Sparks Electrical News January 2020

LIGHTING

18

Top lighting trends for 2020

bold lines and repeated patterns make for eye-catching additions to contemporary spaces. The circle is going to be a key shape in 2020. With no beginning and no end, this infinite shape brings a sense of com- pleteness to a room. The strong, fluid, form pairs particularly well with minimalistic and industrial contemporary interiors. Look out for designs that offer a mixed composition of curves. Black Black finishes in hardware, plumbing and lighting are a hot trend right now and will remain so for seasons to come. Inky black luminaires provide depth and understated drama to a room and have been called ‘the new neutral’ because they pair well with a variety of colour palettes and inte- rior styles. Black metal fixtures are a versatile option if you’re considering

Frosted glass Not that long ago, frosted glass shades were a sure way of telling that a lighting fixture had not been replaced in years. Now, the milky-hued glass is making a comeback and is one of the biggest lighting trends to look out for next year. Frosted glass shades are designed to diffuse the light coming from the bulb, offering a lovely soft glow. During the day when the fixture is not switched on, a frosted glass shade brightens up a space and creates a fresh feel. We love the look of white frosted glass luminaires paired with sleek brass and black metal frames. Geometric shapes Lighting design inspired by angles and shapes has been popular for a while now and will continue to into next year. Geometric fixtures with

mixing finishes in a space and don’t want to commit to just one.

The 3 Cs – clear, cognac, and champagne Simple, clean, and minimalist – clear glass shades are one of our favourite trends going into 2020. From table lamps to pendants, this lighting trend is a har- monious blend of rustic and industrial design. See- through shades are the perfect fixture to showcase a vintage-look Edison bulb, especially when it comes to pendant lighting. A cluster of clear glass pendants suspended at varying heights adds a playful touch to a room while still being practical – they provide plenty of light and don’t disrupt the line of sight. If completely clear glass shades are not your style then consider fixtures with glass shades in hues of cognac and champagne. The subtle colours lend themselves to a warm, sophisticated look and feel. Wicker and rattan Using natural materials has been an interior de- sign trend for a while now and we love how this is expressed in lighting design, more specifically in fixtures crafted from wicker and rattan. This style of fixture is often associated with boho or coastal interi- ors but works in a wide array of interior spaces from Scandinavian to modern farmhouse. W orcestershire County Council has used red LED streetlights to install what it claims is the UK’s first bat-friendly high- way – a 60 m stretch of road near to Warndon Wood nature reserve. “Research shows some species of bat are light shy and will not cross roads lit by white lights, which can stop them accessing food supplies and water,” according to the council. “Bright streetlights also attract the flies and insects the bats feed on, and so reduce the food available for bats and Red LED streetlights make UK road bat- friendly Enquiries: www.eurolux.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JANUARY 2020