You may be wondering what constitutes modern lighting ideas and the truth is, there isn’t one specific answer as all design, including lighting design, works best when it suits you, your home and your aesthetic preferences.
But, if the definition of modern is something that relates to the present moment, or recent times, rather than times past, then it’s fair to say that modern lighting ideas are generally those that are available now and suit current design trends.
However, with modern lighting also able to embrace tech trends, there are other ways of defining modern lighting ideas that aren’t just about the way they look. So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up 13 options to suit rooms of all types, shapes and sizes.
1. Be bold and beautiful with modern bathroom wall lights
Although bathroom lighting ideas were once considered purely functional, long gone are the days when the bravest design choice you could make was to opt for an avocado bathroom suite rather than standard white.
Now modern bathroom ideas can be anything from Japanese inspired bathrooms to eco friendly havens, or as in the case of this washroom, a bold and colourful masterpiece that needs modern lighting ideas to match.
If colour is the key to your bathroom design, then make sure your wall lights don’t let you down and opt for form over function. The bathroom mirror with lighting provides additional task lighting, meaning you can afford to have some fun with the rest of your lighting scheme.
2. Eschew wires in favour of modern portable lights
One of the most modern trends to hit the lighting arena over the last few years is the advent of rechargeable and portable lights. While the tech is nothing new, previous versions were more suited to family camping weekends, than lights that were worthy of a ‘shelfie.’
But, recognising the public’s desire to create warm and welcoming nooks across the home, companies took on the challenge, and there’s now a wide variety of styles and types available. From wall lights to table lamps and even rechargeable pendant lights, there’s a host of styles to suit all interiors.
Perfect whether you’re a self build starter, home renovator, serial renter or simply can’t resist a lighting trend, they’re perfect for bringing light to dark corners or taking centre stage in their own right.
But, take care to choose your tech wisely, advises Mara Rypacek-Miller, founder of Industville.
“Technology can be a double-edged sword when it comes to lighting design. While smart lighting systems and colour-changing LEDs offer convenience and can dramatically improve energy efficiency, they can also date quickly as tech evolves, and interfaces move on. Integrating technology thoughtfully – such as choosing systems with good manufacturer support and regular updates – can help avoid this,” she says.
Mara is the founder of Industville, the place for handcrafted lighting, interiors and art. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship, Mara focuses on designs which tell a story of timeless elegance and environmental responsibility.
Shop rechargeable lighting
Marmaron Rechargeable Table Lamp in Natural
A natural finished table lamp available in a range of sizes and with different shade options too
Habitat Kiro Rechargeable Led Touch Table Lamp – Charcoal
With its deep charcoal hue this rechargeable table lamp adds warm light at the tap of a finger
Leo Tubular Rechargeable Touch Dimmable Table Lamp
Add a modern lighting touch to your home office with this rechargeable desk lamp
3. Try cult classics that remain resolutely modern
Go through the archives of any interiors magazine and you’ll come across the sweeping delight of the Arco floor light in more than one photoshoot. So if it’s old, why is it included in modern lighting ideas?
Quite simply because it’s a classic design that has stood the test of time. It’s as fitting in a contemporary home now, as it was when it was launched in 1962, when it was designed to provide overhead light without the need for a ceiling light.
And, while many have emulated the style over the years, nothing quite beats the graceful lines of the Arco which is great for a whole host of rooms, ranging from modern living room ideas to even adding a touch of glamour to your conservatory ideas too.
Buy the original Arco Floor lamp from Heal’s.
4. Hang modern masterpieces in unexpected places
When your modern lighting ideas look more like masterpieces than practical products, don’t just hang them in the traditional spots. Instead, give them even more of a stand-out factor by placing them in unexpected places.
“After all, modern lighting is about combining form and function in a way that complements contemporary living,” says James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting.
“It doesn’t just illuminate a room; it adds character, style and a sense of space,” says James. So where a table lamp might do the job, consider a low hanging sculptural pendant instead, as demonstrated perfectly in the idea above.
“Modern fittings often double as art,” agrees Emer Gillespie, designer and founder, of Spark & Bell. “Linear pendants, oversized globes, or minimalist recessed lights add character while staying clean and uncluttered. Mixing materials like matte black, brushed brass, or fluted glass also keeps the look sophisticated without being cold,” she adds.
