Top Designers Reveal the Best Lighting Trends of 2026

From sculptural profiles to verdigris patina, these are the lighting looks to watch for in the coming year.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:31pm

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Designers are forecasting that 2026 will be all about visually-rich interiors with 'Hollywood Cottage' charm, fringed vintage accents, and moody pastels. When it comes to lighting specifically, experts say imperfect, hand-crafted surfaces are on the rise, statement-making silhouettes are in demand, and elegant materials like alabaster and verdigris are making a comeback. Additionally, asymmetrical lighting arrangements are set to be the look of 2026.

Why it matters

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone and ambiance of a space, so the latest trends offer valuable insights for homeowners, designers, and the broader home decor industry. As people continue to invest in their living environments, understanding these emerging lighting preferences can help guide purchasing decisions and inspire creative new designs.

The details

Designers are seeing a shift toward lighting being viewed less as a utilitarian element and more as a sculptural statement piece. 'We're seeing a move toward organic forms, larger scale, custom placement, even canopy-less installations,' says Philadelphia-based designer Glenna Stone. Textured surfaces like plaster and ceramic are also key, with designers championing the work of artisans like ceramicist Peter Lane and plaster artist Stephen Antonson. There's also a growing appreciation for natural materials like alabaster, which offers a soft, luminescent glow, as well as verdigris patinas that add visual interest. Finally, asymmetrical lighting arrangements that feel 'playful and unexpected' are becoming more popular.

  • Jamb's Hopper Alabaster wall sconce was released in 2025.
  • Designers are already on record projecting that 2026 will see the rise of these lighting trends.

The players

Glenna Stone

A Philadelphia-based designer who says clients are thinking about lighting as more of a sculptural statement than a utility.

Laura Jenkins

An Atlanta-based designer who believes decorative lighting should act as a piece of sculpture for a room.

Neal Thomas

A New York designer who champions the work of master ceramicist Peter Lane for contemporary lighting features.

Jennifer Greer Hartmann

The founder of Austin's Greer Interior Design, who notes that even large-scale brands have introduced more plaster finishes onto the market.

Heidi Tate

The founder of Montana-based Tate Interiors, who says clients are gravitating toward intriguing material marriages and nuanced variations in lighting.

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What they’re saying

“Our clients are thinking about lighting less as a utility and more as a sculptural statement.”

— Glenna Stone, Designer

“I love to tell my clients that decorative lighting acts as a piece of sculpture for the room.”

— Laura Jenkins, Designer

“I am drawn to decorative lighting with subtly asymmetrical shapes to help disrupt what are often boxy spaces or to diminish the monotony of an identical pair.”

— Neal Thomas, Designer

“We are finding that lighting crafted of natural stone such as alabaster is on the rise. Fixtures produced from stone inherently create a grounding effect or sense of ease in any space, as well as the most gloriously soft, luminescent glow.”

— Theresa Ory, Designer

“We love to use lighting asymmetrically. For example, instead of flanking a powder room mirror with sconces, we are hanging a pendant above the mirror, we are playing with offsetting fixtures to one side or the other. It feels playful and unexpected.”

— Meg Lonergan, Designer

The takeaway

The latest lighting trends reflect a growing desire for interiors that feel more sculptural, textured, and visually interesting. As homeowners and designers continue to prioritize creating unique, personalized spaces, these emerging preferences for statement-making fixtures, natural materials, and asymmetrical arrangements offer inspiration for how to elevate the role of lighting in the home.