Modern Lighting Fixtures Bring Current Touch To Living Space

Modern lighting has come such a long was from traditional lamps and fixtures.  Aside from being driven by designers’ creativity, the advent of LED lighting and other technological advances have made possible new designs and artistic features that just a decade ago were not possible.

Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove created this Aeros pendant presented by Louis Poulsen.
Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove created this Aeros pendant presented by Louis Poulsen.

Modern lighting fixtures run the gamut of design styles, from spare and minimalist to more complex or intricate. Ross Lovegrove’s modern pendant light is based an organic Fibonacci pattern and provides a decorative effect on the fixture.  According to YLighting.com, Lovegrove wanted to design “an ethereal, floating object which would have a fine, organic perforated surface.”

With Bocci 73, Arbel uses an unconventional technique whereby glass is blown into extremely heat-resistant ceramic fabric.
With Bocci 73, Arbel uses an unconventional technique whereby glass is blown into extremely heat-resistant ceramic fabric.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the organically shaped Bocci 73 Pendant Lamps from Canadian Designer Omer Arbel, seen below. Both art sculpture and lighting fixture, these modern pendant lights are soft yet design forward, conjuring up thoughts of clouds or orbs of liquid.

These Melt lighting globes from Tom Dixon come in various finishes, and are born from his collaboration with Swedish radical design collective FRONT.
These Melt lighting globes from Tom Dixon come in various finishes, and are born from his collaboration with Swedish radical design collective FRONT.

Orb-shaped modern pendant lights are a staple of Tom Dixon. While pendant lighting has been popular for quite some time, today’s modern lighting fixtures are not the simple bulb and shade combinations of the past.  Current designers are making the fixture and bulb work as a unit, and often use a clear or specialty shaped bulb to add  interest.

Geometric shapes are particularly modern. These Etch pendants are made from photo-etched sheets of pure brass, designed to cast atmospheric angular shadows.
Geometric shapes are particularly modern. These Etch pendants are made from photo-etched sheets of pure brass, designed to cast atmospheric angular shadows.
These Etch pendants from Dixon are "inspired by the logic of pure mathematics." The geodesic shapes are made from digitally etched metal sheets.
These Etch pendants from Dixon are “inspired by the logic of pure mathematics.” The geodesic shapes are made from digitally etched metal sheets.
According to TomDixon.net, The Beat collection of modern lighting fixtures is "inspired by the sculptural simplicity of brass cooking pots and traditional water vessels on the subcontinent."
According to TomDixon.net, The Beat collection of modern lighting fixtures is “inspired by the sculptural simplicity of brass cooking pots and traditional water vessels on the subcontinent.”

Modern fixtures do not have to mean they are mass produced.  Dixon’s Beat Collection is made in India and hand-hammered into shape.

The ethereal wire work gives the chandelier a web or cocoon-like feel.
The ethereal wire work gives the chandelier a web or cocoon-like feel.

Often modern lighting is must as much art as it is a functional fixture, sometimes even more so.  This chandelier, paired with furnishings from Romuald Stefanski, is a statement-making art piece.

Modern lighting can pair with many styles of furniture. This initial fixture would work in many settings.
Modern lighting can pair with many styles of furniture. This initial fixture would work in many settings.
Tango Lighting is a Ft. Lauderdale based company that specializes in high end lighting fixtures, collaborating with designers and manufacturers from Barcelona, Brussels, and Treviso.
Tango Lighting is a Ft. Lauderdale based company that specializes in high end lighting fixtures, collaborating with designers and manufacturers from Barcelona, Brussels, and Treviso.

If such a dramatic art statement is not your style, there are endless options for modern lighting fixtures that are still artful.  Tango Lighting’s offerings show a range of styles that are more than just basic lighting.

Jonathan Adler's small Anemone light fixture is a versatile wall sconce that is art as well as lighting.
Jonathan Adler’s small Anemone light fixture is a versatile wall sconce that is art as well as lighting.

Pendant lighting isn’t the only  modern lighting option. This wall light from Jonathan Adler is available in several sizes and would be equally at home in a more traditional home setting.

This Volver chandelier is manufactured in Italy.
This Volver chandelier is manufactured in Italy.

As dramatic as it is elegant, the Volver Breath of New Light by Terrain is a show-stopping chandelier. Designed by Diego Bassetti and architect Andrea Panzeri from Studio 14, it is a cascade of nickel chains covering the light source.  Simply stunning, this piece is available at Modus Miami.

