2024 Pendant Lighting Trends You Need to Know
by Carlisle Homes
Our five favourite pendant light trends of 2024
There’s nothing like a great pendant light to finish off a room. “You can use layered lighting to help anchor or accentuate a space, creating an eye-catching focal point, or add another layer of detail,” says Jessica Hodges, Interior Design Manager at Carlisle Homes. “You can use a pendant in place of overhead downlights to give a room a cosier and more intimate feel.”
Leveraging this lighting trend, Carlisle Homes’ Interior Design has used show-stopping pendant lights throughout the interior spaces of our 70+ display homes to create impact and atmosphere, so come and take a look!
“Depending on the interior design style of the home, we’ll typically use gorgeous white, black or brass fittings to add depth to living spaces,” says Hodges. “For a special application, we might splurge on a handcrafted sculptural lighting design in timber veneer, or a feature pendant in marble or linen. To create a contemporary, asymmetrical look in some of our displays, we’ve also combined ceiling fittings, such as a cluster of cylindrical downlights over a dining table or one end of a kitchen island. This is fast becoming an increasingly popular way to improve the overall aesthetic of the home’s interiors.”
Wondering which lighting styles are on trend in 2024? Here, Hodges shines a light on five of the best.
Curvaceous pendant lights can be a great way to soften a minimalist room scheme and make it more inviting, and they look fantastic individually or hung in clusters.
1. Curvy and spherical styles
When it comes to lighting trends in 2024, curvaceous styles come out tops. “With their curvy, organic lines, they bring softness and fluidity to a space, and feel very much of the moment. This style is versatile; simple, rounded pendants lend themselves to a wide range of interior styles, from classic to contemporary,” says Hodges. “Whether made from metal, glass or other materials, these styles are set to dominate in 2024.”
To capture this look, try an oversized spherical pendant in metal or woven rattan over your dining table, or consider creating a striking visual by grouping several spherical pendants together over your kitchen island, or a small, frosted-glass orb suspended over your bedside table in place of a traditional table lamp.
Spherical light display in our Rothbury Grand Atrium at our Meridian Display Centre.
2. Artisanal lighting
Expect to see artisanal pendant lights and lighting fixtures coming through in 2024, which are perfect for bringing a personal and unique edge to your interior. “These styles bring an art-like sensibility to any space. Think handcrafted fittings in all manner of bold, sculptural and interesting shapes, crafted from natural and unique materials like hand-forged metal, fine wirework, porcelain and slubby linen,” says Hodges. “These elegant, artistic pieces have unique characteristics that set them apart, making them perfect focal points in any room - be it a living room, kitchen, dining room or even an ensuite, and can be a great way to express your personality.”
Handcrafted lighting fixtures in metal, wood, porcelain or linen bring an art-like sensibility to a space, and can be a great way to introduce some personality and interest.
A light fitting in a woven material like jute, seagrass or bamboo adds a warm and earthy element to any room, and gently filters the light to create a soft and inviting glow.
3. Nature-inspired lighting
When discussing sustainable lighting trends for 2024, you can’t go past nature-inspired designs which align perfectly with the biophilic design trend which focuses on incorporating natural elements and all things eco-friendly into the home. Pendants in natural materials like wood, jute, seagrass and bamboo are popping up everywhere in 2024, and they’re an easy way to connect your interior with the natural world. “Pendants in natural materials, particularly woven ones, bring a lovely texture to a home, and they filter the light in a way that’s gentle and beautiful,” says Hodges. “They suit a variety of interior design styles, including coastal, Hamptons, boho and modern country.”
A plain glass pendant-light fitting is no longer your only option – choose from all manner of creative styles, such as smoked, coloured or ribbed glass, for a classic-with-a-twist vibe.
4. Glass gets a glow-up
Lighting designers are getting creative with glass in 2024, experimenting with new ways to use this timeless material to bring magic and charm to our homes. These sculptural pieces can serve as both functional lighting and stunning art.
Among the top lighting trends in pendant lighting, you’ll find elegant glass fixtures that feature clean lines and minimalist designs, perfect for modern interiors. We are seeing pendants in an array of vibrant colours in glass from smoked to textural, fluted glass fixtures with a retro feel, and striking, mid-century-inspired styles in creamy opal glass.
“Not only do these lighting fixtures look stunning, but the glass itself creates a soft, warm glow that enhances the interiors of any room it’s in,” says Hodges. “Plus, they’re ideal for adding texture and visual interest, without visually cluttering up a space - a win for most interior designers designing a room!”
Glass pendants as seen in our Sorrento Grand Retreat
Capture the essence of ‘quiet luxury’ – a design trend that’s centred around comfort and timelessness – with ambient lighting centred around organic shapes and soft, natural tones, or minimalist wooden chandeliers.
