Unique & Trending Lighting Ideas for Modern Homes 

Many interior designers consider lighting “the jewelry of a room.” Part art, part functional accessory, and thoughtful lighting will give proper illumination to a space based on its use and set the mood. But with so many choices out there, how do you find the perfect fixture, one that will be both timeless and on-trend, in the right size and with the right finishes?  It takes careful planning along with a sense of the overall aesthetic you want to communicate. In this article, we’ll give you some great ideas of where to start.  

Creating a decorative lighting plan

Think about the room's function. You might need more or less light in certain areas based on its use. For living rooms, you want good overall lighting diffused throughout the space, but it might not need to be as bright or focused as in work areas, bathrooms, or the kitchen. Bedrooms typically include ambient light and focused lighting for reading or getting dressed. 

Decorative lighting as a design anchor

You might have heard of the three primary types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent. Many designers also include a fourth category: decorative lighting. Each type can be beautiful in its own right, but considering decorative lighting can be a great place to start. Choosing the right primary pieces will help shape the overall style of a room and help you pull together a unique, cohesive, and beautiful effect. 

To chandelier or not to chandelier

Chandeliers are always on trend. Whether maximalist as a statement piece or quieter in its styling, a beautiful chandelier can make a room shine as it casts light to see by. But will one fit in your room, given the ceiling height, and will it look too large in the space, given its square footage?  If you choose to use one, remember that a ceiling-mounted light should hang at least 7 feet off the ground to allow comfortable clearance for all but the tallest of your family or friends. A stylish flush mount might be more appropriate if your ceiling is less than 10 feet.

Wall lighting can be tricky

Sometimes, wall lighting is needed to provide task or accent lighting; sometimes, it is primarily ornamental. Sconces are still popular because they are one of the most versatile lighting options. They can meet various needs, from illuminating a work of art to hanging decoratively above a mantel. Whether high-style or understated, there is something luxurious and elevated about hard-wired fixtures into the wall; they feel like an integral part of the house. 

Other artistic lighting as a design statement

Of course, you are not limited to the ceiling and walls when it comes to statement pieces! A designer lamp with a beautiful glass bulb or sculptural shade, whether floor or tabletop, can draw the viewer’s attention as well as making it easier to see. These will become focal points in the room, so think about where you want a visitor’s eye to go when they first walk into a room, and make a note to put a statement piece there. 

Using coordinating finishes 

A good contemporary lighting plan includes lighting in at least two finishes. Begin your decision-making process by looking at the other finishes currently being used in your home as a whole and in the room you are lighting. If the door and cabinet knobs are brass, then pick at least one of your finishes to coordinate. Some good combinations include brass and antique bronze, brass, polished nickel, or brass and black. 

If your knobs are nickel or chrome, then you might want to pair them with matte black or copper lighting fixtures. You can even add a third finish: polished nickel, brass, and black finishes can work together to a lovely effect. 

Home lighting ideas for open concept spaces

Open concepts, often combining kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms, are a wonderful trend that has been with us for a while now and looks like it will stay. Knowing how to light an open-concept room can be challenging; you want it to work overall while meeting specific lighting needs. A single fixture with one bulb might not provide enough light for the space. 

The key is considering lighting as creating multiple zones within the open concept. Identify the areas that require stronger, more practical lighting and others that benefit from lower-level mood lighting. Then, combine ambient, task, and accent lighting – known as “layering” lighting – to ensure you have enough light where you need it while creating the desired ambiance. 

For example, in the kitchen, choose fixtures that direct light onto countertops, islands, cooking surfaces, and other work areas. One or more striking pendant lights suspended over an island will draw the eye upward while making a design statement. You can supplement the light from your pendants by placing spotlights, recessed lights, and undercabinet lights in the main food preparation area, such as the sink, cooktop, and counters. Finally, accent lighting should be placed underneath shelves or glass cabinets to add to the overall ambiance. 

