Shop by Style Modern

The Ideas Behind Modern Lighting

Modern Style Lighting is one of the design elements of Modernism which refers specifically to a historical aesthetic movement that took place during the early to mid-twentieth century. The modernist style was created to push against tradition in order to find new ways to experience art, to think about the world and one’s surroundings.

This artistic driven interior design style is characterized by a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, minimalism, natural materials, and natural light. Though it is often confused—or used interchangeably—with the term "contemporary design," modern design is its own distinct style.

Modern light fixtures instill functionality within an artfully streamlined form, radiating a reflective glow while providing clear and bright light from long-lasting LED bulbs. It complements a sleek, contemporary interior with straight lines, and can also create an agreeable contrast with transitional styles.

How to Choose Modern Light Fixtures

1. Consider the type of lighting your space requires. The two primary types of lighting are ambient light which is ideal for illuminating large areas and task light which focuses on small areas.

• Ambient light fixtures such as: flush and semi-flush mount ceiling lights, wall lights, chandeliers, and modern pendant lights are optimal for illuminating large areas of your home.
• Task light fixtures such as: a floor lamp next to a lounge chair can provide light for reading or laptop work, while desk lamps are ideal for home offices or other workspaces throughout the home.

2. Consider modern light fixture materials.

Illuminate your space with functional, design-forward light fixtures crafted of modern lighting materials including metals such as brass, stainless steel, and polished or powder-coated aluminum. Along with glass, acrylic, and fabric.

Modern light fixtures often feature a minimal aesthetic, but they’re not devoid of artistic elements. From a linear design to organic shapes and traditional fabric shades to sculptural diffusers in frosted or sandblasted glass, modern lights create welcoming pools of light and offer a warm, ambient glow – without producing glare or harsh shadows and come in a diverse array of styles.

3. Consider adjustability.

The major news in lighting right now is adjustability. Newly designed adjustable lighting styles are creating quite a buzz because they are cutting-edge and guarantee versatility. Shop unique pieces that feature many arms that can be arrange in different proportions to create a novel look on a regular basis. Switch up the arms every week or so to keep things interesting and to spotlight different features in a room.

Next - Update Your Rooms Quickly and Easily

Modern lighting is one of the quickest ways to rejuvenate your home. Go room by room and see where a new modern ceiling fan, lamp, pendant, or chandelier could make a difference or commit to refreshing your entire space with a new lighting story that revolves around a central theme or new finish. With so many new trends emerging, there's modern lighting for every type of taste. Plus, shopping is easy when you know the trends, so take the time to curate lighting that enhances your furnishings, artwork, entertaining spaces, and the architecture of your home.

Changing the mood in a room can literally be as easy as flipping a switch when you select modern lighting that complements your interior decor.

• Choose a lighting aesthetic that updates your furnishings by contrasting styles. If your furniture is soft and neutral, go for highly linear lamps. To light up strong lines, try the gentle glow of shaded bulbs.
• Take note that designers are doing big new things with chandeliers. The massive, dripping styles are still beautiful, but now you can discover modern chandeliers designed with floating rings or a swinging bar with a downlight.
• While most lighting fixtures require hard wiring, some new looks are quite portable and easily plug-in anywhere. Some table lamps even let you plug in your phone or other devices to a USB port. These are great on top of nightstands for overnight charging.

To switch up your aesthetic in the most remarkable way possible, look to the sculptural and geometric selections designers are now offering. These pieces are creative, avant-garde, and versatile enough to go with any type of furniture.