Lighting Trends 2026: What’s Shaping the Year in Design
In 2026, lighting is more than illumination - it’s a defining design element. From statement pendants to layered glows, lighting is shaping how we experience space. Here are the key trends we’re seeing this year, both globally and through the lens of New Zealand design.
Sculptural Statement Fixtures
Fixtures are bolder and more architectural than ever. Think oversized glass pendants, asymmetrical chandeliers, and lights that double as sculpture. These statement pieces act as the hero piece in the room - drawing the eye, sparking conversation, and anchoring interiors with intent. Look to brands like Karman and Aromas for expressive, art-driven lighting.
Quiet Statements and Architectural Elegance
For those who favour understated impact, brands like J. Adams & Co, Design for the People and Buster + Punch strike the perfect balance between form and function. Their pieces are clean-lined and quietly confident - think precision detailing, beautiful materials, and silhouettes that complement the architecture without overpowering it. These are lights that layer beautifully into a scheme, adding elegance and atmosphere without shouting for attention.
Layered Light and Ambient Glow
Designers are moving away from rigid grids of downlights and embracing layered lighting. Think a mix of pendants, sconces, floor lamps and hidden LEDs - all working together to create atmosphere. The goal? A home that shifts from functional to intimate with a flick of the dimmer. The Florabelle range fits seamlessly into this approach, offering classic forms and refined finishes that pair beautifully with other lighting elements.
Natural Materials and Organic Texture
Earthy, tactile finishes continue to lead. We’re seeing pendants in ceramic, rattan, timber, and textured glass that feel warm, grounded and crafted. Makers like Robert Gordon, Mud, and Monmouth Glass Studio are leading the charge in celebrating imperfection, tactility and natural form.
Vintage Revival with a Modern Edge
There’s a return to vintage forms - globe sconces, aged brass, retro-inspired pendants — but with a fresh, minimalist twist. Brands like Il Fanale and Ebb & Flow are masters of old-world character reimagined for contemporary spaces. This trend adds soul and timelessness to any room.
Playful Colour and Pattern
2026 is not afraid of personality. Patterned lampshades, coloured glass pendants, and whimsical forms are injecting fun and boldness into even the most refined interiors. Think Ferroluce for colourful glass or ceramic shades in unexpected shapes and tones.
Integrated and Invisible Light
Alongside the bold, there’s also the invisible. Hidden LED strips in cabinetry, shelves and coves are becoming part of the architectural language - providing soft washes of light that highlight materials and form without stealing focus.
Portable and Cordless Lighting
Rechargeable table lamps are having a moment - a stylish solution for creating intimacy, flexibility and glow. Indoors or outdoors, these cordless companions are the new candlelight. Brands like Nordlux lead with elegant and durable designs.
Sustainability
While this article focuses on style, it’s impossible to ignore the growing emphasis on sustainability in lighting design. In 2026, “buy less, buy better” is more than a mantra - it’s influencing material choices, manufacturing practices, and consumer habits. We’re seeing a shift toward timeless, well-crafted fixtures made from natural or recyclable materials, designed to last well beyond trend cycles. Locally designed lights, like our own Capsühl range or handcrafted ceramics from NZ makers like Memento Mori and Object Van Brandenberg support a lower-carbon footprint and celebrate slow design. In a world of fast turnover, sustainable lighting isn’t just about energy - it’s about choosing pieces with purpose and presence.
New Zealand Design: A Natural Fit
These trends find a natural home in Aotearoa. We love lighting that feels crafted, grounded, and connected to place. Locally made ceramics, warm brass finishes, and sculptural forms all reflect NZ’s appreciation for honest materials and quiet luxury. Pieces like our Capsühl Linear pendant - designed and made in Cambridge - embody this understated design ethos beautifully.
Whether you're lighting a coastal bach, a modern architectural home, or a boutique commercial space, 2026 invites us to think beyond function. Lighting is now central to mood, story and identity. And we’re here for it.
Want help choosing pieces that bring your project to life?
Explore our curated collection or visit the showroom to see what’s lighting up design in 2026.