Shop this sculptural pendant light for your ceiling
Arcchio Led Pendant Light Albiona, Black, 3 Rings, Ø 80 Cm
Add a sculpture to your ceiling with this energy efficient LED pendant light, featuring a series of carefully balanced rings
James Kendall
As operations director at KES Lighting & Home, James Kendall is well placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. James understands just how transformative lighting is in the home, and has the experience and expertise to transform any space with ideas that range from modern through to traditional.
Emer Gillespie is the founder and lead designer at Spark & Bell Lighting, a Brighton-based company that specialises in handmade, customised, sustainable lighting to suit all styles and types of homes.
5. Or, take a less is more approach with modern lighting
Of course, while some may opt for loud modern lighting ideas that shout of contemporary design and avant-garde taste, the beauty of the modern world is variety, meaning there doesn’t have to be a one size fits all approach to your interiors.
So if you lean towards a more simple, refined type of interior, pick your lighting to match. And, regardless of whether you shout or whisper when it comes to your taste, there’s a few simple rules to follow, says James Kendall.
“To ensure modern lighting doesn’t feel too stark or cold, it’s important to layer different types of light. Combine ambient lighting, task lighting and accent lighting so your lighting design is considered,” he advises.
And, opting for something simpler can help avoid making lighting design mistakes, adds Mara Rypacek-Miller, who says, “one key thing to consider is to make sure you don’t overdo it with too much light or cold light, especially overhead, as this will overstimulate the brain and make the space feel harsh and clinical.”
6. Showcase your staircase with statement chandeliers
Modern staircase ideas are a great location for showcasing your modern lighting. Often including height, volume and innovative staircase design, your lighting needs to be up to the supporting role, so make sure you choose long pendant lighting as part of your hallway lighting ideas.
As it’s one of the first places visitors to your home will encounter, your lighting will start to set the tone for the rest of your home. And while the lights certainly don’t need to be matching throughout each room, they should match your overall aesthetic.
“Some contemporary ideas worth exploring are stemmed from thinking of lighting as art, not just a utility,” says Helen Pett, brand ambassador for Arteriors. “Mixed metal fittings like alabaster with brass, rattan with metal, linen with glass provide a modern take on classic materials.”
But, in all rooms, make sure your modern lighting ideas are balanced. “Statement fixtures (sculptural chandeliers, oversized pendants) work as centrepieces, but you will still need to add smaller wall lights and lamps to create pockets of warmth,” she adds.
Helen Pett is a passionate Brand Ambassador for Arteriors Home, based in the Design Centre in London. She works closely with interior designers and architects worldwide to facilitate projects, raising awareness of the artisan-made collections Arteriors holds. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of client needs, Helen consistently represents the client’s needs and brand’s commitment to preserving craftsmanship and innovative design.
7. Use flexible modern lighting to fill in the blanks
Although an all-white colour scheme can feel contemporary, adding lighting to this can be challenging. Get the lighting style wrong and it can feel too clinical, or even too stark if you’re matching white with white.
One solution? Treat your walls as a blank canvas and add flexible neon lighting, such as the Lamomo LED Strip Light from Amazon, to add a sense of depth and dimension to your room. And, rather than opting for a cool lighting temperature ramp up the cosiness instead, says James Kendall, who says, “warm LED bulbs can make even the most minimalist fixture feel inviting.”
Alternatively, “textured or coloured shades, reflective materials and dimmable options also help soften the overall effect while keeping the space contemporary,” he adds.
Opting for temporary lighting like this can also ensure you can replace it, if what at at one point seemed futuristic, suddenly feels like a fad, advises Mara Rypacek-Miller.
“Jumping on lighting trends – such as sculptural LED shapes or colour-shifting fixtures – can create immediate visual impact,” she agrees, “but this often comes at the expense of versatility and long-term appeal. It’s worth balancing innovation with restraint: adopt new technologies that improve functionality or sustainability, but pair them with classic forms and materials that age gracefully.”
8. Combine style with smart modern kitchen lighting
As with rechargeable lighting, modern lighting ideas are often defined by those that include smart lighting functionality, such as the ability to be turned off and on via other means, operate via voice control or in conjunction with other elements of smart tech within your home.
