Some call lighting the icing on the cake of any room. Not only do lamps, wall sconces, and chandeliers bring light into a space, but they also allow you to use every surface to enhance your design scheme in a way that tables, sofas, and chairs cannot. Here are 12 modern lighting ideas that are sure to bring a fresh and savvy perspective to your home.
1. Swing arm wall sconces make great bed fellows.
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A swing arm wall sconce is an easy way to bring modern elegance and flexibility into a bedroom — case in point, Serge Mouille's iconic wall sconce. While beautiful, this high-end light fixture may not be in the budget, however this one-arm wall sconce inspired by the French designer is a stunning compromise.
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2. Suspension chandeliers are dynamic.
Suspension lighting is an easy way to add a sculptural element to your space, as seen with this stunning example designed by Ross Lovegrove. By playing with movement and the reflection of light, these fixtures create a mesmerizing and unique arrangement that captivates the attention of all who lay eyes on it.
3. Articulating floor lamps are a reading nook must-have.
If you think floor lamps are dull, then you haven't met this one. Modern and edgy, with a midcentury flair, this vintage three-shade articulating floor lamp is anything but boring. If you cannot find a vintage option, this lamp from World Market has a lot of personality.
4. Golden globe floor lamp for the bedroom win.
The soft blown glass opal diffuser on this floor lamp creates a warm ambiance that's perfect for the bedroom. It's complemented by an elegant frame in a brass finish that doesn't disrupt the flow of your space.
5. Mix and match pendant lights to create visual interest.
Have a bit of fun, and mix and match your pendant lights. Instead of a chandelier above your kitchen island, opt for a dynamic grouping of different shapes and sizes. This playful cluster of pendants by Tom Dixon demonstrates the idea flawlessly. By selecting a pendant that is available not only in different shapes, but colors, the sky is the limit.
6. Install a chandelier that pulls double duty as a work of art.
If you have the budget, and you're looking for a truly special light fixture that you can't find in any store, investing in a custom chandelier is definitely the way to go. You are guaranteed to get a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is unique to your home, and something that you can cherish for years to come.
7. Don't be afraid to play with shapes.
With a playful twist, designer Kelly Wearstler takes her love of modernist art to gorgeous new heights. This three-dimensional chandelier, a sculptural study of light and shadow, uses geometry to accentuate the negative space.
8. Stretch your lighting prowess with a long gooseneck wall sconce.
A wall sconce can make a statement if you let it. We traditionally think of sconces as small, out-of-the-way additions to a hallway or bathroom instead of a feature element. Try a fixture like this that features a long neck for a sort of sconce-meets-floor-lamp hybrid.
9. Industrial style at its best.
Try an iron-caged wall sconce if you're going for a strong, industrial vibe. The best part about the unfinished look of this fixture from Trent Austin Design is the exposed bulb.
10. Statement making chandeliers add drama.
Be bold! Add a little drama to your living room with a statement-making chandelier. This Moooi pendant light is hard to miss and creates a unique, textural ambient light that will quickly make whichever room it graces your favorite.
11. Elegant table lamps can make a big impact.
This combination of a balloon glass shade tethered to a white marble base is striking in the most subtle way. This table lamp's elegant appearance makes it an appealing complement to a study or a night table.
12. Two-arm wall sconces are better than one.
Lights, camera, action! This two-arm wall sconce steals the show with its good looks reminiscent of a vintage camera flash. The two-arm design is adjustable which is useful in spaces you require a little flexibility.