Lighting trends 2024 – the favored designs set to beautifully brighten our homes

We are all aware how important lighting is in a home, and while it may not be as dominant as say the colors of the space, or the furniture, good lighting can make or break a room every bit as much as these larger elements. Plus, there are so many gorgeous lighting designs around in 2024, they can add just as much style and sophistication to a room as a couch or a headboard. 

Lighting trends are exciting because lighting is something you can usually switch around quite easily so it's perfect for embracing interior design trends without the need to overhaul a whole room. So we asked the experts what lighting ideas are in 2024? From sculptural, statement pieces to smart lighting and bespoke fittings...

Lighting trends 2024

We asked a panel of lighting experts and interior design insiders on what they expect the biggest lighting trends to be in 2024. So read on to discover what is set to brighten our lives next year and beyond...

1. Layered lighting and vintage touches

'Trends in lighting design in 2024 include a more layered approach, in my case distinguished by an infusion of vibrant colors and luxurious materials,' says designer Kati Curtis. 'Our approach to lighting always encompasses a layered scheme, which sidesteps the conventional overhead layout in favor of ambience-enhancing sconces, floor and table lamps.' 

'In line with interior design trends in general, there's a growing affinity for collectible floor and table lamps that double as sculptural art pieces, enlivening spaces with their unique artistry and charisma. Brass fixtures are still strong, evoking a blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication, and we’re using a lot of vintage Murano glass, which always adds a touch of artisanal finesse.' she adds.

2. Going bespoke with the shades

This year is all about not settling for something that's not quite right. Going bespoke may be a luxury but with something like lighting it's key and a bespoke shade that's perfect for your space is a little luxury that can make a big difference.

As designer Hayley English says, 'We are firm believers in bespoke lampshades as they always provide a softer feel to any space. Custom shades can be applied to overhead lighting, sconces, floor and table lamps!'

And the more the better too. 'There's no such thing as too many of these shades in a project because, if created properly, they not only draw on design elements in the space but offer a sophisticated yet lived-in feel.' she adds.

3. Going bespoke with positioning

As we have previously mentioned, 2024 will be the year for commissioned and bespoke lighting schemes, catering exactly to the needs of our interior spaces and ultimately, helping them feel more personal and unique. As Kati Curtis says, a huge lighting trend right now is 'seamlessly integrating lighting into millwork, such as shelves and built-ins, highlights functionality while enhancing the overall aesthetic.'

When commissioning bespoke joinery, ask the carpenter to make allowances for internal wiring from the start, this will allow for some lights to be built into the unit, removing the need for trailing wires from standalone lamps or wall lights, resulting in a cleaner finish. 

Interior decorator, Sarah Brown, commissioned this pretty bespoke shelving painted in a pale pink gloss with tongue and groove detailing, for a sitting room in London. She says, ‘an interesting room is made up of many layers that allow the eye to travel.'

The look is finished with beautiful decorative flourishes, with colorful, patterned shades used on the sconce and mantelpiece lamp; establishing a unique, bespoke design that feels wonderfully eclectic and rich in texture.

4. Soft lighting and natural fabrics

'In the pursuit of sustainability and a closer connection to the environment, we anticipate a continued use of natural fabrics in lighting design,' explains Charlie Bowles, Director of Original BTC. 'Materials like linen and cotton not only add tactile appeal but also enhance the diffusion of light, casting a soft and soothing glow. The choice of natural fabrics aligns with the broader eco-conscious movement, making it a compelling choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. 

'And alongside that, as we continue to prioritize wellness and comfort in our homes, lighting that sets a soft, relaxed mood will be key. This involves fixtures designed to create a gentle and calming ambiance. Expect to see more adjustable and dimmable lighting options that allow homeowners to customize the intensity and color temperature of their light sources.' he adds. 

5. Organic shapes and silhouettes

'The prevalence of organic forms isn’t new in the world of decorative lighting – flowing lines and shapes are timeless and lend themselves perfectly to the world of lighting where chandeliers and pendants are used to create a focal point,' explains Paul Nulty, found of Nulty Lighting. 

'But the trend is flourishing due to a growing appreciation for biophilic design and a desire to connect with the integrity of nature and develop a design language around this. Creatives are having fun with this trend in lighting reinventing familiar elements from nature to produce something unique.'

