Charlie notes that we should 'treat lighting in the bathroom as you would any living area: bathrooms are now as much relaxation spaces as practical spaces, so consider your lighting at the planning stage to create a bathroom you’ll enjoy for years to come. What’s more, materials are just as important as style when choosing lighting for your bathroom. Choose materials that bring natural, relaxed softness, such as bone china. Layering hand-crafted, natural textures and finishes brings warmth to your scheme, all while being timeless and characterful.'

As the nights grow longer in early fall, I am always very conscious of how much more I rely on indoor lighting. Those extra hours of brightness can quietly drive up energy bills, especially when lights are left on in empty rooms.

One of the best fixes I’ve found? Motion sensor lights. Not only do they prevent wasted energy, but they have made my home safer, too.

If you’re looking for a simple way to cut energy bills and boost efficiency, here’s where to put motion sensor lights inside your home.

Where to put motion sensor lights to reduce your energy bills

Although lighting ideas were not really on my radar for saving money at home in fall and winter, James Harrison at electrician firm Fusion Electrical, pointed out that small adjustments can make a surprising difference over the course of a year, and that includes lighting.

'Some of these cost very little to set up, but could save you money every single month,' he says. 'Installing a motion sensor means your lights will only come on when someone is in the room.

'It avoids wasted energy when a switch has been left on and removes the need to remember to turn them off.'

Locating motion sensor light bulbs in the high-traffic areas of a home, which are the areas you go in and out of constantly, can help to cut energy costs.

This is especially true if you are like me. I am particularly prone to forgetting to hit a switch on the way out of a room, or I often have my hands full, refusing to take two trips in or out of a room.

Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden adds, 'I often go upstairs and find that my daughter has left the hallway, bathroom, or her bedroom light on for hours, despite not using any of those spaces. Motion sensor lighting would be a great and easy fix for this.'

As a result, lights are left on when they are not rigged up to a timer system like my prized Phillips Hue smart bulbs starter kit, from Amazon, making my lights one of the vampire appliances secretly costing me money.

In my period home, where several rooms lack natural light, motion sensor bulbs also have the added benefit of not just improving functionality, but helping me to stay safe, too.

The motion light on my stairway, for example, has stopped me from tumbling down the staircase at any given opportunity (usually because I have put something on the stairs to be put away, and forgotten about it).

Similarly, my motion-sensor entryway lighting ideas help me lock up the house each night without jamming the key in the wrong way round again (yes, this did happen once, and my landlord was less than thrilled).

What to shop

When shopping for motion sensor lightbulbs specifically to save money, James advises, 'Always choose products in the top efficiency classes and make sure your electrical installations are in safe working order.

'If you suspect an issue, have an electrician check it. Saving money should never come at the cost of safety.'

FAQs

Can you put a motion sensor bulb in a regular socket?

Motion sensor light bulbs are designed to slot into your usual light fitting sockets, with no electrical adjustments needed. Simply replace the bulb and switch it on at the wall (leaving it switched on).

It isn't just your light bulbs that are draining your funds. There is one common appliance mistake that could be adding $100s to your energy bills each year that needs addressing ASAP.

With fall officially here and nights drawing in, you'll be relying on your home lighting more than ever. But, with more dependence on artificial light sources comes more electricity used and higher energy bills.

For that reason, we recommend swapping your bulbs over to these EcoSmart Dimmable LED Light Bulbs, available at Home Depot, as soon as possible.

Here's why they're an essential if you're looking to cut energy bills this fall and winter.

Why we recommend switching to these Home Depot EcoSmart bulbs

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

It's no secret that energy bills are higher in winter, attributed to common heating system mistakes and common things making your heating system work harder. What you might not have realized, though, is that your increased lighting use can have a profound effect on your monthly spending, too.

That's why we suggest replacing your bulbs with the EcoSmart Dimmable LED Light Bulbs, available at Home Depot, which will improve your home's EPC rating and keep energy bill costs down.

In fact, they boast a $0.67 saving per year, amounting to an estimated $57 total over each bulb's 15,000-hour lifetime – meaning one pack of four bulbs could save you $228, making them a worthy eco-home improvement.

What's more, the bulbs are compatible with most dimmer switches and are soft and warm, ideal for swapping out any flickering lights and making a living room cozy with lighting.

With customers saying they're 'Good light bulbs at an affordable price,' 'nice and bright,' and have been 'running over five years strong,' we're as 'sold on these' as they are.

Just remember, if you are looking to keep energy bills down, you do need to turn the lights off when you leave a room.

What to shop

FAQs

Are LED lightbulbs bad for you?

