If you are planning a renovation in 2026, one factor you will not need to do is let the decor down with a dated lighting scheme. Some of the largest errors when planning lighting can come from a scheme that is not layered, dynamic, and welcoming. You can inadvertently fall into that lure by putting in outdated lighting traits that do not really feel contemporary or welcoming.
So what sort of vibe ought to we be seeking to create in the case of lighting traits? “As we transfer into 2026, lighting is turning into softer, sculptural, and deeply private,” says Scott Richlerfounding father of Gabriel Scott. “The dialog has shifted away from purely useful fixtures towards items that really feel crafted, creative, and atmospheric. Rather than lighting being an afterthought, shoppers need it to behave as jewellery for the house, refined, expressive, and technically thought of.”
Scared of creating a misstep? We’ve gathered a bunch of prime designers and consultants to light up us by outlining which outdated traits to keep away from, and steering us within the path of what is lighting everybody up for 2026…
1. Exposed Edison Bulbs
Do as an alternative: “Go for polished glass types, orbs, porcelain, diffusers, and ornamental shades,” says Scott Richler. “We’re seeing a transfer towards temper, not equipment.”
(Image credit score: John Merkl. Design: Kristen Pena Interiors)
Once the epitome of a classy dwelling, the uncovered Edison bulb has been a well-liked lighting fixture because the rise of the economic vibe in inside design traits.
But, quite than studying cool and present, it now feels somewhat passé.
“Exposed bulbs can really feel unfinished and visually harsh, particularly in softer, textural interiors,” says inside designer Juliette Byrne.
Scott Richlerfounding father of Gabriel Scott, agrees naked bulbs have had their day. He says: “Raw bulbs and uncovered filaments really feel dated, and lack sophistication and luxury.”
Juliette Byrne
An award-winning Chelsea-based designer, Juliette Byrne established her studio in 1988 and is widely known for interiors that fuse basic proportion with modern element throughout prime London and worldwide tasks. A graduate of The Chelsea School of Art with early coaching at Conran, Juliette has been repeatedly acknowledged among the many UK’s main designers, delivering refined, tailor-made schemes for personal shoppers and builders alike.
2. Harsh Downlighting
Do as an alternative: “Include accent and ambient layers sculptural pendants, subtle sconces, and low-level lamps,” says Scott Richler. Why? “Soft, oblique gentle brings heat and dimension because it feels lived-in, not scientific.” And Juliette Byrne suggests “heat, dimmable lighting with layered sources, combining ceiling lights, wall sconces, and lamps. A comfortable, golden glow creates heat and enhances pure supplies superbly.”
(Image credit score: lights&lamps)
Thought vibrant directional lighting was a good suggestion? Think once more if you’d like a comfortable, inviting dwelling.
“An over-reliance on recessed spots — whether or not it is in your eating room lighting concepts, kitchen lighting concepts, or front room lighting concepts — is out because it creates glare, unflattering shadows, and a sterile environment,” says Scott.
Juliette Byrne agrees that “harsh, bright-white LEDs could make even essentially the most stunning interiors really feel scientific”, whereas Pooky’s Chief Creative Officer can be talking out in opposition to the ‘dated’ model.
She says: “Harsh downlights and glossy surfaces once defined the sleek, modern kitchen, but that ultra-bright, reflective look is starting to feel dated.
“Designers are moving away from strong, direct lighting that bounces glare off polished worktops and lacquered cabinets, creating a space that feels more clinical than comfortable.”
Instead, she adds, the trend for 2026 is “all about soft, layered lighting that flatters both the room and the people in it.”
She continues: “Uplighters and wall washers that spread light gently across surfaces help create a calmer, more natural glow. Your choice of fitting can make all the difference, too — designs crafted from alabaster, frosted, or opal glass naturally diffuse light, softening brightness and blurring harsh edges. The result is a warm, ambient atmosphere that feels inviting from morning coffee through to evening wind-down. A space that’s bright, but beautifully balanced.”
3. Matching Everything
Do as an alternative: “Curate a layered, collected lighting story mixing refined metals, glasswork and silhouettes,” advises Scott Richler. “Think of fixtures as artwork items that talk to one another, not an identical set.”
(Image credit score: Michael Sinclair. Design: Maddux Creative)
You know the way the saying goes — there could be an excessive amount of of factor, and that features loving a method a lot that you simply replicate it in each kind of sunshine supply in the home, from matching pendants and desk lamps to flooring lamps and wall sconces, as soon as seen as stylish.
Just as designers counsel mixing up your furnishings for a extra visually arresting look, the identical rule applies in the case of planning your own home’s lighting scheme.
“Identical sconces, pendants, and chandeliers repeated all through a house are too uniform,” confirms Scott Richler. “It flattens persona and may find yourself feeling like a listing.”
Niki Wright and Scarlett Hamptonco-founders of lights&lamps, are on the identical web page. They remark: “One of the guiding ideas in our designs is what we name ‘harmonious distinction.” Each piece might fluctuate in scale, form, or materials, but there’s at all times a refined thread that connects them.
