15 Lighting Trends Spotted at the Spring 2024 High Point Market
Standout looks in indoor lighting included perforated shades, rope details, artful glass and elegant fabric shades
In the world of indoor lighting, natural influences and materials, retro references and oversize forms have all been on trend in recent seasons, and integrated LEDs and rechargeable, portable lamps continue to improve and expand in availability. Based on what we saw in the lighting showrooms at the recent trade-only spring High Point Market in North Carolina (April 13-17), we can attest that this remains the case.
But there were also plenty of other, more specific design details and material treatments among the new releases and market debuts that stood out as fresh-looking and just plain fun. Check out some of the new and returning trends below, and then let us know in the Comments which best fit your style.
But there were also plenty of other, more specific design details and material treatments among the new releases and market debuts that stood out as fresh-looking and just plain fun. Check out some of the new and returning trends below, and then let us know in the Comments which best fit your style.
From the Loft & Thought collection for Troy Lighting, which launched in January, this Seyla table lamp embraces the “perfectly imperfect,” wabi-sabi approach with its asymmetrical body. Its warm, weathered terra-cotta finish was popular this season too.
Note: Many of these new designs are already available through your designer or at retail, including some on Houzz, in which case we’ve included a link. The rest should be available by late August or September.
Note: Many of these new designs are already available through your designer or at retail, including some on Houzz, in which case we’ve included a link. The rest should be available by late August or September.
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
2. Perforated Metal
One fresh-looking design detail (albeit with retro roots) spotted in a handful of showrooms this spring was decorative perforations in metal lampshades and diffusers. Note how light escapes from the little holes in the shade of this green Jojo table lamp, which was presented at the market as part of designer Zoe Feldman’s new collection for Mitzi. It’s also available as a white pendant or sconce.
2. Perforated Metal
One fresh-looking design detail (albeit with retro roots) spotted in a handful of showrooms this spring was decorative perforations in metal lampshades and diffusers. Note how light escapes from the little holes in the shade of this green Jojo table lamp, which was presented at the market as part of designer Zoe Feldman’s new collection for Mitzi. It’s also available as a white pendant or sconce.
Another shining example was this Regina Andrew Keaton pendant, which has a perforated metal diffuser in front of the bulb. We didn’t see it illuminated, but according to the product description, the small holes cast delicate patterns of light into the room — and even when unlit, the fixture has a cool, sculptural quality. The collection also includes a single- and double-arm sconce and is available in natural brass or this polished nickel finish.
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Dining Room
3. Gold … and a Splash of Silver
For years now, brass has been the trending metallic finish in lighting fixtures, and we can report that the golden metal is still king in lighting. But as we mentioned in our post-market furniture trend report, silver is forecast to make a comeback.
In addition to the previously pictured Keaton pendant and quite a few similarly polished introductions in the Visual Comfort showroom, this Made Goods Thalia chandelier caught our eye. It has a warm, tarnished finish that seems like it could tempt antique brass lovers to try silver again.
For years now, brass has been the trending metallic finish in lighting fixtures, and we can report that the golden metal is still king in lighting. But as we mentioned in our post-market furniture trend report, silver is forecast to make a comeback.
In addition to the previously pictured Keaton pendant and quite a few similarly polished introductions in the Visual Comfort showroom, this Made Goods Thalia chandelier caught our eye. It has a warm, tarnished finish that seems like it could tempt antique brass lovers to try silver again.
4. Rope
Woven natural fibers like rattan and caning continue to provide texture and neutral color to both furniture and light fixtures. But while they’re timeless, they’ve run the risk of oversaturating collections in recent seasons. This season, rope was a newer-looking take on the multiyear natural-fiber trend. Another Made Goods light fixture, this Rachel chandelier features natural abaca rope tied in a jaunty nautical-looking knot.
Woven natural fibers like rattan and caning continue to provide texture and neutral color to both furniture and light fixtures. But while they’re timeless, they’ve run the risk of oversaturating collections in recent seasons. This season, rope was a newer-looking take on the multiyear natural-fiber trend. Another Made Goods light fixture, this Rachel chandelier features natural abaca rope tied in a jaunty nautical-looking knot.
