There’s nothing like the refreshing upgrade provided by new light fixtures! Whether you’re decking out your space as part of a renovation or you’re on a tight budget and need a new look for less, updated fixtures have the power to transform your interior. We walk through rooms each day that feature basic lighting that rarely gets noticed. Imagine the design goodness created by a thoughtfully placed pendant light made of earthy materials, or sleek globe sconces on either side of the bed!

This type of change can breathe new life into your interior, creating a big impact for the mere cost of one item. Now that’s a change worth making! A new crop of options proves that light fixtures reflect today’s top design trends, from mixed materials to natural textures. As you browse options, start by asking yourself which colors, finishes and forms catch your eye. Keep reading for inspiration that ranges from powerful pendants to surface-mount fixtures… [lighting below from Schoolhouse]

Pendant Lighting

Pendant light fixtures are instant focal points. They can set the tone for the entire room by playing up one aspect of your overall aesthetic or reinforcing a design story already in play. Pendant light trends range from the woven to the minimalist. This Delphine Beaded Pendant from Anthropologie is the epitome of earthy, breezy style. Coconut beads are the material of choice.

If you’re a fan of natural materials, check out CB2’s Nassa Basket Pendant Light. The form is intriguing, as is the openness of the weave. Named after an Italian vintage fishing basket, this piece features a double frame and cane weaving:

“The more the merrier” is the name of the game with CB2’s Alabaster Pendant Set. Thanks to the natural veining in the alabaster, no two pendants are alike. You can purchase one light or get the whole set. A grouping of these beauties over a dining table will make a big impact. In an understated way, of course!

Anthropologie’s Fela Tasseled Chandelier is available in both blush and natural tones. Designed by Justina Blakeney, this piece brings boho chic style home with a layered look that’s abundant without being fussy:

Did someone say tasseled chandelier? Anthropologie’s Aloha Fringe Chandelier can’t help but exude vintage flair. Five tiers of blush fringe and gold-toned details make this pendant a true standout. Like a flapper dress from a bygone era, this piece seems to dance, even without moving:

Also from Anthropologie, the Katia Lucite Chandelier features a brass-finished frame. Bursting with elegant, delicate detail, the piece sets a whimsical, glamorous tone and can serve as the true focal point of any room it inhabits. It just might take your breath away:

Retro-style pendant lights are eternally popular, and this Mini Sputnik Chandelier from Jonathan Adler packs a powerful punch into its petite form. Brass and crystal combine for a space-age statement that’s great as a single or fab when displayed in a group.

For another tribute to retro style, check out Schoolhouse’s Luna Rod Pendant. Available in brass, black and white finishes, this pendant light is striking in its sculptural simplicity.

We end this section of today’s post by highlighting the power of minimal fixtures. Sometimes less is more, especially when the design is this good. For onefortythree’s Wood Pendant, real wood veneer creates the piece’s signature look, and a convenient plug-in option minimizes installation drama.

Also from onefortythree, this Hardwired Pendant Lamp has infinite possibilities, thanks to a rainbow of lamp and cord colors. Then again, you just might choose to keep it simple! Below we see a selection in sleek black:

Surface-Mounted Light Fixtures

While a pendant light is suspended from the ceiling by a cord or chain, surface-mounted lighting rests closer to the ceiling, whether directly against it or very near the ceiling’s surface. The look is more compact, yet no less interesting. Schoolhouse’s Luna with 10″ Opal Shade brings globular style home. Available in brass, black and white, Luna features either an opal or a clear shade:

Say hello to Polaris, Schoolhouse’s new member of the Orion Collection. A long form featuring a cup that tightly hugs the bulb is one standout quality of this light fixture. Use it to illuminate a specific area of the room, or create a line of them down a corridor and prove that repetition is key.

Wall Sconces

There’s nothing like a pair of wall sconces to punctuate your space. One dramatic sconce in a key area of the room can also make a big impact. Even if you’re renting and are limited in the lighting changes you’re able to make, you can enjoy the beauty of a sconce or two, thanks to plug-in options that are easily removable on move-out day. Below we see Schoolhouse’s Eduard Plug-In Sconce with a black finish. A timeless form brings retro-modern style home:

CB2’s Gio Round Alabaster Sconce is perfect in a pair. Then again, its “mixed materials” look can definitely stand on its own. Try it in a favorite corner of the room, or on either side of a substantial piece of furniture.

Also from CB2, this Slope Acacia Wood Sconce proves that trends in light fixtures are always evolving. The contrast between the unexpected round wooden form and the opaque white of the bulb is quite striking:

As today’s post has shown, you don’t need to remodel in order to make a big change to your space. Sometimes all it takes is upgrading a functional element, such as lighting. Have fun browsing, and opt for a piece that takes your room in a new direction. When the line between light fixture and work of art is blurred by amazing design, there’s no reason why the addition of lighting fixtures can’t take your interior to new heights. Call it an instant upgrade! Happy shopping and thanks for reading.