Lighting is one of the most important elements in a welcoming home, but it is often overlooked. The right lighting can improve any space, even making the darkest corners appear cosy and inviting. If you need to revamp your lighting, here are the top lighting trends for 2020.
Natural wood finishes
Think minimally treated wood used as rustic lamp bases or light fittings. Rather than smooth, heavily polished or varnished wood being used for lamp bases, expect to see wood that appears more raw and natural. Wood is always a popular material in the home but it’s not always been all that commonly used for lamps. That’s likely to change this year as the trend for wooden light fixtures gains in popularity.
LEDs
Popular because they use so little power and last for so long, LEDs are still going to be big news in 2020. According to SF Gate, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/led-lights-ecofriendly-78742.html, one of the reasons they are popular is because they only shine in one direction, meaning they waste very little power. Expect to see innovative designs making use of these eco-friendly little lights.
Metals
Copper and brass have been big news in interiors for a few years now and classic metal finishes look to remain popular for a little longer. The cage-style metal light fixtures that have been so fashionable recently are showing no signs of disappearing just yet so there should still be plenty to choose from if this is a trend you’re particularly keen on.
Minimalistic designs
Clean lines and simple designs are still set to be one of the biggest trends in lighting. Expect to see downlighting increase in popularity again this year – it’s perfect for a sleek, minimal finish as it can sit flush against the ceiling. Downlight covers can help ensure your lights are more energy efficient. These downlight covers from Thermahood Direct, for example, can reduce heat loss and even reduce draughts.
Vintage-look bulbs
You’ve probably seen these vintage-style bulbs all over the place and they are still very popular for 2020. One of the reasons is that they add a soft, attractive glow while also adding interest to simple lighting. They might not be practical in every room of the house – such as in rooms where you need bright lighting – but they are great for accent lighting.
Making your lighting more energy efficient
Stylish lighting and lower bills can go together. Being greener does not mean giving up what you like, just making smarter choices. The easiest change is switching to LED bulbs, which use far less electricity than incandescent and halogen bulbs for the same amount of light and last much longer, so they need replacing less often.
Make the most of natural light by keeping windows clean, choosing lighter wall colours and using mirrors to bounce daylight around a room, so lamps are needed less during the day. Timers, dimmers, motion sensors and smart bulbs all help avoid lights being left on when nobody needs them, particularly in hallways, outdoor areas and rooms used only briefly.
When appliances need replacing, check their energy rating and choose ones that use less electricity. Together, these steps make a home greener to live in and keep running costs down.
Placing lights to suit each room
Following a trend works best when the basics are right. Think about the layout of each room before deciding where lights go. A lamp in a dark corner can make a big difference, and larger rooms need several lights or lamps to feel welcoming.
Match the lighting to how the room is used. Kitchens and bathrooms need brighter light, while softer, lower lighting makes a living room or bedroom feel cosier and more relaxing. Outdoor lighting can also improve security around the home.
Choose fittings that suit your decor. Chrome can look out of place in a rustic home with natural materials, while a minimalist room calls for something simple. Coloured glass casts a gently tinted glow that changes the mood without overdoing it. A statement floor lamp or eye-catching pendant adds a focal point at little cost, and crystal details bring sparkle without the need for an extravagant antique chandelier.