Be sure to highlight key architectural or design features with accent lighting, such as picture lighting, tabletop, and floor lamps. This brings depth and interest to an open plan.  

Interior lighting ideas for bedrooms

Lighting in the bedroom is about creating the right atmosphere for rest and relaxation, as it’s typically a quiet area where you want to slow down and get ready for bed. Bedroom ceiling heights often allow room for a flush or semi-flush-mount ceiling lamp, or you might want to install a modern ceiling fan with a light. Wall sconces, table lamps, or floor lamps with a warmer-colored bulb, many of which can be adjusted for brightness or dimness, are also great choices. 

Interior lighting ideas for bathrooms

According to a wonderful article in Architectural Digest, many people think that simply using a wall sconce in their bathroom will create a romantic atmosphere, but this does not give enough light for practical purposes. Instead, think about maximizing natural light through windows, bringing the sunlight in during daytime hours. But for early mornings and evenings, you need an overhead or vanity light to see your face in the mirror clearly when needed; if these lights are on dimmers, you can also turn the brightness down to bring a sense of calm. Hidden cove lighting and waterproof LED strips can also help cast light where needed. 

Statement pieces for entryways and corridors

Entryways and hallways are high-traffic areas designed to invite people into your home. They are great places for flush-mount or semi-flush fixtures to provide clear illumination. Sconces also make fantastic accents, lighting the way as you go farther into the house. Another trend to consider? With the right ceiling height, these areas can also be well-suited to a dramatic chandelier placement.  

Using color to influence mood

Light intensity has a tremendous effect on our perception of a space and its comfort. Light bulbs come in a variety of color temperatures. The lower ranges produce warm light that can include hints of red, orange, or yellow as well as warm white; cooler bulbs appear closer to daylight. Warm light promotes relaxation, intimacy, and readiness for sleep, while bright cool lighting is well suited for activity and alertness, making them popular in kitchens, bathrooms, offices and other work environments. For more on setting the right mood with lighting, read our article How to create the perfect bedroom atmosphere with mood lighting.

Incorporating your personal style

No matter what is trending, if a particular style inspires you, pick lighting that works well and coordinates with it! You might prefer a Minimalist look with sculptural monochrome pieces and recessed lighting to achieve an uncluttered look. On the other end of the spectrum, Bohemian Chic’s colorful lanterns, string lights, hanging shades, or Art Deco’s retro glamor, stained glass, and beautiful details, might be more to your liking. For a list of styles and inspiration, check out our guide to designer lighting. 

Seasonal and portable lighting

Different times of the year call for different lighting needs. You want your front porch to be welcoming and inviting in the winter and holidays. In the spring and summer, fewer lights are typically needed, thanks to bright days. One excellent way to accommodate this is through portable lamps that are not hard-wired into ceilings or walls or do not require an outlet. 

Upgrade to smart lighting

Another hot trend? Today’s lighting can be integrated with smart home technology, ranging from voice-activated controls to connectivity to your phone through a mobile app, giving you even greater control over the brightness and psychological calm or alertness created in a room. And more innovations are on the way. We are excited about adaptive lighting, which works similarly to high-technology car headlights, adjusting to the amount of daylight available for a driver to see. Adaptive lighting in interiors automatically adjusts the bulb’s color temperature according to ambient light to accommodate changes in the time of day, the seasons, visual comfort, and energy efficiency. This can give you warmer colors when you wake up, cooler temperatures for midday focus, and removal of blue light, which is known to cause sleeplessness at night.

Opt for eco-friendly lighting choices

At Visual Comfort, we are committed to creating high quality lights that are durable, do not need to be replaced for years to come, and so don’t end up in the trash and landfill. We also advocate for LED and other high efficiency bulbs: LEDs in particular are known for lasting for up to a decade without needing to be replaced, as well as using up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and so helping you save on your energy bills.

Feeling inspired? Visit our website to find the classic and on-trend choices that you need to make your home shine.