5. Chains and Jewelry Motifs
Lighting is often called jewelry for the home. This season, San Francisco designer Noz Nozawa took that metaphor a step further with her new collection for Corbett Lighting. The designs debuted at the market with fanfare and included pieces like this ring-inspired Riviere sconce and Lariat chandelier (shown here in the four-light version), which have names as well as shapes reminiscent of jewelry pieces. The jewelry motifs fit right into the statement-chain trend that we saw in lighting this past fall and that continued into this season.
Also worth pointing out is that illuminated translucent stone continues to be on trend, as illustrated by the Riviere’s bezel-set onyx and the Lariat’s alabaster tube, both lit by integrated LED bulbs.
10 Interior Lighting Trends for 2024
Lighting is often called jewelry for the home. This season, San Francisco designer Noz Nozawa took that metaphor a step further with her new collection for Corbett Lighting. The designs debuted at the market with fanfare and included pieces like this ring-inspired Riviere sconce and Lariat chandelier (shown here in the four-light version), which have names as well as shapes reminiscent of jewelry pieces. The jewelry motifs fit right into the statement-chain trend that we saw in lighting this past fall and that continued into this season.
Also worth pointing out is that illuminated translucent stone continues to be on trend, as illustrated by the Riviere’s bezel-set onyx and the Lariat’s alabaster tube, both lit by integrated LED bulbs.
10 Interior Lighting Trends for 2024
6. Rippled and Stretched Fabric
The petite Regina Andrew Segal marble table lamp is a perfect example of one look we saw repeatedly at the market: the scalloped fabric shade. While tapered and pleated lampshades (a la 1970s Mads Caprani lamps, as well as more traditional box-pleat designs) were also popular at the market, this style of scalloped or folded shade stood out in several showrooms. We saw it on both table lamps and on pendants, and in a tapered as well as a drum shape.
Here, the rounded ripples soften the red marble base, which illustrates another returning trend worth calling out: boldly colored stone bases.
20 Furniture Trends at the Spring 2024 High Point Market
The petite Regina Andrew Segal marble table lamp is a perfect example of one look we saw repeatedly at the market: the scalloped fabric shade. While tapered and pleated lampshades (a la 1970s Mads Caprani lamps, as well as more traditional box-pleat designs) were also popular at the market, this style of scalloped or folded shade stood out in several showrooms. We saw it on both table lamps and on pendants, and in a tapered as well as a drum shape.
Here, the rounded ripples soften the red marble base, which illustrates another returning trend worth calling out: boldly colored stone bases.
20 Furniture Trends at the Spring 2024 High Point Market
7. Beads and Shells
As mentioned, natural materials are still big in lighting. In addition to rope and woven fibers, wooden beads and shells are showing up in ever more intricate patterns and unusual silhouettes. This Teagan chandelier by Gabby, made from tiny coco beads and larger wood beads, is an example of the unexpected shapes introduced this season.
As mentioned, natural materials are still big in lighting. In addition to rope and woven fibers, wooden beads and shells are showing up in ever more intricate patterns and unusual silhouettes. This Teagan chandelier by Gabby, made from tiny coco beads and larger wood beads, is an example of the unexpected shapes introduced this season.
8. Ocean Motifs
Speaking of shells and beads, the ocean-inspired motifs, materials and colors that began washing over showrooms last spring are still omnipresent a year later. This Jamie Young Clamshell chandelier combines several trends in one fixture, with blue beads arranged and shaped into patterns that mimic ocean waves.
Speaking of shells and beads, the ocean-inspired motifs, materials and colors that began washing over showrooms last spring are still omnipresent a year later. This Jamie Young Clamshell chandelier combines several trends in one fixture, with blue beads arranged and shaped into patterns that mimic ocean waves.
