Ever wondered how to introduce minimalist lighting features into your home? Today we shed light on what exactly minimalist lighting is, and what it can do for you and your home.

It’s no secret that cluttered interiors brimming with decorative and ornamental features, knick-knacks, and general junk can cause feelings of claustrophobia as well as seriously impact productivity and even sleep.

If you’re considering a spring clean to de-clutter your home in the aftermath of Christmas or looking to lead a more minimalist life this year, minimalist lighting can do wonders for the home and the soul!

Read on to discover what minimalist lighting can do for you…

 

What is minimalist lighting?

Minimalist interior design is one that promotes clean, tranquil living through simplicity and thoughtful attention to form. As such, minimalist interiors are often contemporary in style and rely on the minimum essential features to create a harmonious and uncluttered space.

One such feature is minimalist lighting, a key component in achieving a minimalist look. Lighting can help increase a sense of space and airiness in a room, and also contribute to the colour temperature. (Read more about colour temperature with our recent blog, Understanding Colour Temperature in Your Home)

Minimalist lighting is all about simplicity and subtlety, with decoration and detail kept to a minimum. Some of the best examples of minimalist lighting can be found in Scandinavian style interiors which strip away clutter and truly focus on minimalist sculptural forms.

 

The plight of minimalist lighting

While minimalist lighting may look extremely simple and straightforward, introducing it into your home can be problematic for even the most creative among us. Why? Because it requires a little more thought and care than regular lighting features.

The most common problems in introducing minimalist lighting include:

- Fittings appearing too ‘futuristic’ – you don’t want your friends and family to feel that they’ve just stepped aboard the Starship Enterprise when they enter your home. Unfortunately, some minimalist lighting features can appear a little ‘futuristic’, and may look out of place with the decor.

- Insufficient lighting to carry out regular tasks- a simple pendant light or a couple of spot lights may look elegant and simplistic, but they may not light the entire space. In fact, insufficient lighting can even go as far as to cause uncanny shadows across rooms.

- A clash of styles with the interior decor – minimalist interiors are often contemporary in style – think industrial decor, neutral palettes and sculptural features. If your home is bursting with bold colours, brave patterns and plenty of decoration, a minimalist lighting feature may look out of place.

 

Three trending minimalist lighting features for 2016

While it might be a little tricky to get minimalist lighting just right, the good news is that there are plenty of inspiring minimalist lighting features to put to the test. We’ve pulled together three trending minimalist lighting features that we’re certain will be making an appearance in interior design this year…

 

1. The timeless pendant

Commonly found in kitchens and dining rooms, pendant lampshades work best in spaces that are used for entertaining. As well as casting plenty of light above a dining table or kitchen table, pendant lampshades can do wonders for the ambience of a room. Designed to be suspended individually or in groups, pendant lampshades can be introduced with ease into your home.

 

2. The cord lamp

You’ll know by now that here at Premier Lampshades, we love injecting a little fun into lighting, and a cord lamp is a perfect minimalist yet fun lighting feature for 2016. Designed by Swedish design studio, Form Us With Love, the iconic cord lamp incorporates the cord – an element most would hide from sight with a regular lamp base.

Screaming Scandinavian chic, this lamp works in any room in the home, from the hallway to the bedroom, and will complement an array of interiors with ease.

 

3. Exposed low-energy bulbs

Minimalist lighting isn’t limited to lamps and lampshades: a light bulb can also create a superb minimalist lighting feature without a shade or base. Some of our favourite bulbs include Plumen’s low energy bulbs which add a visual punch to any room – suspended individually or in clusters.

While a bare bulb may not suit every decor, it will certainly complement an array of designs from industrial to Scandinavian chic. For more bulb inspiration, take a look at our recent article, our tribute to the humble (but stunning) light bulb.

 

Do you have any minimalist lighting feature ideas for 2016?

Whether you’re a fan of classic pendant lampshades or enjoy getting creative with exposed light bulbs, why not share your ideas with us and our readers below?

If you’d like to discuss your lighting requirements or get expert advice on a lampshade, get in touch with us today. Our friendly team are always happy to help.