10 Lighting Trends, Tips That’ll Shine in 2021

Now that 2021 is officially here, let’s talk lighting trends and ideas. We can use all the brightness we can get right now, and what better way than a joyful and vibrant light fixture to lighten up a room.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Here are the top 10 lighting ideas and trends from Karen Sacksteder, owner of Sacksteder’s Interiors, to consider before you flip the switch: 

3-Way Lighting

A 3-way lamp, also known as a “tri-light,” is lighting that uses a 3-way light bulb to produce three levels of light, ranging from low, medium, to high. A 3-way lamp requires a 3-way bulb and socket, and a 3-way switch. “It’s a convenient way for choosing one of three levels of light from a single light bulb. They’re usually found in bedside lamps or floor lamps near a favorite reading chair,” Sacksteder says. “Especially now, we’re doing a variety of activities all from the same place, such as a living room or den. For instance, reading print material is better with a medium light. When watching TV or working with a backlit screen, you’ll want a lower level. For a task, such as sewing, you’ll want more light.”

Sculptural Table and Floor Lamps

Sculptural shapes and bold designs make lamps into pieces of art, providing interest even when the lamp is turned off. The Callisto Steel Disk Table Lamp, Cielo Staggered Rectangles Floor Lamp, Everly Silver Glass Table Lamp, Tenley Oil Rubbed Bronze Lamp, Vasaya Abstract Gold Table Lamp, and Soroca Silver Rings Table Lamp are perfect examples, as they’re designed to be sculptures and pieces of art that double as lighting. “Choosing lamps is like selecting accessories to complement your outfit. It sets the mood and can add the perfect flare,” says Sacksteder. “Gone are the days of just one main lighting source. Light up a room with a lamp or two that make a statement whether they’re on or off.”

Back to Nature

Nature has always been a design inspiration but it especially is in 2021. “I think it’s because we weren’t around people as much last year,” laughs Sacksteder. “Nature is calming and it just feels natural. So, we’re seeing a lot of nature-inspired designs right now and it’s really beautiful.” To incorporate this trend, look to pieces like the Aden Capiz Shell Lamp, Silver Bamboo Table Lamp, Ambler Driftwood Lamp, Anara Gold Leaf Lamp, Andean Buffet Lamp, Arisa Golden Branches Lamp, Bonea Stone Lamp, Calla Lillies Table Lamp, Coral Sculpture Table Lamp, Golden Antlers Table Lamp, Twisted Vines Lamp, Silver Lotus Lamp, and the Driftwood Buffet Lamp or Driftwood Floor Lamp are just a few examples of how lighting is hearing nature’s call this year.

Industrial

“We’re also seeing designs on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from nature — a big industrial lighting trend,” says Sacksteder. “It pays homage to the simple and sturdy aesthetic of old factories and industrial spaces. I really like how simple, yet eye-catching, they can be.” You can achieve the look with pieces like the Curie or Ardell Industrial Accent Lamp, Arkutino Black Iron Floor Lamp, Tustin Tripod Lamp, Newton Industrial Accent Lamp, or Belding Desk Lamp. 

Go for the Gold

Sacksteder gold is back and better than ever, soft gold in particular. “There’s been a rise in the popularity of soft colors, like grey and ‘greige’ — grey plus beige. Soft gold falls right within this spectrum of soft colors,” she explains. “It falls in the middle of brushed silver and brushed gold. You get the soft matte finish of these two hues while bringing out the warmth and mellowness of gold. That also means that it blends in with almost any kind of décor from modern urban to farmhouse.” Examples include the Decimus Table Lamp, Amina Candleholders, Aurum Buffet Lamp, Galaxia Metallic Gold Lamp, Javor Tree Branch, and Galatea Antique Gold Lamp.

Some pro tips when it comes to lighting, according to Sacksteder: 

• Placement: opt for a “triangle effect,” or lighting in a triangle placement throughout the room, to scatter the light evenly.
• Height: Make sure your lighting is at the correct height. “Before buying the floor lamp you’ll need for reading, make sure you can easily switch it on and off from your chair and it’s at the right angle to help you see,” she suggests. “Make sure dining room lighting is at the right height to not bump a head when someone gets up from the table.”
• Buy in pairs: A pair of lamps nicely frame what’s in between, Sacksteder says. “It has a calming effect too,” she adds. The Kathleen Table Lamp fabulously flanks a sofa, and two Auckland Buffet Lamps or Achilleus Modern Table Lamps perfectly frame up artwork between, for example.
• Update more often: “Lighting isn’t usually updated often enough,” says Sacksteder. “Most times it’s the one thing bringing the room down, and it’s the easiest thing to fix.” She suggests a new lampshade to freshen up something you already have, or treat yourself to something new.
• Go bigger: If you do buy new, go bigger, Sacksteder suggests. “Over time, lighting fixtures have grown in size,” she adds. “We’re not seeing the little lamps we did 20 years ago. They’re bulkier and bolder now.” Examples include the Aspen Table Lamp, Batova Grand Table Lamp, and Catrine Art Glass Table Lamp, 

“These are just a few ideas and trends. What’s really fun is to walk into a space, and get to know how it will be used and who will be using it. Then find what’s exactly right for them and light up their life,” Sacksteder says. “If any one has any questions, needs help with lighting design, accessorizing or placement, or wants to book a design consultation, feel free to contact us.”

Sacksteder’s Interiors is located in at 9797 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati and 4101 U.S. 52 in New Trenton, IN. Call (513)791- 5022 or (812) 637-1422 to learn more and follow along on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SackstedersInteriors or Instagram.