“These connections is likely to be a fragile aged brass finial or a pleated shade, making certain that no two items conflict inside a house,” the co-founders clarify. “Achieving the stability of being each distinctive and cohesive is not any straightforward job, however when carried out effectively, it creates a seamless sense of ease as you progress from room to room or scheme to scheme.”
4. Oversized ‘Statement for Statement’s Sake’ Chandeliers
Do as an alternative: Choose refined sculptural items with artisanal particulars. “Think blown glass, hand-finished metalwork and stylish proportion,” says Scott Richler.
(Image credit score: Imperfect Interiors)
Overly ornate chandeliers are being changed by elegant items that add character however do not overwhelm an area.
Architectural items which are unfussy but showcase expert craftsmanship are the way to make chandeliers really feel contemporary within the trendy dwelling. And bear in mind: greater is not at all times higher. So, whether or not it is bed room chandelier concepts or toilet chandelier concepts, make sure you work with the proportions of your house.
“Massive chandeliers solely for impression are out as they dominate the house quite than elevate it,” says Scott Richler.
And Juliette Byrne concurs, suggesting ‘grand’ is out and natural, quiet sophistication is in. She provides: “Grand chandeliers can really feel out of step with the extra relaxed class we’re seeing in trendy properties. We suggest extra sculptural designs, assume natural types in bronze or glass that make an announcement with out overpowering the house.”
Scott Richler
Designer Scott Richler is Founder & CEO of Gabriel Scott, a recent lighting and furnishings studio, recognized for sculptural, modular collections crafted with couture-level detailing and supplies.
5. LED Rings and Stark Minimalism
Do as an alternative: Combine curves and layered lighting in a single, characterful piece. A chandelier just like the Cle (above) is stuffed with heat, texture, and softness, demonstrating how circles and curves can be utilized thoughtfully in lighting design.
(Image credit score: lights&lamps)
Anything that reads too ‘chilly’ is off the lighting traits menu for 2026, from all-matte black fixtures to scientific LED lighting, comparable to ring lights.
Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton are champions of utilizing curves in sculptural pendants and chandeliers, however counsel that LED rings are too harsh for 2026’s style. They clarify: “Rings, circles, and ovals are naturally the most well-liked shapes for lighting, in any case, the Earth is a globe, the solar is spherical, and the moon seems curved. Light itself hardly ever glows in straight traces or sharp angles. But taken actually, harsh LED rings can really feel chilly and stark.”
6. Industrial Pendants
Do as an alternative: “Relaxed areas name for calm, go for comfortable, tactile, and muted tones,” say Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton.
(Image credit score: Imperfect Interiors)
Just because the uncovered Edison bulb is taking a again seat, so, too, are industrial pendants, which appear to be much less splendid for these front room lighting concepts.
Function at all times has a spot, however Scott Richler’s “temper earlier than equipment” take is the place lighting traits are heading. “Industrial types and finishes have been at all times destined to be short-lived,” concurs Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton.
“People don’t need to loosen up amongst uncovered bulbs, wire cages, and nuts-and-bolts detailing.”
7. Shiny Copper and Brass
Do as an alternative: “The wealthy, tactile tones of aged brass combine superbly collectively and harmonize with pure supplies like stone, wooden, and linen.”
(Image credit score: Okay Interiors)
Time was you can barely pop spherical to anyone’s home with out bumping right into a shiny copper pendant or flooring lamp. The age of shine has moved over for an altogether extra muted, elegant cousin, aged brass.
“Shiny brass and copper are one other hangover from the economic period of design,” clarify Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton. “Once refreshed for a cleaner, extra trendy look, these finishes can now really feel somewhat chilly. Aged brass and bronze tones, against this, carry depth and heat to any house and a meticulously crafted character.”
FAQs
What Light Fixtures Should be Avoided in 2026?
“We’d usually keep away from something that feels overly harsh, scientific, or theme-driven,” says Juliette Byrne. “For occasion, chilly white spotlights, outdated industrial fittings, or ornate designs that dominate the room. Lighting ought to really feel built-in and intentional, enhancing the temper quite than distracting from it.”
What a daddyPrincipal, Imperfect Interiors, says we must always “think twice earlier than deciding on gentle fittings as the fabric and design could have a huge effect on the kind of gentle that they emit.”
She explains: “Metal shades usually emit a really harsh gentle, except you select copper or brass, which glows. Clear glass may create a vibrant gentle and focus your consideration on the sunshine bulb quite than the becoming.”
Look for porcelain, linen, alabaster, or textured glass fittings as they create a a lot softer glow.
And Scott Richler desires to see the again of all-black-everything.
He provides, “Don’t set up ultra-minimal matte-black fixtures in every single place because it reads flat and predictable now. Instead, lean in direction of heat steel tones, comfortable brass, champagne finishes, and curves over exhausting traces. A contact of glamour and craft is again, it’s about heat and tactile luxurious.”
As with all different decor selections, your lighting scheme is subjective, and traits are there to supply inspiration and steering. Looking forward, a transfer in direction of class, craftsmanship, and a layered scheme that provides a comfortable, ambient glow that invitations you to loosen up is the order of the day.