The Magdalena is designed by Bruno Rinaldi.
The Magdalena is designed by Bruno Rinaldi.

The geometric Magdalena fixture is a laser-cut metal lighting  fixture with horizontal openings to allow for its light to escape and create a pattern of light and shadow, Magdalena highlights the shape of the room itself.

Founders Jean and Oliver Pelle imbue have a keen aesthetic and devote studied attention to functionality. Their pieces are to be lived with, handled, worn, and enjoyed.
Founders Jean and Oliver Pelle imbue have a keen aesthetic and devote studied attention to functionality. Their pieces are to be lived with, handled, worn, and enjoyed.

The advent of LED lighting has made stick lighting a design option.  In 2015, designers presented a variety of modern lighting fixtures that take advantage of the flexibility and design freedom that LED offers. Pelle’s Pris is a modular system that can be configured in a wide variety of simple and complex installations.

Thin, dimmable and bright, LED stick lamps pack a lot of lighting punch for such a minimalist fixture.
Thin, dimmable and bright, LED stick lamps pack a lot of lighting punch for such a minimalist fixture.

Modern lighting fixtures are no limited to installations. Stick lighting such as this desk lamp is functional, modern and versatile.

Pablo Pardo's Elise is fully dimmable and is available in heights from 12” to 80”.
Pablo Pardo’s Elise is fully dimmable and is available in heights from 12” to 80”.

Another modern and minimalist fixture is the Elise by Pablo Pardo. According to Pablodesigns.com, “Elise is a conceptual tribute to the machine age: streamlined, understated, and honest in its function as a light source.”  It offers soft light as well as an artistic touch.

Artful and modern, fused and blown glass fixtures from Shakuff offer many modern lighting design options.
Artful and modern, fused and blown glass fixtures from Shakuff offer many modern lighting design options.

Shakuff Lighting shows a wide variety of modern lighting fixtures, ranging from pendants to chandeliers. Their offerings allow you to light up a room with modern day fixtures from fused and blown glass collections.

These fixtures may have a retro feel, but they are decidedly modern in materials and technology.
These fixtures may have a retro feel, but they are decidedly modern in materials and technology.

If your design tastes run a little more to the industrial side, you can still find fixtures that offer a fresh take on older styles.

Unique bulbs paired with a variety of shades together make a collection of modern lighting fixtures that would be fit for a any decor style.
Unique bulbs paired with a variety of shades together make a collection of modern lighting fixtures that would be fit for a any decor style.
NUD Collection is a Swedish lighting brand that designs and manufactures high quality textile cords. They can be dyed on specific Pantone colors.
NUD Collection is a Swedish lighting brand that designs and manufactures high quality textile cords. They can be dyed on specific Pantone colors.

The NUD Collection is a minimalist lighting line that offers a variety of suspension cords, that are an integral part of the lighting fixture.

Niche Modern is a Hudson Valley New York-based studio that produces hand-blown modern pendant lighting.
Niche Modern is a Hudson Valley New York-based studio that produces hand-blown modern pendant lighting.

Colors and hand blown techniques make Niche Modern pendants a unique collection. These fixtures would be appropriate additions to a modern space or a more traditional living area.

Sputnik-style lights are modern touches that would be suitable for just about any living space.
Sputnik-style lights are modern touches that would be suitable for just about any living space.
The range of colors use in the interior of these fixtures enlivens the black coated exteriors.
The range of colors use in the interior of these fixtures enlivens the black coated exteriors.

Rafael Avramovich of Work and Design presented a variety of metals in this collection that makes stylish use of negative space. Interior finishes include gold and silver foil.

While these orbs have geometric cuts, they are reminiscent of globes.
While these orbs have geometric cuts, they are reminiscent of globes.

Unusual shades are bringing modern pendant lights to the fore.  These fixtures feature various shapes and colors that are a departure from the usual pendant fixture.

Bold colors and neutral accents lend a great deal of interest to these pendant fixtures.
Bold colors and neutral accents lend a great deal of interest to these pendant fixtures.
Erik Levy, who created these fixtures, is an artist, technician, photographer, designer and filmmaker.
Erik Levy, who created these fixtures, is an artist, technician, photographer, designer and filmmaker.