No, LED lightbulbs, luckily, are perfectly safe for humans and for your eyes. Where you may have seen information on the contrary refers, in the majority, to the negative impact of blue light from LEDs, primarily from screens like your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, which can suppress melatonin, interfere with circadian rhythms, cause visual fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

While this blue light is present in home lighting, the effects tend to be negligible.

Do you know about the most economical way to run heating? According to our panel of HVAC pros, smart thermostats are the star of the show.

As the saying goes, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out. That applies as much to jelly shoes and camo pants as it does to lighting trends, a category designers see at both its best and its most regrettable every day.

Most of us don’t buy lighting to be ironic – we’re hoping it adds atmosphere, maybe even a little magic. But even the most flattering glow can fall out of step with the culture, the mood, or the moment.

So you don’t end up with the lighting idea equivalent of a padded-shoulder power suit, Homes & Gardens tapped designers to weigh in on the fixtures that have lingered a little too long. Ahead, seven outdated lighting trends for 2026, you may want to dim.

1. Exposed Edison bulbs

Exposed Edison bulb fixtures had their heyday in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but you still see evidence of this dated lighting trend around now, and designers say it's time to leave it behind. ‘Once charming, these now feel more like nostalgic cliches,’ says Lumens CMO Dana Gers.

What began as a wink to history now reads as novelty. We’re not in the late 1800s, after all. ‘Exposed Edison bulbs and industrial pipe fixtures once carried the spirit of authenticity, but they’ve become reductive,’ Dana continues, ‘and like one-note gestures rather than meaningful design.’ Nostalgia has its place – design thrives on it – but this look has been done to death.

For Edison loyalists, there’s still a way forward. Dana points to Louis Poulsen’s Aged Brass Collection, developed in the 1920s by Poul Henningsen, which offers a similarly diffused, heritage-inspired glow.

2. Mid-century Sputnik pendants

Think of the mid-century Sputnik pendant as the more polished, design-forward sister to the Edison bulb – both built on the same exposed principle, both now past their prime. Andrea Goldman, founder and principal of Illinois-based Andrea Goldman Design, says even this icon has lost its luster.

‘Lighting trends like the mid-century Sputnik pendants have had their moment!’ insists Andrea. ‘While the original design is a beautiful blend of both retro and futuristic style, it has been an easy lighting design to imitate at lower price points. Unfortunately, the commercial appeal has caused replicas to show up everywhere.’ And once everyone has one – and they do – it may be time to move on.

3. Brass overload

Brass is the costume jewelry of lighting right now – everywhere, shiny, and arguably a little too obvious. Designers aren’t canceling it altogether, but in 2026 they’re urging you to break the habit of reaching for brass as the default.

‘Brass will always be a timeless, beautiful material, but we think its use might be a bit too omnipresent right now,’ say Joshua Evan Goldfarb and Michael Edward Moriano, the founders of Evan Edward, a New York and Miami-based interior design and architecture studio. ‘We think it’s time to mix things up and explore some different metal tones for a fresh look. If your heart is set brass, try burnished brass, antiqued brass, etc.!’

If you don’t banish the brass, tread carefully: the wrong finish will cheapen a room instantly. ‘We’d rather see a beautiful polished nickel than a bad (green or orange) brass,’ note Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co. Los Angeles-based designer Jessica Nicastro echoes the sentiment: faux distressing reads fake. ‘I’d much rather see materials that patina naturally over time.’

4. Harsh industrial fixtures

If you’re noticing a theme, you’re not wrong – a few of the looks on this list lean industrial, and that whole aesthetic is fading fast. Lumens CMO Dana Gers calls out the culprits as ‘utilitarian pipes and raw metals,’ which she says ‘lack nuance.’

‘Industrial fixtures were once bold design elements, but have now become dated and heavy,’ adds JoAnnah Kornak, SVP & Executive Creative Director at Holly Hunt. ‘I could personally do without overly industrial fixtures,’ she continues, ‘they feel out of step with modern interiors.’ The truth is, we’ve moved on from industrial kitchens and loft-like living rooms, and the lighting needs to keep up.

Even the newer takes – those severe, high-gloss cordless table lamps that once had a moment (and now live on Amazon) – are losing their appeal. ‘Super high-gloss finishes, especially in stark whites or blacks, they just don’t feel warm or timeless,’ says Los Angeles designer Jessica Nicastro.

What’s next are pieces that keep the edge but add some elegance. Dana points to Lambert & Fils’s Silo Atelier 03 LED Pendant, and the Float Wide LED Pendant by Ladies and Gentlemen Studio, both of which trade brute force for geometry, craftsmanship, and a more nuanced glow.

5. Incorrect scale

‘Another outdated lighting trend we would love to retire is the incorrect use of scale with lighting selections,’ says Illinois-based interior designer Andrea Goldman.