The dramatic Hubbardton Forge Crest circular pendant light hanging above this beachy living room is a more conceptual, contemporary take on the ocean-inspired trend. Designer Jason Hancock captured the waves’ ebb and flow in hammered steel, curved plates and frosted art glass. The fixture is available in 11 finishes, including sterling, white and modern brass.
This jellyfish-inspired Chambers flush mount by Arteriors is another ocean-themed fixture that would make a big statement in an urban space as well as a coastal one. Measuring 52 inches wide, it’s made of ivory faux vellum with a steel armature finished in English bronze.
9. Botanical Beyond Flowers
The last few years have seen lighting showrooms abloom in pretty floral-themed light fixtures. While they were certainly present this spring, we were more struck by the proliferation of sculptural leaves (including this Corbett Seychelles sconce), palm trees, willow tree branches and other nonflowering plant motifs.
The last few years have seen lighting showrooms abloom in pretty floral-themed light fixtures. While they were certainly present this spring, we were more struck by the proliferation of sculptural leaves (including this Corbett Seychelles sconce), palm trees, willow tree branches and other nonflowering plant motifs.
Currey & Co. offered a more literal take on the trend with its Cactus table lamp, which has a verdigris-colored cement finish.
Truth be told, Southwestern motifs like this were not widespread in either lighting or furnishings at the market. But the current popularity of terra cotta, soft geometric patterns, sculptural botanical shapes and some other elements that are so compatible with the style make us wonder if it might be poised for a comeback.
Truth be told, Southwestern motifs like this were not widespread in either lighting or furnishings at the market. But the current popularity of terra cotta, soft geometric patterns, sculptural botanical shapes and some other elements that are so compatible with the style make us wonder if it might be poised for a comeback.
10. Skinny
Multiple exhibitors touted new floor and table lamps that have slender, oblong or rectangular body and shade profiles that let them sit closer to the wall. Maybe that’s not a new idea, but it hadn’t been expressed as a selling point to us in previous seasons. Plus, the shapes looked new, and smart at that. The Currey & Co. Cactus lamp was one example; this Ortiz table lamp by Eichholtz, made of faceted alabaster, bronze and linen, was another.
Multiple exhibitors touted new floor and table lamps that have slender, oblong or rectangular body and shade profiles that let them sit closer to the wall. Maybe that’s not a new idea, but it hadn’t been expressed as a selling point to us in previous seasons. Plus, the shapes looked new, and smart at that. The Currey & Co. Cactus lamp was one example; this Ortiz table lamp by Eichholtz, made of faceted alabaster, bronze and linen, was another.
11. Artistic Glass
Glass is a staple in lighting design, of course. But designers and glassblowers continue to experiment with its form and color to create novel looks.
The fixtures in Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting’s new Essence collection, which come in silver and gold and were inspired by vintage perfume bottles, illustrate the artistry that went into some of the most stunning lighting designs at the market. We’re showing the handblown glass pendants close up so you can appreciate the detail in each one.
Glass is a staple in lighting design, of course. But designers and glassblowers continue to experiment with its form and color to create novel looks.
The fixtures in Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting’s new Essence collection, which come in silver and gold and were inspired by vintage perfume bottles, illustrate the artistry that went into some of the most stunning lighting designs at the market. We’re showing the handblown glass pendants close up so you can appreciate the detail in each one.
In addition to adding color to glass, changing its texture can make it refract light in interesting ways. This season, we saw several examples of glass panels that had smooth fronts and sandblasted textures on the back, which gave the light a diffuse glow. You can see the effect in this zeppelin-like smoked glass Ferrucci chandelier from Eichholtz.
12. Fluted and Reeded
The fluted (with concave grooves) and reeded (with convex ribs) textures that have been furniture mainstays in recent seasons are now almost equally ubiquitous in lighting showrooms. This Hudson Valley Lighting Clementon pendant, for example, has a gently reeded or ribbed opal shiny glass interior surrounded by a clear glass shell.
