The Light Trend Coming In 2026 That's Both Beautiful & Functional

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

The importance of lighting in your home can't be understated. Outside of obvious factors like safety and being able to see at night, lighting also sets the tone of your home and can help make or break your design choices. Every aspect from the bulbs you choose to the shape and style of your lamp shades has an impact. That's part of what makes participating in new lighting trends so exciting — it's a chance to totally transform your home with just a few minor tweaks. If you're looking to embrace a more colorful, layered look in your home, then this latest fabric and woven shades lighting trend that's predicted to dominate homes in 2026 might be worth looking into.

Woven lampshades and pendants aren't new, but their interesting texture continues to add beauty and functionality to any room they're placed in. According to designer Kate Figler of Kate Figler Interiors, fabric shades and pendants offer similar benefits. She told Southern Living, "our clients are increasingly drawn to fabric pendants, as they add pattern and depth to their spaces. Their popularity stems from their dual function as well; not only do they softly diffuse light, but they also serve as beautiful sources of pattern and color, often becoming focal points in a room."

Although this lighting trend is predicted to pop off in 2026, evidence of its popularity is already widespread on social media with woven and fabric shades — ranging from designer-made to DIY versions — littering the feed. If your budget is a bit tight this year, then you may need to think twice before splurging on these home trends, but that doesn't mean you can't participate. For the fabric shades in particular, you can easily make your own using thrifted fabric, then simply pop them over top of your existing shades. You can even add some fun texture with this DIY ruffled lampshade you can make without any sewing skills. To capitalize on what Kate Figler said, and make these fabric shades a focal point in your room, opt for fabrics with unique structure or color to make them really pop. Fabrics including linen, jute, and cotton are great for this trend as they diffuse light well, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to the woven shades, you can find budget-friendly options online like this YIKEGE 3 Pack Rattan Lamp Shade. Alternatively, you can DIY your own woven lampshade. Take your DIY up a notch by combining the two trends and using torn pieces of fabric or yarn to make your own unique woven shade. However you choose to incorporate woven or fabric shades in your home, one thing's for sure — you won't be the only home hopping on the trend.