'The aesthetic is multifaceted – sinuous shapes, elaborate finishes, vibrant colors, and soft use of light create a visually interesting centerpiece. Key to this trend is beautiful imperfections. Nature isn’t flawless; it’s a living and breathing entity so design must reflect this. Movement, intricacy, and nuance give each lighting piece character and personality,' adds Paul. 

6. Quiet luxury lighting that's sleek but soft

'The world increasingly feels like a challenging place, so we’re drawn to moments of calm. In our efforts to seek out tranquillity, we try to surround ourselves with beautifully made pieces that evoke a sense of equilibrium and simplicity,' continues Paul. 

'The quiet luxury trend is all about considered composure. What these lighting pieces lack in drama, they make up for in detail. Clean lines and simple materials are the starting principle but gain an extra facet of lavishness through thoughtful creative touches. Key to this lighting trend is the beautiful fusion of simplicity and intricacy. The cloudy finish of the clean white tier of Planetary. The smoky detail inside the Glass Globe Pendant.'

7. Use lighting as a design focal point

Ian Cameron, creative director at Cameron Design House says, 'Homeowners are seeking unique pieces for their homes that create maximum impact. From unusual shapes to innovative materials, there is an increased desire from customers looking to be more daring in their design choices. There will be a demand for unusual and eye-catching light pieces that challenge every day and are show-stopping art forms in themselves.'

Your choice of lighting can be a creative and artistic celebration of different shapes, materials and colors, enriching your space with an elevated look of visual interest and modern design.

8. Sculptural pieces

Leading on from using lighting as a design focal point in a room, 2024 will see many of us incorporate statement, sculptural lights into our spaces; adding beautiful, artistic touches to a room.

Ian Cameron says, 'Sculptural lighting resembling incredibly beautiful and organic shapes from the natural world can add a welcome softness and fluidity to interiors.  From the flowing movement of water to the incredible silhouettes of mountain ranges, nature-inspired designs will continue to be a popular trend in our homes.'

With curvaceous shapes and arch structures set to be popular across architecture and furniture trends in 2024, sculptural lighting will work in unison, helping to create relaxed interiors that feel soft, calm and inviting.

9. Mood-enhancing lighting

Using layered lighting, from cozy table lamps to candles and twinkling fairy lights, to establish welcoming pools of light in the home, is renowned for making our spaces feel more relaxing and calm. 

From the recent TikTok design trends about never using the 'big light', to the importance of our homes being centers for wellness and restoration, Piero de Marchis, director at Detail Lighting, discusses why mood lighting is so important.

'Ambient lighting allows you to set the mood and change the ambiance in a room. A key part of planning a design scheme, homeowners are paying far more attention to the way spaces in the home make us feel, as well as their function. From dim-to-warm technology to discreetly hidden accent and spotlighting, mood-enhancing lighting is set to continue to be a key consideration for 2024 and beyond, in particular in bathrooms, bedrooms and multifunctional spaces such as open-plan kitchens.'

10. Smart lighting

With changes in technology and advances in lighting design having an impact on lighting trends year on year, many of us are now kitting out our homes with smart lighting. 

Piero de Marchis says, 'Our homes are having to work harder for us than ever before, with an increase in spaces having multiple functions. From open-plan living areas to kitchen-dining zones, the trend for installing multifunctional lighting that can be adapted to suit the room as it’s being used is set to continue to rise.'

From voice-activated and motion-sensing lights to multifunctional fittings, as shown on the shelving unit above by John Cullen Lighting, these clever lighting designs are often more energy-efficient and can make the lighting schemes in your space feel more unique as well as being incredibly functional.

Chris Pask, director at Charlton Brown also says, 'We are expecting the demand for color-controlled lighting schemes to increase this year. We have used this technology previously with artificial skylights to reproduce natural daylight (in basements typically) and to mimic the visual appearance of the sun and sky depending on the time of the day – the natural skylight in the morning tends to be a brighter blue compared with warmer hues in the afternoon.'

