Forget overhead lights and fixtures: lamps are experiencing a moment. It’s funny that something as seemingly mundane as a lamp could be a hot new trend, but there are so many new, cool lamps on the market. No matter what your aesthetic or needs, you can find something perfect for that bedside table or dusty corner of the room.
Photo Credit: Burak K
Remember back in the late eighties/early nineties when touch lamps were all the rage? Usually gold, with a glass shade, you’d give them a light tap and they’d turn on, usually to oooohs and ahhhhs. It’s funny to think how far technology for something as simple as a lamp has come, but here we are.
Below are a few lighting trends that are taking off in 2020, and cool new products for you to spiffy up your home with:
LED Lighting/Lamps
LED is the thing nowadays. It’s everywhere from car headlights to flashlights and everywhere in between. You’ll find LED lighting in kid’s toys, in kitchen appliances, and yep, in lamps.
From children’s nightlights with LED color-changing bulbs to classy, upscale lamps for your living room, you can find whatever you’re looking for in LED lighting. These LED table lamps are classic, understated and seriously beautiful, for the person who has simple, clean tastes. More interested in something bright, that changes colors with a remote? Yep, those are everywhere, too.
LED lamps are so popular that they’re adorning literally everything. From oil diffusers that change color while you fill the air with scented oil, to stick-on LED lights for the bathroom toilet (yes, that’s really a thing), if you love LED, now is your moment to fill up your home with goodies.
Salt Lamps
You’re probably no stranger to these. They are definitely having a moment of their own! Himalayan salt lamps came on the scene a couple of years ago, and everyone is obsessed. Creating soft, warm pink light, many have touted the supposed health benefits of burning these lamps, but we just think they are pretty. Salt lamps now come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, and they are incredibly affordable. They’re also extremely durable and long-lasting.
Funky and Fun
It’s definitely not a new thing to have a fun conversation piece in the form of a lamp; character lamps have been around forever (raise your hand if you had a Mickey Mouse or Garfield lamp when you were a kid!). These days, most are LED, and are so much cooler and interesting than ones of the past.
For instance, there’s an LED nightlight/lamp on the market with a Star Wars theme that actually projects the image of Chewbacca, Darth Vader, or whatever character you fancy, onto your wall! It changes colors, pulses in different patterns, and has many other settings. Since it functions with a remote, it’s easy to use and totally accessible.
Whether you’re into Game of Thrones, heavy metal, The Avengers or Spongebob, there are so many funny and quirky lamps that are real conversation pieces out there. You can truly make a space your own with these.
Cordless Lighting
Lots of folks are going the cordless lighting route for a variety of reasons, not least because of the environmental benefits. These lights are so much more energy efficient, as they use half the wattage, need to be replaced less often, and provide more consistent light. They’re also safer, as cords can be dangerous for small children, animals and the disabled. Plus, many people just like the way they look. Nobody wants to deal with bulky, ugly cords.
Antique Lamps
Some folks have no need for all those trendy things above, and would rather have something understated, classic, and antique. Lucky for you, antique and retro lamps are generally very affordable, if you look at local antique shops, flea markets and places like eBay. You might find a great piece that only needs a little TLC, and for a great price!
One thing to note is that both oil diffusers (not the LED lamps themselves) and Himalayan salt lamps have both been cited as sources of danger to your household pets, especially cats. These reports haven’t been widely reported or proven, but it’s worth looking into, or at the very least, if you own a diffuser or salt lamp, you may want to keep it out of reach of your furbabies.
And don’t forget hunting through the thrift shops for lamps that you can add your own twist to. I found these pink beauties (!) (post here):
And with paint, made them into these:
Post HERE
One thing is sure: no matter which type of lighting you choose for your home, it’s going to look amazing.
Please note that some of the links above and below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