The instinct is often to play it safe, but in 2026, bigger is better. ‘Don’t be afraid to go big with your lighting!’ Goldman insists. ‘Way too often, small pendants or undersized wall sconces are used in grand, large spaces. Selecting the right scale chandelier is just as important as choosing the correct size dining table for your space.’

6. Minimal ring pendants

There was a moment when slim silhouettes – from jewelry to shoulder straps – signaled cool. Midi rings were barely visible, and pendant lights followed suit with glowing circles suspended in space.

‘Endlessly repeated, their novelty has worn thin,’ says Lumens CMO Dana Gers. What once felt elegant has ‘been reproduced so extensively that their impact has flattened.’

Now, designers are pushing the form further. Pieces like Lee Broom’s Eclipse Chandelier reimagine the circle as a layered, mirrored, jewelry-like sculpture – a move that feels far less reductive.

7. Utility lighting

Task lighting belongs in garages and studios, not styled within arm’s reach of your velvet sofa or cozy bed. In 2026, utilitarian fixtures are officially out of fashion.

‘Lately, we’ve noticed more lighting that feels better-suited for offices than bedrooms or living rooms,’ say Joshua Evan Goldfarb and Michael Edward Moriano, the founders of Evan Edward. ‘Let’s leave the ultra-functional, three-arm desk lamps at the workplace where they belong and bring softness back to our homes!’

Be less practical, more playful. Opt for fabric-shaded pendants or sculptural fixtures that – unlike their soon-to-be-gone utilitarian buddies – could never be mistaken for an appliance. Lighting isn’t just a tool; it’s an accessory.

The key takeaway is that many outdated lighting trends are ones that lean overly practical, too industrial, and almost clinical. Lighting for 2026 is about adding character and personality with creative designs that are soft and playful.

As Lumens CMO Dana Gers notes, ‘What we’re seeing instead is a return to design that feels both innovative, human and emotive: pieces that honor heritage, celebrate craftsmanship, and bring nuance to form and material.'

While the patio might be the heart of my home in summer, fall is where the living room comes into its own. And now that we're spending more time hosting indoors – from movie nights to cozy candlelit dinners – I've been searching for some easy yet chic ways to create that soft glow that makes a space feel truly inviting.

We all know it's your lighting ideas that have the power to change the entire mood of a space. Lamps and candles aside, I've always loved the stylish look of picture lights (especially as an amateur thrifted art collector), but the idea of going to the length of getting them wired in or dealing with visible cords has always stopped me.

Luckily for me, portable lamp technology has reached new heights, and cordless picture lights are popping up in some of my favorite fall collections to promise all the same ambiance, without any of the hassle.

Where I live, we're fighting a losing battle against the increasingly darkening days. Each day feels shorter, dimmer, and damper come September and beyond.

So the perfect way to counteract that is, of course, finding plenty of fall decor ideas that will amp up the ambiance (and improve my darkening mood) without either breaking the bank or leaning too cringe.

I’ve found that in my home, it’s those small additions of soft, warm light that make a living room feel lived-in and comfortable year-round, and don't fall into kitsch seasonal decor traps that will quickly date.

Picture lights are one of those deceptively simple design details that can completely transform a space. Not only are they designed to highlight the things you love and want to show off – like art, family photos, or a favorite wall decor piece – but they also do so much more than that.

A well-placed picture light adds a layer of soft, directional light that creates warmth and depth, instantly making a room feel more intimate and inviting. It’s subtle but makes a big difference in the overall atmosphere of a room.

And it makes perfect sense that Joanna Gaines' brilliant mind thought to add some cordless picture lights to her beloved Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia range at Target just in time for fall.

Available in both black and brass finishes, this wall-mounted light suits a range of color schemes and interior design styles. Simply mount it above artwork, over a mantel, on bookshelves, or even in your entry to add a warm, focused glow. At under $70, it’s an affordable way to bring in that 'collected and curated' feel that Joanna is loved for.

Whether you’re layering them with floor lamps, table lamps, or overhead lighting (or all of the above), they create pockets of light that are perfect for fall evenings in.

What makes a battery-operated picture light particularly appealing is its flexibility. No cords and no drilling means you can move it around as your space evolves, allowing you to experiment with placement and styling without being limited by outlets or hardwiring – making it great for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their space seasonally.

While Joanna's picture light is my top choice, there are plenty of different styles and finishes out there that each offer unique features and battery life. Like with most things, the more you pay, the better the technology will be. Additionally, if you're keen to source a real brass finish or aren't bothered by plastic, that can also affect which might be the best choice for you.

Below, I've found three more stylish cordless picture lights for every budget to help inspire your cozy season shopping.

Shop cordless picture lights

If you’ve been thinking about ways to elevate your space this season without a major renovation, a rechargeable picture light might be the perfect, fuss-free solution.

