Trends
January 7, 2026
3 min

In 2026, lighting is getting personal. From circadian-inspired Color Correlated Temperature (CCT select) technology to materials that feel grounded and honest, fixtures are becoming more tailored and intentional. Fluid lines, sculptural forms, and softly textured glass bring mood and individuality to every room.



The movement toward circadian lighting keeps growing, and wellness-focused design is becoming something clients expect rather than something that feels extra. Fixtures that adjust their color temperature throughout the day match the body’s natural rhythms and the changing quality of outdoor light, helping spaces feel more in tune with how we live.
CCT-select technology makes it easy to shift from the warm glow of early morning to the bright clarity of midday. This helps support focus, energy, and a sense of calm whenever you need it. It brings together science and design in a way that feels thoughtful, human, and truly supportive of everyday well-being.
"Lighting is the quiet force behind wellness in design. I believe it’s more essential than ever to have layered lighting with balanced, intentional selections incorporated within our design plans. More than a trendy notion; lighting supports how we start our days, how we work, and even how we relax. It has hormonal & neurological impact and lends to visual comfort, in addition to its circadian rhythm regulation— shaping our wellbeing daily."
Kelly Collier-Clark
CEO & Principal Designer House of Clark Interiors, House of Clark Co.
A renewed focus on honest, natural materials is shaping everything from finishes to form. Designers are choosing materials that tell a story and bring texture, character, and a sense of origin to every space.
Earthy tones and organic elements like cork, leather, and woven fibers are grounding interiors with warmth and a welcoming feel. Lacquered brass offers a soft, satin sheen while lacquered bronze combines deep, dark tones with subtle gold and copper undertones. These materials pair beautifully with stone, especially varieties with strong veining and contrast that create movement and a bold, natural presence. Pair these with an opal or tinted glass to bring depth and softness to the light.
In a world filled with polished perfection, this return to true, authentic materials feels both comforting and luxurious.



A decade known for its confident color choices, soft curves, and playful approach to materials, the ‘70s are back … again. Warm amber tones, smoked glass globes, reflective surfaces, and sculptural shapes bring a touch of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and thoughtful.
This renewed influence feels more refined and more intentional. It blends the simplicity of mid-century modern style with the richness of retro materials. Instead of recreating the past, today’s designs reinterpret it in a way that highlights craftsmanship and gives familiar forms a modern point of view.

Texture plays a major role in 2026, especially through ribbed and fluted glass. Once used mostly in architecture, these details are now showing up in pendants, sconces, and larger statement fixtures. As light moves across the ridged surfaces, it creates gentle shifts in shadow and pattern that bring both visual interest and a soft sense of depth.
Fluted glass, whether smoked, clear, or lightly tinted, adds a handcrafted feel and diffuses light in a warm, welcoming way. This look works beautifully in both simple, modern designs and more decorative pieces, making it a timeless choice that connects different styles and eras.




Rigid geometry is giving way to softer, more fluid shapes. Curves, arches, and organic lines create a sense of motion and ease, and lighting in 2026 is all about that feeling of flow. Designers are moving away from forms that feel strict or static and leaning into looks that feel natural, spontaneous, and sculptural.
Many of these pieces function as art as much as lighting. Sculptural fixtures can anchor a room, spark conversation, and cast light in ways that feel expressive and unexpected. These flowing forms add softness to modern spaces and bring a gentle sense of movement to more traditional interiors. It all reinforces lighting’s unique ability to be both beautifully functional and deeply personal, transforming every environment into a reflection of comfort, creativity, and connection.




"Good lighting is more than illumination- it's sculptural artistry; a form of art that completes the design story of a room. I love seeing organic, fluid shapes trending in lighting design, currently. From wavy shades, to bubble pendants, these sculptural light fixtures are setting a mood as visual poetry."
Haneen Matt
Interior Design Content Creator
The lighting landscape of 2026 celebrates authenticity: the body’s rhythms, the connection to nature, and to the emotional resonance of form. It’s about lighting that not only performs beautifully but also feels deeply human. It’s a year where light does more than illuminate; it engages, grounds, and inspires.
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