The fluted (with concave grooves) and reeded (with convex ribs) textures that have been furniture mainstays in recent seasons are now almost equally ubiquitous in lighting showrooms. This Hudson Valley Lighting Clementon pendant, for example, has a gently reeded or ribbed opal shiny glass interior surrounded by a clear glass shell.
This Sputnik-style Corbett Atom fixture has a reeded texture on its brass arms that continues onto its glass spheres and cylinders.
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen
The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen
13. Articulating
Rearrangeable chandeliers, which let the user choose where individual lights shine as well as what form the actual fixture takes, are increasingly popular. Regina Andrew’s new Polly chandelier, for example, can switch from linear to multidirectional, and the Noz Nozawa x Corbett Daith chandelier has chains that attach to ceiling hooks that can be configured however the user wishes. This linear chandelier, Hinkley’s Stitch, has articulating LED panels that look particularly cool when arranged as they appear here or in a helix shape. It’s available in a black oxide or lacquered brass finish.
Rearrangeable chandeliers, which let the user choose where individual lights shine as well as what form the actual fixture takes, are increasingly popular. Regina Andrew’s new Polly chandelier, for example, can switch from linear to multidirectional, and the Noz Nozawa x Corbett Daith chandelier has chains that attach to ceiling hooks that can be configured however the user wishes. This linear chandelier, Hinkley’s Stitch, has articulating LED panels that look particularly cool when arranged as they appear here or in a helix shape. It’s available in a black oxide or lacquered brass finish.
14. Statement Floor Lamps
Whether gently arced over a couch or standing tall in a corner, the notable floor lamps at the market this spring were more like sculptures than simple light sources. On the earthy end of the spectrum were top-to-bottom woven designs (still!) and this Jamie Young Totem floor lamp, which is made of mango wood hand-carved in India.
Whether gently arced over a couch or standing tall in a corner, the notable floor lamps at the market this spring were more like sculptures than simple light sources. On the earthy end of the spectrum were top-to-bottom woven designs (still!) and this Jamie Young Totem floor lamp, which is made of mango wood hand-carved in India.
On the high-tech, edgy end of the spectrum was the Franco floor lamp from Allegri Crystal by Kalco Lighting. Standing almost 6 feet tall atop a marble base, it has integrated LEDs that illuminate rows of crystal set into cantilevered brass building blocks.
15. Rechargeable Lights
Last but not least is a relatively new category of light fixture that is growing and improving at a rapid clip: rechargeable portable lights. These new lights are cord-free, allowing you to place them wherever you want — a real boon to renters, indoor-outdoor entertainers and anyone who’s loath to hire an electrician just to install a sconce or picture light.
British lighting brand Pooky, which launched in the United States in February, showed off a wide selection of cordless lamps (among other designs) in its colorful High Point booth. The Hernan, pictured here in antiqued brass and bronze, holds 10-plus hours of charge and has three dimmer settings. And Pooky teased an innovative device arriving this summer that conveniently charges multiple removable bulbs at once. Talk about a bright idea!
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Last but not least is a relatively new category of light fixture that is growing and improving at a rapid clip: rechargeable portable lights. These new lights are cord-free, allowing you to place them wherever you want — a real boon to renters, indoor-outdoor entertainers and anyone who’s loath to hire an electrician just to install a sconce or picture light.
British lighting brand Pooky, which launched in the United States in February, showed off a wide selection of cordless lamps (among other designs) in its colorful High Point booth. The Hernan, pictured here in antiqued brass and bronze, holds 10-plus hours of charge and has three dimmer settings. And Pooky teased an innovative device arriving this summer that conveniently charges multiple removable bulbs at once. Talk about a bright idea!
More on Houzz
Read more industry show and fair recaps
Find a pro for your project
Shop for lighting
Handcrafted lamp bases that show the work of their makers have been prized in recent seasons, and the trend continues. Among the most captivating examples at this year’s spring market was the new Shiga capsule collection from Wildwood. The collection includes four vase and eleven lamp designs, including this Yamato lamp. All are formed and glazed by artisans in Shigaraki, Japan, so no two will ever be exactly the same.
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