“Smart lighting is a key part of modern schemes, allowing homeowners to adjust brightness, colour temperature, and even schedule lighting scenes to suit different moods or tasks,” explains James Kendall. Contemporary light fittings, such as sleek pendants, geometric ceiling lights or minimal wall sconces, can instantly update a space without overwhelming it.”
But, having a utilitarian purpose shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. So if your smart kitchen is awash with luxurious design touches, make sure your kitchen lighting ideas match too. Include chandeliers for your kitchen island lighting, and other clever touches such as discreet floor-level lighting to highlight key features and subtle cupboard sensor lights to illuminate dark interiors.
9. Add a roar with trend-led modern floor lamps
Leopard print has well and truly roared across fashion and interiors for some time now, and shows no signs of abating – which is something that personally, I’m glad about.
The good news is, although it might not necessarily strike you as a trend you can incorporate into your lighting, it actually is, as this stunning Leopard Love Print Floor Lamp from Rockett St George proves.
And, while I can’t imagine ever getting rid of this treasure when I get round to buying one, the fact that it’s a floor lamp means it can be moved to a different room or sold on if you decide the trend is no longer for you.
10. Choose timeless modern glass light fittings
For modern lighting ideas that will still look good in years to come, glass pendant shades are a foolproof choice that work well in rooms where other features also need to shine.
And, they can also meet the brief of matching style with practicality, says Mara Rypacek-Miller, who says that, “modern lighting is all about striking a balance that ensures the room is well lit for daily tasks, but can also be adjusted to create a calm space to unwind at the end of the day.”
While clear glass can be a great choice so that you can switch your other decor ideas or colours around, without needing to change your lighting, a subtle smoked effect can also help to add warmth when used as part of your lighting in dining rooms or living rooms.
One of the most prevalent paint trends of modern times is colour drenching, which bathes the walls and ceiling of a room in one matching shade. This look works well with modern lighting schemes, which is where metallics, with their everlasting appeal, can work well.
Rather than competing with the rich tones of a colour-drenched space, metallic lights stand alone, drawing out the tones of your chosen paint colour and adding extra sparkle when it’s a dark or rich shade.
And, if you’re already hot on the heels of the latest paint trend of colour capping, metallic modern lighting ideas will work equally as well in your newly painted room too.
12. Look to nature for your modern lighting ideas
“Modern lighting doesn’t just mean minimalist or futuristic,” says Helen Pett. “It’s about striking a balance between form and function. Combining contemporary artisanry with organic materials will give a fresh feel without being sterile.
“Natural materials, like stone, driftwood, alabaster, rattan, linen shades, soften the edges of modern lighting to bring tactility and warmth, preventing a space from feeling overly industrial or cold,” she adds.
And, if you have a spot that requires a modern light fitting, don’t be afraid to scale up, says Helen.
“Play around with oversized proportions too; large pendants or floor lamps can modernise a room instantly – it’s always better to go larger rather than too small when it comes to illumination,” she advises.
13. Balance modern lighting with natural light in open-plan spaces
Open-plan living comes with its own set of issues when it comes to working out your lighting plan. Lighting one large space can be tricky, with either too much or too little light both having implications.
However, with the right balance of architectural glazing and clusters of modern lighting, the two can combine to create a space that’s light and airy, but also capable of being zoned, through the use of strategically placed lights with cohesive finishing touches.
“Modern lighting can complement almost any interior, both period and contemporary,” says director and designer at Fritz Fryer, Simon Wallis-Smith.
“With fixtures such as pendant and ceiling lights, even the smallest of details can be customised – from a flex cable colour that complements the tone of the curtains or carpets, to a metal finish that ties in with door handles, curtain poles, or other fixtures, helping to create a cohesive look throughout the room,” he advises.
Also consider the purpose of each light fitting when creating your scheme, says Simon. “Ask yourself if it’s intended to create atmosphere in a snug corner, or to set the mood in a dining room.
“The flexibility of modern light fixtures also comes into its own in areas with dining spaces,” he adds. “With most modern light fixtures you can usually select the size, style and shape that best complements the table – whether that’s a bold statement piece or a more understated design that blends seamlessly with the space.”
Looking for some more specific room lighting ideas now you understand how to incorporate modern lighting ideas into your home? Take a look at these living room wall lighting ideas, and make sure you don’t neglect your home’s exterior too with our guide to the best places to position landscape lighting.
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