Not Just Walls: Colorful Lighting Is On Trend For 2026

In the world of interior design, the impact of color and lighting on mood, experience, and the overall decorative composition of a space is always taken into consideration. Well, in 2026, trends will evolve to combine these fundamental aspects of the craft, as colorful lighting is poised to become more prevalent.

"Whether that's shades on lamps or chandeliers or really beautiful lanterns with an accent color for the metal, we will see a great mix of colors for lighting in every room," Mississippi designer Claire Thompson predicted in an interview with Southern Living. The playful look is representative of the maximalist wave that has been dominating interior design in the past few years, becoming even more prevalent in 2025 with the 'dopamine decor' trend completely taking over TikTok. As everything points toward this approach carrying over to 2026, looking to light as an unexpected, endlessly fun vehicle for more color and self-expression just makes sense.

Looking beyond the very functional purpose of lighting in design can open a world of possibilities for eye-catching decorative moments. Color can emerge in lampshades but also in floor lamp stands, table lamp bases, and the hardware in wall sconces and chandeliers. It can gain new contours and depths depending on the different textures, such as fabric, metal, glass, ceramics, and even paper. Together with a perfectly selected light bulb, these elements can become true focal points in your space.

The resale market can be a particularly bountiful resource for creative lighting fixtures, so look toward places like Etsy, eBay, thrift stores, and estate sales to find the perfect vintage lamps for your space. Some of the most iconic, colorful designs of decades past that might inspire you include the charming multi-colored Tiffany mosaic stained glass lamps, the stunning Murano glass Tronchi chandeliers in shades of pink, blue, and green, and the bright-hued acrylic pieces from the second half of the 20th century, like the Nesso and Flowerpot lamps.

When it comes to more traditional fabric lampshade designs, there is no limit to the amount of fabulous colors and prints available out there. Just to name a few, you've got your classic florals and stripes, your daring animal prints, and your unique art prints that borrow from paintings. If using in table lamps, pair them with sculptural bases in a complementary color or a mismatched pattern for maximum maximalism. Alternatively, for the more DIY-inclined, there are plenty of creative ways to give your old lampshade a fresh new look, using paint, fabric covers, decoupage, or three-dimensional details.