These Crystal Rock light fixtures by Arik Levy feature modern shapes and bold colors. Lasvit.com says that this is a “perfectly cut, yet roughly sculpted contemporary silex that interacts between light and darkness, suspended in air like a frozen shooting star.”  We just call them gorgeous.

Since 2009, MacMaster and his team of artisans has been producing hand-made pieces in his Worcestershire countryside studio in England.
Since 2009, MacMaster and his team of artisans has been producing hand-made pieces in his Worcestershire countryside studio in England.

Perhaps these pieces truly are a bit more contemporary than modern, but pendant lighting fixtures by MacMaster Design are definitely special.  According to the MacMaster website, designer Alex MacMaster “designs for maximum output and minimum waste with some products using leftover materials from other ranges.”

His bespoke lighting and furniture pieces use natural timbers hand-picked from suppliers who source Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timbers.
His bespoke lighting and furniture pieces use natural timbers hand-picked from suppliers who source Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timbers.
MacMaster crafts these Cocoon pendants -- which come in a variety of sizes -- from ultra durable timber laminations.
MacMaster crafts these Cocoon pendants — which come in a variety of sizes — from ultra durable timber laminations.

These wooden fixtures enhance the warm light emitted.  The natural and fluid look of these cocoon pendant lighting fixtures would pair well with many iconic modern home decor pieces.

Made from birch wood, the Eclipse was designed by Alex MacMaster and launched in 2015.
Made from birch wood, the Eclipse was designed by Alex MacMaster and launched in 2015.

Our favorite is this Eclipse fixture.  This stunning modern pendant highlights the grain of the wood.  It can be grouped or stacked to create a variety of configurations to fit your particular living space.

The wood grained exterior of this angular modern pendant lighting belie the colorful interior. The tapered opening at the bottom offers a glimpse of the vivd hue inside.
The wood grained exterior of this angular modern pendant lighting belie the colorful interior. The tapered opening at the bottom offers a glimpse of the vivd hue inside.
The Loop Suspension is available with clear or opalescent Venetian glass.
The Loop Suspension is available with clear or opalescent Venetian glass.

At Oggetti in Miami’s Design District, this Loop Suspension chandelier is another good example of modern lighting that is as much art as it is a functional fixture.  The piece’s organic and unusual shape is made of Venetian glass pieces hanging from a chrome canopy.  We can see this pairing well with more traditional home settings as well.

A larger space would be required for this lighting fixture, but it is definitely a statement-maker.
A larger space would be required for this lighting fixture, but it is definitely a statement-maker.

This spectacular chandelier from internum Miami is striking because of its delicate-looking structure. It is also a good example of a design made possible by advances in lighting technologies.

The Splyt creators had seen many people use the cheap hardware-store Y-splitter to build their own fixtures, converting one bulb socket to many. They thought it was such a playful idea that could be much nicer if the pieces had more design qualities and were purpose-built.
The Splyt creators had seen many people use the cheap hardware-store Y-splitter to build their own fixtures, converting one bulb socket to many. They thought it was such a playful idea that could be much nicer if the pieces had more design qualities and were purpose-built.

Modern lighting fixtures are also becoming more customizable, thanks to new technologies. That customization can be expensive, however. Jason Krugman, light sculptor and artist, and designer Scott Leinweber, have collaborated to create Splyt Light, an affordable and simple interactive lighting system. With their modular pieces that take advantage of LED technology, you can create (and recreate) your own custom pieces for home or work spaces.

Custom laser-cut crown cups enhance the bulbs, as do the crystal accents.
Custom laser-cut crown cups enhance the bulbs, as do the crystal accents.

These Sputnik lights at Jonathan Adler are becoming ubiquitous because of their interesting design and eye-catching qualities.  Available in large and small sizes, they can be purchased as a single chandelier, or as a grouping of modern pendant lighting, hung at varying heights.

The Meurice is available in different metallic finishes and sizes. It can also be purchased as a wall sconce.
The Meurice is available in different metallic finishes and sizes. It can also be purchased as a wall sconce.

Narrower spaces are not a problem with Adler’s Meurice lighting fixture.  The vertical construction allows you to hang a substantial chandelier without overwhelming the space. If you have more room, groupings of the Meurice are even more dramatic.