Knowing current lighting trends is one thing – predicting what’s next takes a true insider: a designer, a tastemaker, someone who sees around corners.

2026 is closer than you think. And with innovative lighting ideas shaping mood as dramatically as fresh flooring or a new sofa, it pays to plan ahead.

To guide the way, we spoke to a series of interior design insiders – familiar names and a few you’ll want to know. These professionals, with portfolios to prove it, share predictions you won’t find anywhere else: niche, specific, and straight from the source.

Here are the lighting trends to watch in 2026.

7 lighting trends setting the tone for 2026

We asked experts who do this every day. These are the lighting trends they're betting on by next year, which will soon be copied by everyone else by next spring.

1. 'Napkin' lights

You’ve seen them – you just didn’t know what to call them. Napkin lights, an Instagram-native term as nonchalant as the fixtures themselves, are draped, fluid forms rendered in decidedly un-soft materials, such as pleated ceramic or folded porcelain.

Mimicking fabric mid-swish, 'they add texture, depth, and a touch of whimsy that invites conversation,’ says Kym Gold, founder and president of dumæ, a design-forward brand that’s embraced the look with pieces like the delightfully folded Yasmin Pendant.

‘The Yasmin Pendant came from my background in the apparel industry, where I’ve always been drawn to how fabric layers and moves,’ Kym explains. ‘I wanted to capture that same sense of drape and flow using materials like clay and metal. It’s a play between the softness of fabric and the permanence of harder mediums – that contrast is what makes it exciting to me.’

According to Kym, these soft-looking, hard-formed fixtures shine brightest in communal spaces like living and dining rooms – places where their sculptural texture can actually be seen and appreciated. ‘I think consumers are always searching for something fresh to bring into their spaces,’ she says. ‘Especially pieces that feel both artistic and functional. These designs have a softness to them, even though they’re made of hard materials, which makes them stand out and feel intentional.’

2. Biomorphic silhouettes

Call it pod lighting, seed lighting, or just lighting that looks like it might have originated in a tide pool. Designers are leaning into forms that reference the natural world – not just the materials, but the architecture of elements and organisms themselves.

‘We anticipate a continued rise of organic, pod-like forms – fixtures that evoke shells, seeds, and natural archetypes,’ says Dana Gers, CMO at Lumens. Take, for instance, the weightless drift of Flos’ My Disc Pendant, the sculpted petal curves of Jamie Young’s Cala, or the onion-skin thin Suuria by Aqua Creations.

Sarah Trop of FunCycled sees it, too. ‘Instead of just rattan shades and basket weaves (which we’ve leaned on heavily in recent years), expect to see lighting that truly reflects nature: glass fixtures that ripple like water, lamps with stone or terrazzo bases, and undulating silhouettes that suggest movement.’

‘2026 is ushering in a more expressive, tactile, and human approach to lighting design,’ Dana Gers continues. ‘These softened, asymmetric shapes move beyond strict geometry and introduce a sense of quiet movement and life into interiors.’

3. Gentle glow

In 2025, minimalism swung both ways – either painfully boring (a lone glowing stick on a wall) or, more often than not, overly precious (more sculpture than light source). Looks were prioritized, ambience forgotten. But in 2026, the pendulum hits its sweet spot: the sensibility stays minimal, but comfort becomes key.

‘I think 2026 is going to be all about lighting that feels modern but really natural and refined,’ says Los Angeles–based designer Jessica Alpert. ‘Finishes are getting softer and more textured, nothing too shiny, so the light kind of glows rather than reflects. It’s all about sculptural pieces that feel sleek and intentional, without trying too hard.’

‘People are craving spaces that feel calm, warm, and personal, and lighting plays a huge role in that,’ she continues. ‘Aesthetically, these pieces are clean and modern but still have that organic, lived-in feel, which makes them really versatile.’

Easy on the eyes, this bedroom-friendly lighting style isn’t about doing less. It’s about knowing what to leave out.

4. Mixed materials

It’s the art of the unexpected. As we head into 2026, names like GUBI, Kalco Lighting, and Les Jardins are leaning into mixed materials in a big way.

‘We’ve seen rich texture trending in lighting this year – and in general, a much more creative use of material,’ says Andrea Goldman, founder and principal of Andrea Goldman Design. Lumens CMO Dana Gers agrees: ‘Designers are experimenting with pairings that feel unexpected and deeply crafted.’

Painted brass might be softened with raw stone. Polished glass could be wrapped in woven textiles. A globe shade? Sure – but make it marble, not glass. Even leather-wrapped shades and lacquered steel are a fair living room lighting game.

‘These juxtapositions bring a layered, artisanal richness to lighting,’ Dana adds.