Lighting Trends for 2009

Today's lighting trends lead consumers to designs with clean, simple lines that incorporate the use of metallic, organic, or environmentally-friendly materials. Here is an overview of the trends currently underway.

Flexible or Cable Tract Lighting: Rigid Tract lighting and recessed lighting is "out" - and low voltage Flexible or Cable Track lighting is "in". Whereas the Rigid Track system uses one transformer per fixture, the Flexible Track systems uses one transformer for the entire fixture and distributes low-voltage electricity through the track. A straight, rigid tract is not required. This makes for a sleeker-looking system, because the track can be curved and the fixtures do not need a built-in transformer. The Cable Track is another type of system which has been very popular over the years - and still continues. There are two cables that run parallel to one another. The fixtures are located between the two cables which also provide the power. Typically, the track extends wall-to-wall and is no more than 20ft long.

Environmentally-friendly Fixtures: Environmentally-friendly fixtures are "in" - along with energy-saving dimmer switches and automated lighting control. Two of the most popular lighting bulbs are the Compact Florescent Light (CFL) and the Light Emitting Diodes (LED). The most versatile and affordable bulb at this time is CFL. The LED is a tiny yet powerful light source. It is more energy efficient that the CFL. A 60 watt bulb is expensive and one bulb can cost as much as $75. However, on the positive side, some LED models can last up to 30-35 years, energy consumption is reduced by about 87%, and the light quality is very good.

Metallic Lamp Bases: Metallics are everywhere - not just in lighting. This material is good for adding sparkle and shine to a dull room. The brushed metals are good at blending with a multi-toned interior. Softer metals, such as brushed nickel, brushed copper, stainless steel, and pewter have become some of the favorite metal finish choices and are competing with brass as the top finish choice. Expect to see this material in fabrics and furniture for years to come.

Glass and Mirror Lamps: While the ornate and embellished are "out" in both fashion and home decorating, simple, yet elegant, interiors with a bit of sparkle or sheen are certainly "in". Whether colored, translucent, or transparent - glass lamp fixtures and other household items such as jars and bowls are hot these days. Likewise, mirrored lamps and table tops also are in fashion. These materials radiate light and sunshine.

Organic Materials: Corresponding with greater interest in more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly lighting, look to see more organic materials such as bamboo and wood veneer table lamp bases.

Serpentine Curves: Also hot is the simple elegance of the serpentine curved line - in furnishings as well as lighting. The use of the serpentine line has been around for thousand of years. This resurgence may be inspired by the growing interest in organic materials and shapes.

Today's trends in lamps, lighting, and decor reflect a style that is more Contemporary or Modern that what we have seen over the last 30 years. These trends also express the desire to be more environmentally conscious and perhaps less materialistic through the use of less ornate and embellished furnishings, organic materials, and serpentine shapes.

Holly Price is the President and founder of www.finehomelamps.com which offers an extensive collection of lighting for the home including home lamps, table lamps, and accent lamps in contemporary, modern, and traditional styles from Wildwood Lamps, Candice Olson Lighting, and AF Lighting. For more information visit: www.finehomelamps.com.