With glass or without, these lighting fixtures provide maximum visual interest with their minimalist shapes and configurations.
With glass or without, these lighting fixtures provide maximum visual interest with their minimalist shapes and configurations.

Iacoli & McAllister’s grouping is a prime example of how bulbs are becoming a central design feature of modern lighting fixtures.  The previous era of the incandescent bulb had designers hiding the traditional shape under shades and inside fixture.  With new shapes and sizes, bulbs are now as interesting as the fixture itself.

This grouping at internum Miami demonstrates how modern pieces can figure into an eclectic grouping.
This grouping at internum Miami demonstrates how modern pieces can figure into an eclectic grouping.

Modern lighting design is not without whimsy. A standard student desk lamp gets the mega-treatment as a highly functional floor lamp.Why not, we say?

The Junon lamp comes from iBride's zoomorphic collection of furnishings and accessories.
The Junon lamp comes from iBride’s zoomorphic collection of furnishings and accessories.

Similarly, the concept of the “gooseneck” lamp gets a tongue-in-cheek reinterpretation in this lamp from French studio iBride.

The Galaxy Dome comes in three sizes, each with 125 to 350 LED lights.
The Galaxy Dome comes in three sizes, each with 125 to 350 LED lights.

Headspring of  England has designed this modern table lamp for everyone who is a fan of twinkly lights. The Galaxy Dome includes rustic glass dome/cloche that houses modern, starry string lights. Headspring’s materials say the pieces evoke a starry night, and we’d have to agree.

Placed alone or grouped with other accessories, Galaxy lights set a calming and peaceful mood.
Placed alone or grouped with other accessories, Galaxy lights set a calming and peaceful mood.
Ebb & Flow says that their designs use classic British and Nordic style as a starting point. Their resulting designs are of a style "that infuses lighting and glass with a fine airy simplicity and a modern edge and depth of color."
Ebb & Flow says that their designs use classic British and Nordic style as a starting point. Their resulting designs are of a style “that infuses lighting and glass with a fine airy simplicity and a modern edge and depth of color.”

Swedish lighting company Ebb & Flow has combined the glass cloche with clear glass bulbs to create a table lamp that is different. The Speak up & Glow lamps are beautiful when grouped.

Here, the cloche table lamp is pared with Ebb & Flow's Rowan, which is a beautiful example of modern pendant lighting.
Here, the cloche table lamp is pared with Ebb & Flow’s Rowan, which is a beautiful example of modern pendant lighting.
The natural imperfections in these glass globes enhance the design of the light emitted.
The natural imperfections in these glass globes enhance the design of the light emitted.

Blown glass fixtures are an integral part of modern lighting design.  Here, colored glass orbs make for sensational groupings.

Standard home designs show pendants hung at the same level and equally spaced. Modern pendant lights do not have to be installed that way and are even more interesting when irregularly spaced.
Standard home designs show pendants hung at the same level and equally spaced. Modern pendant lights do not have to be installed that way and are even more interesting when irregularly spaced.
As with all hand-made items, blown glass pieces are individual works of art, each with qualities that enhance the fixture as well as the light it produces.
As with all hand-made items, blown glass pieces are individual works of art, each with qualities that enhance the fixture as well as the light it produces.
Omer Abel uses a special fabrication process that manipulates both the temperature and the direction of air flow into blown glass. This creates a slightly distorted sphere with an interior landscape of satellite shapes.
Omer Abel uses a special fabrication process that manipulates both the temperature and the direction of air flow into blown glass. This creates a slightly distorted sphere with an interior landscape of satellite shapes.

Even a more traditional arrangement of modern pendant lights becomes more dramatic when the number of lights is increased. Omer Able’s 28 Series could be used in a smaller number for a more restrained space, or like this in a more open setting.

The artful and lighthearted nature of the company comes through in its "Flosophy".
The artful and lighthearted nature of the company comes through in its “Flosophy”.

FLOS is a major producer of modern lighting designs — all artful, architectural and amazing!   Founded in 1962, the Italian company set out to develop a line of new lighting concepts. It is known for its quality, collaborating with top designers.

Sconce lighting options from FLOS are on display at the 4141 Design Gallery in the Miami Design District.
Sconce lighting options from FLOS are on display at the 4141 Design Gallery in the Miami Design District.
BuzziLights, designed by Sas Adriaenssens, are available in fuchsia or stone grey. In a darkened room, the provide dramatic lighting when grouped.
BuzziLights, designed by Sas Adriaenssens, are available in fuchsia or stone grey. In a darkened room, the provide dramatic lighting when grouped.

