If there’s a word set to define lighting trends in 2026, then “glow” will be on every interior designer ’s lips. These insights will take it from a background blur to a gentle presence in any room.
Lighting is the silent collaborator that sets the tone, enhances functionality and transforms how we experience a room,” says designer Laura Hammett. “Well-thought-out lighting ideas are as important as any piece of furniture, with layering different types of light achieving balance, warmth and depth.”
And in 2026, it really is all about bringing a soft glow to your home — something we could all do with a bit more of. It’s light that envelops and sets the mood, rather than just focuses on getting the job done. It’s layered, providing shine wherever and whenever it’s needed. And it’s personal, ready to adapt and focus depending on your own mood. Light fittings are being designed as artworks themselves, whether it’s a rechargeable lamp or vast wall panel. Enter a season of gentle beauty, beginning with layering, materials — and, of course, the correct colour light bulb!
Layer up
If you’re reading this, you’re probably all about keeping “the big light” off already. Layered lighting brings flexibility and warmth by relying on multiple light sources in a room, not just one which will reproduce the same mood every time. Be mindful to include lights for ambience, tasks and accents in each room – this way, you get practicality and prettiness! This could look like dimmable downlights, a pendant light over a kitchen island and a floor lamp next to your favourite reading armchair. Play with the ratios according to what each room requires – a bathroom will need brighter task light than a bedroom.
The case for colour
A sure-fire way to get that glow going is to use warm light bulbs. But how to choose the correct one? Next time you’re standing in the light bulb aisle, keep this in mind: The Kelvin scale. Forget the names (what is the difference between soft white and warm white really?) and focus on the numbers. Kelvin measures colour temperature so the warmest, most yellow bulbs start at 1 000 Kelvin while the coolest, bluest bulbs reach their max at 10 000 Kelvin. Warmer bulbs are good for ambience, while cooler ones are best for task lighting. Consider brightness too, which is measured in lumens. More lumens mean a brighter light. Look for bulbs between 2 700K and 3 000K for warm light that will add a glow to any room.
Material matters
This season, we’ll be seeing more shapes, materials and textures that produce a soft glow just by their very nature. “I think 2026 is going to be all about lighting that feels modern but really natural and refined,” says designer Jessica Nicastro. “Finishes are getting softer and more textured, nothing too shiny, so the light kind of glows rather than reflects. It’s all about sculptural pieces that feel sleek and intentional, without trying too hard.”
Consider materials such as ceramic and porcelain, folded to look softer, as well as organics like handblown or sandblasted glass, paper thin marble, nostalgic rattan and woven grass strands.
Back to front
To create a much gentler glow, it makes sense to actually block the bulb itself with something more solid like metal, wood or stone to let the light ebb and flow. This philosophy can be applied to stand-alones such as a wall sconce, table lamp or lighting built into the architecture such as inside a bookcase or between a kitchen counter and the low cabinet above it. It can be applied to harnessing natural light, too: think stain-glass windows and doors, sun lights and glass room dividers. Thin, artistic wall panel lights are bringing ambience to dining rooms and lounges alike this year, working hard in the background.
Charge up
A silver lining of loadshedding was the advent of more practical yet design-forward rechargeable lamps. What started as moody features on restaurant tables has migrated to home cocktail carts, dining room tables and even bedside pedestals. Their portable nature means they can bring warmth to smaller, more awkward parts of the home that could really use some shine too — think of a small entrance, a top bunk or a lonely corner of a kitchen counter. Plus, it adds a sparkle of the unexpected. Many are dimmable, making them ideal to cast a good glow wherever, and whenever, you need it.
Words: Christi Nortier
Photography: Future
Also read: How to adapt these African decor styles into your own home