11. Colorful and eclectic combinations

With minimalism listed as one of the worst trends of 2023, many of us are taking bigger risks when it comes to the interior designs of our homes, embracing a more maximalist style, and curating a space that feels more individual, authentic and rich with color, pattern and texture. 

Jennifer Ebert, digital editor of Homes & Gardens says, 'In 2023, colorful table lamps with bright bobbin bases and patterned fabric shades were definitely a favored lighting trend, with this colorful and more eclectic style set to continue well into this year.'

Using a mix of light sources, from pendants to floor lamps and table lamps, each embodying a different style, color, or craft, can create a layered, lighting effect that feels homey, inviting, and unique to your space.

12. Oversized pendants

Ian Cameron from Cameron Design House says, in 2024 'Lighting will be the focal point of any room design, with beautifully crafted, oversized and extravagant light fittings taking center stage – large and sculptural formations are here to stay.'

Whether you want to zone a cozy seating area, like above, or simply want to match the scale and size of a room, an oversized pendant can not only efficiently illuminate a space, it can establish a beautiful design statement.

13. Unique materials

Ed O'Donnell, co-founder of Angel O'Donnell says, 'Arresting silhouettes and unusual materials will conspire to create increasingly imaginative lighting statement pieces that’ll create strong focal points in the home.'

From tactile, natural materials such as wicker and rattan, to more industrial designs crafted from metal and concrete, for 2024 lighting trends, the more unique the material, the better!

Ian Cameron says one material to look out for in 2024 is mirrored brass, he shares with us, 'Reminiscent of the Art Deco era, mirrored brass is a finish I expect to see across all lighting in the new year, from smaller accent pieces to show-stopping pendants. Engagingly opulent and glamorous, its natural light-reflecting qualities deliver a classic yet contemporary look, helping to reflect light around the room.'

FAQs

Are pendant lights out of style?

One of the most versatile and practical lighting options for the home, pendant lights are very much here to stay in 2024.

Industville’s managing director, Mara Miller, says 'pendant lighting is an essential part of lighting within your home. This trend can redefine your space by creating focal points and stunning visual impact. By embracing pendant lighting, anyone can achieve their style as various pendant fixtures come in sleek, modern, traditional and industrial finishes.'

Chris Pask also supports this and says, 'we are noticing a shift away from spotlights which was very much en vogue several years ago but is becoming less popular, with interior designers taking cues from the world of hospitality and private members clubs, where lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the space. In 2023 we expect this trend to continue in the residential setting, with a greater shift towards lighting arrangements that are more soothing and aesthetically pleasing rather than harsh, unflattering spotlights.'

Are traditional chandeliers out of style?

A traditional chandelier will always be timeless and undeniably beautiful, establishing a luxurious atmosphere of grandeur and elegance. 

And they should not just be reserved for period properties, either. Traditional chandeliers can work wonderfully in more modern settings, creating a unique element of contrast and establishing a stylish mix of the old and the new.

Of course, this classic style of lighting is not for everyone, and many modern chandelier interpretations are proving popular for more contemporary homes; with designs crafted from an array of different materials to form unique shapes and hanging arrangements.

We often say when it comes to trends to never lean too closely into them straight away, sit back for a while a see how they develop. Trends can be so short-lived you never want to jump on something that may look dated in a few months. However, lighting trends are where we always recommend dabbling if you love a trend. Firstly, because lighting is the perfect way to introduce a transitional style and secondly, lighting isn't usually permanent so you can change it up as tastes and trends change. 

As we have previously mentioned, 2024 will be the year for bespoke and commissioned lighting schemes, catering exactly to the needs of our interior spaces and ultimately, helping them feel more personal and unique.

When commissioning bespoke joinery, ask the carpenter to make allowances for internal wiring from the start, this will allow for some lights to be built into the unit, removing the need for trailing wires from standalone lamps or wall lights, resulting in a cleaner finish. 

Interior decorator, Sarah Brown, commissioned this pretty bespoke shelving painted in a pale pink gloss with tongue and groove detailing, for a sitting room in London. She says, ‘an interesting room is made up of many layers that allow the eye to travel.'

The look is finished with beautiful decorative flourishes, with colorful, patterned shades used on the sconce and mantelpiece lamp; establishing a unique, bespoke design that feels wonderfully eclectic and rich in texture.