Unique materials make for unusual fixtures.  BuzziLight pendants are made from felt and can be installed from the ceiling or used on the floor. The felt insulates against sound and is formed around an interior steel structure.

The wall-mounted Nenuphar fixtures are pictured here with the Eau de Lumiere chandelier.
The wall-mounted Nenuphar fixtures are pictured here with the Eau de Lumiere chandelier.

Designheure, a French lighting company, was established 2005. Its pieces are modern and unusual, and the company is known for its focus on quality, quick manufacturing and service. The modular nature of their modern lighting fixtures allows for flexibility in a range of living spaces.

Designheure's ‘‘ Eau de lumière ’’ is a tribute to the world of perfume. Designed by Davide Oppizzi, the collection is meant to symbolize the iconic shape of the perfume bottle, playing with volume and lines that reflect light.
Designheure’s ‘‘ Eau de lumière ’’ is a tribute to the world of perfume. Designed by Davide Oppizzi, the collection is meant to symbolize the iconic shape of the perfume bottle, playing with volume and lines that reflect light.
The Nenuphar is a true light sculpture, adorning the walls as well as providing light. The fixture is available in customs colors and fully rotates, allowing you to be creative with the installation. The Nuage table lamps are by Hervé Langlois and are the bestseller of the Designheure’s collections. Its triangular shade produces a distinct light, and the lines are related to the prow of a ship.
The Nenuphar is a true light sculpture, adorning the walls as well as providing light. The fixture is available in customs colors and fully rotates, allowing you to be creative with the installation. The Nuage table lamps are by Hervé Langlois and are the bestseller of the Designheure’s collections. Its triangular shade produces a distinct light, and the lines are related to the prow of a ship.
According to Designheure, The design work on Eau de Lumber was focused on the masculine and feminine forms, with curves or angles, in different sizes, pairing them with materials such as wood, marble and fabrics to make a complete and rich collection.
According to Designheure, The design work on Eau de Lumber was focused on the masculine and feminine forms, with curves or angles, in different sizes, pairing them with materials such as wood, marble and fabrics to make a complete and rich collection.
Ease of cutting and manipulation make corrugated cardboard perfect for producing dramatic fixtures.
Ease of cutting and manipulation make corrugated cardboard perfect for producing dramatic fixtures.

Rather than be destined to the scrapheap, corrugated cardboard gets new life as very textural and dramatic modern lighting fixtures.Plentiful and inexpensive, the material is elevated when transformed into such beautiful pendant lights.

High quality Italian modern lighting fixtures such as this chandelier are on display at 4141 Design in Miami.
High quality Italian modern lighting fixtures such as this chandelier are on display at 4141 Design in Miami.
4141 Design Globe Chandelier
4141 Design Globe Chandelier

Italians are renowned for beautiful design and this chandelier of glass globes is no exception.  While pictured here in a kitchen setting, the impressive modern lighting fixture would be equally suitable for a dining area, entryway or bedroom.

Casino's modern lighting works in any living space, from the bedroom to the dining room or kitchen.
Casino’s modern lighting works in any living space, from the bedroom to the dining room or kitchen.

A more restrained yet still handsome design is Cassina’s Campanula Nemo. Made from ceramic, the  interior of the light comes in classic white or vibrant orange. Either would work with just about any color palette.

Ceramic Geometric Lamps
Ceramic Geometric Lamps

If you prefer neutral pieces, these geometric modern lighting fixtures are just the ticket. Because they are all white, they can be used in any setting.  Depending upon how they are placed, they can serve as a subtle design motif, or can play a more prominent role in your modern home decor.

The angular surfaces of the fixture reflect light in varying ways. If you're not sure you want to take the plunge with modern lighting fixture, the floor lamp would be a good way to audition the look for your home.
The angular surfaces of the fixture reflect light in varying ways. If you’re not sure you want to take the plunge with modern lighting fixture, the floor lamp would be a good way to audition the look for your home.

Whether you choose a few pieces of modern lighting, for opt for a complete overhaul of your space, fresh new designs can work.  Start by selecting a few modern fixtures and try it out in one room.  This will give you a feel for how modern lighting will play in your home.