5. Quiet luxury
Quiet luxury – one of 2024’s biggest design movements – is all about simplicity, refinement and a timeless style that stands the test of time as trends change. Room schemes are mindfully curated to create a welcoming atmosphere, and feature gentle, muted colours, and pieces in pared-back shapes and natural materials that are made to last. The quiet luxury lighting trend means sculptural, minimalist pendants and orb lights with punches of sleek black steel or brass, or simple, linear wooden chandeliers - which is fast becoming the new chandelier for 2024.
For a room that exudes effortless elegance, consider an oversized linen drum shade in soft, neutral tones and earthy colours like pebble or beige in your meals area, a woven seagrass pendant in crisp white above your bathroom vanity, or a pair of striking frosted glass and brass orb pendants suspended over your kitchen bench, fitted with warm bulbs to create an inviting glow.
Bedroom with pendant lights as seen in our Portland Grand Pantry
Smart lighting - the future of home illumination
In 2024, smart lighting is no longer just a trend but a necessity for modern homes. Innovative lighting systems are quickly becoming more accessible, allowing homeowners to entirely customise their lighting preferences to save energy and create the perfect room style. With the ability to adjust colour temperature and automate lighting schedules, smart lighting not only enhances convenience, but also promotes energy efficiency. Opting for sustainable illumination within your new home design aligns with eco-conscious living ensuring that your home is built for the future.
As seen at the Carlisle Homes Granada Grand Living Deluxe in Manor Lakes.
Setting the mood with lamps that enhance your home’s ambiance
In addition to pendant lights and wall lights, adding lamps to your home can enhance both functionality and style in living spaces. Whether you're considering a sculptural floor lamp for your reading nook or stylish table lamps to add warmth to your bedrooms, lamps offer an affordable way to keep your home aligned with a popular trend.
You can also further utilise smart lighting options in your lamps, allowing you to adjust lighting levels based on the time of day, your daily routines, and the colour temperatures of the globes depending on the lamp’s location - helping you to save energy while enjoying a beautifully lit space.
Check the mood with statement floor lamps - explore some of our basic floor lamp rules.
Study and floor lamp as seen in our Illawarra Grand
What Lighting Fixtures Are Out of Style in 2024?
As trends change, so do the fixtures we use to light our homes. In 2024, heavy, overly ornate chandeliers and outdated, dull lighting fixtures are no longer popular. Instead, homeowners are embracing lighting designs with clean lines and modern aesthetics that complement the latest home design trends. Unique materials and minimalist styles are on the rise, making it important to choose fixtures that reflect the current era's focus on simplicity and refinement.
Clustered pendant lighting design in one of our double storey homes
Customise Your Lighting Designs with Spectra
Building a new home with Carlisle Homes offers an exciting opportunity to tailor every detail to your personal taste and lifestyle. One of the key areas where you can make your mark is in your choice of lighting and our Spectra Showroom is the perfect place to do just that.
During your electrical appointment at Spectra, you’ll have the chance to explore a vast range of lighting options, from statement pendant lights to subtle wall lights and everything in between. Whether you’re drawn to the latest lighting trends for 2024 or prefer a more timeless approach, the expert Interior Design consultants at Spectra will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect fixtures to complement your new home.
Customising your lighting at Spectra is just one of the many ways you can make your new Carlisle home truly yours. With the guidance of experienced consultants, you’ll have the confidence to make lighting choices that reflect your unique style and meet your practical needs, creating a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
As a Carlisle customer you will have a separate electrical and lighting appointment within our industry-leading Spectra showroom.
Expert advice for choosing good lighting
Jessica Hodges, Interior Design Manager at Carlisle Homes shares her must-know pendant lighting tips and the latest trends, to help you buy with confidence, and hang your pendant for maximum impact.
For a contemporary look
To create modern spaces, try a cluster of pendants or a delicate, linear pendant over a dining table. For over a kitchen bench, consider a trio of oversized pendants or try something a bit different with a single pendant installed asymmetrically to one side.
To create a classic look
Space your new lighting evenly, and consider timeless pendant styles like glass lanterns. Or reinforce the classic feel with wall sconces installed symmetrically.
Proportion is important
You don’t want your light fitting to look too small compared with the furniture piece beneath it, such as a dining or bedside table, otherwise it can get lost in the space. As a rule of thumb, I like light fittings to be about one third of the width of a bedside table or a round dining table.
Explore the eclectic combinations of lighting in one of our 80+ display homes across Melbourne and Geelong
Our Melbourne display homes have been expertly decorated by our interior design team in a stunning mix of timeless and contemporary looks. You can expect to see all the inspiration you need for your own decorating project. Make time to pop in today!