Lighting

The Best and Brightest Modern Lighting: Lamps, Pendants and More Light Fixtures

You've spent a lot of time and effort furnishing your home—why leave that hard work in the dark? Well thought out lighting will illuminate your singular style, and can also complete an entire room. Consider the size of the space. Decide how much light it needs. Weigh the different types of lamps, mounts, pendants and sconces. Is this all sounding overwhelming? We'll shed some light on the subject.

For starters, classic table lamps and floor lamps are versatile pieces, and the type of light you need can help decide which makes the most sense for your space. Have an accent table or desk that's looking a little bare (not to mention dark)? We got you. Table lamps can tie together your modern living space, while also giving enough light for a good book or important work on WFH days. Try putting one on your bedside table if you like falling asleep with your nose in a novel. Alternatively, maybe you want to spread the love (read: light). Think an arched floor lamp hanging over your living room sofa, or a contemporary three-bulb one that can brighten several spots at once. Bonus: swap in a gold or silver-tipped bulb for a subtly luxe touch.

If hanging pendant lights are more your thing, we get it—their unique designs make them chic conversation pieces. As long as ceiling height allows for it, they can feel natural in most rooms. Take the kitchen: pendant lights over a kitchen island is an elegant way to make your cooking Instagram-ready. Or the living room: materials like quartz, alabaster or capiz can add an eclectic touch to existing decor. Their sleek silhouettes fit right in with minimalist aesthetics. Want to take a bolder approach? Chandeliers are bigger and brighter, often able to light a room on their own. Try hanging one over your dining table for maximum effect.

To complement existing lighting or brighten up spots that, say, a chandelier couldn't fit, try playing around with the flexibility of wall sconces. Sets of two offer symmetry that can give refinement to any room. Need more bedroom lighting? Think sconces on either side of the headboard.