Will This Old-School 1920's Glass Trend Make A Comeback In 2026? Here's What To Know

1920s glass art is known for its intricate, handmade designs and beautiful patterns. Unfortunately, over time, that style fell out of favor, replaced by easier-to-make, more uniform pieces. 2026 may be the year these more unique designs come back, especially for home lighting fixtures. The one potentially returning is a complex, handmade design known as cast glass.

Cast glass involves making elegant sculptures and designs with a very hands-on approach. This method is a lot of work compared to other glassmaking techniques, but it allows for more creative designs and a wider range of textures, opacity, and color. Generally, cast glass involves pouring cold glass into a kiln mold to be heated or pouring hot glass into a mold made from metal, graphite, or sand to cool.

With unique creative designs growing more popular, something that is so personalized and colorful is sure to make a big comeback in 2026. Lighting is sometimes overlooked, but it can really tie a room together and make it stand out. "Cast glass lighting, often crafted in rich amber hues, will also see a resurgence, inspired by both the Art Deco elegance of the 1920s-1930s and the sculptural forms of the 1950s," said Mara Rypacek Miller, the founder of Industville, while talking to Homes and Gardens.

Even though it isn't talked about as much and is rarer than other options, cast glass is still commonly used in things like glass tiles, blocks, and sink bowls. However, it can also be fun when added to lighting. It can create some amazing and intricate patterns and detailed designs. Since you are using a mold, you can recreate shapes and designs in amazing detail with the kiln method, or get beautiful textures on the glass, including some that look like waves, dimples, or wood. 

Of course, you don't have to go from the lights you know to extreme cast glass pieces. There are also subtle cast glass options that still resemble modern fixtures. Though it no longer looks like it's from the 1920s, this glass design provides a beautiful diffusion of light and charm. Eye-catching and unique lighting is a way to add a personal touch anywhere, and there are many artistic light fixtures that you'll want in your home. 

Unfortunately, these options may be too expensive to simply try. Because they are complicated to make, the cost for each fixture tends to be high, sometimes costing several hundred to several thousand dollars. People may gravitate toward more affordable designs, since not all chic lighting fixtures have to be expensive.

It's no surprise that classic light fixtures are making a comeback, such as the retro '70s lighting ideas that will instantly transform your kitchen. But cast glass may not be on the list. It's a beautiful trend that could make a comeback, but whether it will is still up in the air. Despite what some designers are saying, it doesn't seem people are moving toward cast glass lighting. When you look it up on social media or online, there isn't much talk about this style of glass. 

However, it does fit the trends. Franky Rousell, the founder of Jolie, also talked with Homes and Gardens and said that: "Lighting in 2026 will be softer and more playful, with table lamps, wall lights, and sculptural fittings casting pools of warmth rather than uniform brightness. It is these little shifts in light and shadow that make a space feel inviting and interesting." 

Because cast glass can be costly, many people may be inclined to try other types of light fixtures. If you want a cozy feel in a room, going for opaque glass, fabric shades, or lighting strips with diffusers is a great alternative. Vintage or faux-vintage opaque glass gives you a lot of the retro feel while also softening the light in your room, and can be much cheaper, like this Antique Black Milk Glass Ceiling Light Fixture from YESIDS on Amazon.