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  5. How to Find the Right Lighting Style for Your Space

How to Find the Right Lighting Style for Your Space

Elyse Moody
By Elyse Moody September 23, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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dining room with brass pendant light fixture
Credit: Tessa Neustadt
A well-lit room is a work of art. This illuminating guide will help you find the fixtures that reflect your personal style.
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dining room with brass pendant light fixture
Credit: Tessa Neustadt

Lighting can make or break a room. Think about it: Why spend all that time and money on the perfect living room setup, or well-curated knick-knacks when the room is poorly lit and no one—especially you—can fully appreciate your decorating effort?

And the importance of lighting doesn't just stop at functionality. These days, lighting is as much of a key design feature as your sleek desk or fancy marble backsplash. Designers like Apparatus are taking lighting to new heights and creating dramatic, sculptural fixtures that steal the show in a room and become instant conversation starters.

However, you can't just stop at one overhead light per room no matter how impactful the fixture may be. Good design is about including multiple points of illumination, or layered lighting. This is a three step process. First, start with your ambient lighting or your overhead light. This light, often in the center of the room, illuminates the entire space. Next we have task lighting which helps spotlight a specific activity. This is your bedside table lamp, kitchen pendant, or floor lamp. Finally, you have your decorative touches or your accent lighting, such as the gorgeous lights over your bookcase or elegant sconces surrounding your fireplace. They're not crucial for providing a source of light, but they sure make the space look more complete and beautiful.

Once you know what lighting you need where, it's time to figure out your style. We spotlight some key design trends, and lighting options within each. Shine bright!

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Modern Organic: Ceiling Light

Noguchi Akari 'Light Sculptures 55F' Ceiling Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Noguchi

A 1950s design icon, the washi-paper-and-bamboo ceiling lamp emits a diffuse glow.

Noguchi Akari "Light Sculptures 55F" Ceiling Lamp, $350, shop.noguchi.org.

  • Simply Turing Off Your Lights Could Save Lives, According to New Research 

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Modern Organic: Sconce

In Common With 'Up Down 2C Sconce'
Credit: Courtesy of In Common With

This Brooklyn maker's sconce looks hand-carved; you can customize the colors, too.

In Common With "Up Down 2C Sconce," $675, incommonwith.com. 

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Modern Organic: Lamp

Crate and Barrel 'Weave' Floor Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Light a corner with the sculptural paper-rattan floor lamp; its unobtrusive design works anywhere.

Crate and Barrel "Weave" Floor Lamp in Natural, $189, crateandbarrel.com.

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Feminine Deco: Chandelier

Rejuvenation 'Willamette' Chandelier
Credit: Courtesy of Rejuvenation

This 24-inch chandelier has a luminous fluted Italian glass bowl that radiates throwback elegance.

Rejuvenation "Willamette" Chandelier, $1,099, rejuvenation.com. 

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Feminine Deco: Sconce

Arteriors Celerie Kemble Collection Botany Sconce
Credit: Courtesy of Arteriors

This hammered-brass sconce is floral but not fussy.

Arteriors "Celerie Kemble Botany 5" Sconce, $485, perigold.com. 

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Feminine Deco: Lamp

Aerin 'Lineham' Table Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Aerin

A slender but solid base made of opalescent alabaster makes this table lamp a natural—and neutral—winner.

Aerin "Lineham" Table Lamp, $799, aerin.com.

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Sleek Architectural: Pendant

The Urban Electric Co. 'Thao' Pendant
Credit: Courtesy of Urban Electric Co.

This pendant's striking metal "roof" comes in several colors; we'd use this wine-red one in a hall, or hang a pair over a kitchen island.

The Urban Electric Co. "Thao" Pendant, $2,533, urbanelectric.com. 

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Sleek Architectural: Sconce

Cedar and Moss 'Athena' Sconce
Credit: Courtesy of Cedar & Moss

Brass-and-glass globes are having a moment, but this handmade sconce is timeless.

Cedar & Moss "Athena" Sconce, $229, cedarandmoss.com.

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Sleek Architectural: Table Lamp

Kelly by Kelly Wearstler 'Portman' table lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Kelly by Kelly Wearstler

With its skyline-like base, this table lamp is a rhapsody in navy blue.

Kelly by Kelly Wearstler "Portman" Table Lamp, $400, clarksonlighting.com. 

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Textural Beauty: Chandelier

Williams Sonoma Home 'Antibes' Chandelier
Credit: Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

In a sea of thousands of woven pendant lights, this chandelier has a distinct graphic shape.

Williams Sonoma Home "Antibes" Chandelier, $2,410, williams-sonoma.com. 

  • Eight Materials to Give Your Home a Warm, Earthy Feel

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Textural Beauty: Sconce

Niermann Weeks Regent sconce
Credit: Courtesy of Niermann Weeks

Hang this low-profile rectangular sconce in a hall—the aged-mirror back gives a little shine.

Niermann Weeks "Regent" Sconce, $465, circalighting.com.

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Textural Beauty: Floor Lamp

Martha Stewart 'Carra' Floor Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Martha Stewart

This floor lamp has pretty turnings, a whitewashed finish, and a nubby shade.

Martha Stewart "Carra" Floor Lamp, $219, wayfair.com. 

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Cool Colonial: Chandelier

Pottery Barn 'Lucca' Chandelier
Credit: Courtesy of Pottery Barn

This chandelier's iron curves echo antique candelabras, but its wide span feels totally now.

Pottery Barn "Lucca" Chandelier, $599, potterybarn.com.

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Cool Colonial: Sconce

RH English Openwork Sconce
Credit: Courtesy of Restoration Hardware

Hang this oversize sconce indoors or on a covered porch.

Restoration Hardware "19 C. English Openwork" Sconce, $525, restorationhardware.com.

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Cool Colonial: Table Lamp

Ralph Lauren Home 'Carter' Table Lamp
Credit: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

Like a classic stoneware crock, this porcelain table lamp has a polished, utilitarian texture.

Ralph Lauren Home "Carter" Table Lamp, $909, onekingslane.com. 

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    1 of 16
    2 of 16 Modern Organic: Ceiling Light
    3 of 16 Modern Organic: Sconce
    4 of 16 Modern Organic: Lamp
    5 of 16 Feminine Deco: Chandelier
    6 of 16 Feminine Deco: Sconce
    7 of 16 Feminine Deco: Lamp
    8 of 16 Sleek Architectural: Pendant
    9 of 16 Sleek Architectural: Sconce
    10 of 16 Sleek Architectural: Table Lamp
    11 of 16 Textural Beauty: Chandelier
    12 of 16 Textural Beauty: Sconce
    13 of 16 Textural Beauty: Floor Lamp
    14 of 16 Cool Colonial: Chandelier
    15 of 16 Cool Colonial: Sconce
    16 of 16 Cool Colonial: Table Lamp

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