Modern lighting designs: The latest lighting trends

Lamps now feature folds, gently filter light through paper, or move flexibly within a room. And what else? We celebrate the papercut trend – and functional lighting is also a key focus. These are the lighting trends for 2026.

From cone-shaped pendant lights with a papercut look to expansive track lighting installations: the lighting trends of 2026 pick up on this season’s interior design trends and reinterpret them. The new products hold a few surprises, but also offer plenty of tried-and-tested classics. The shapes of table lamps, pendant lights, ceiling lights, and more are often functional, elegant, and uncluttered. Pleated lampshades and lights made of paper or materials that resemble paper are making a comeback. Plenty of light for a feel-good atmosphere – these are our shining favorites.

Old creases rediscovered: The pleated blind trend.

They look neither old nor creased: pleated lamps are completely folded – and therefore totally on trend right now. Whether organically shaped or precisely arranged, table, wall, and ceiling lamps with a crinkled look create a warm, cozy, and glare-free light. The playful origami-like appearance, now adorning many new lamps, seems both dynamic and structured. Ribs on opal glass and lacquered steel, or fine grooves on porcelain or fabric shades, also achieve this effect—no need to smooth anything out.

Radiant art: round wow wall lights

Why are flat, round wall lights becoming more common again? Because they not only look good, but are also wonderfully practical: In narrow spaces like hallways, vestibules, and stairwells, they don’t obstruct the flow of traffic, but rather remain discreetly at the edges. These new wall lights not only provide general lighting for orientation, but also create focused lighting accents and, like small works of art, add subtle elegance to the wall.

Show a clear edge: Lights in the papercut trend.

By 2026, the contouring trend had spread from fashion into interior design and, consequently, into lighting. Lamps with a papercut look showcase contours and immediately catch the eye with their black-and-white contrast. As if they were assembled from paper and held together with tape, the white designs are clearly outlined by black piping. The lampshades are usually made of paper or paper-like textures and produce a soft, warm light.

Mobile meets style: portable lights.

Portable light sources follow us everywhere, bringing elegant light into the darkness. Available in all shapes and colors, these portable battery-powered lights accompany us from one room to another – and in summer, even outdoors. Instead of permanently installed indirect lighting, we’re switching on primarily miniature, wireless versions of familiar lamp designs this season. Flexibly placed wherever they’re needed, they illuminate rooms atmospherically or stand alone as radiant decorative objects.

Soft glow: Paper lanterns

Thoughtful materials create a pleasant atmosphere when it comes to lighting. Lamps with paper shades, like those used centuries ago in Japan, are particularly effective at creating a cozy ambiance. Whether it’s a moon-shaped ceiling lamp shade made of lightweight rice paper or a sculptural table lamp made of coated washi paper, the material gently diffuses light, producing a warm glow. 

Staying on track: Rail systems.

Far from being ordinary, pendant lights are those mounted on track and rod systems. These lights are a modern interpretation of fluorescent tubes, captivating with their minimalist design. Depending on the model, they emit light through three or four small lampshades or a cylindrical tube. This lighting trend creates particularly striking accents above dining tables.

Conclusion

In general, all new lighting designs for 2026 show a reduction to the essentials. The design of numerous new models is based on basic geometric shapes, and the colors black, white, cream, brass, and chrome dominate, but exceptions prove the rule. Classic lighting designs, in particular, are becoming more playful again, creating not only a cozy atmosphere and beautiful light but also a cheerful mood.

Share this post