Lighting Trends for 2023: Natural Materials and Sustainability

Going au naturel – opting for a bare face instead of makeup, choosing natural curls instead of chemical straightening – isn’t just a beauty trend, it’s also a growing preference in home décor. From the popularity of eco-friendly paints, sealants, and adhesives to sustainable and fast-growing natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, and water hyacinth, opting for products that are kinder to the earth is very much an environmentally-conscious choice people are making today.

For the past several years, Americans have been spending more time on their patios, decks, and backyards. When the pandemic hit, creating an “outdoor living room” for at-home entertaining and a change of scenery became immensely popular. People genuinely felt better when they were immersed in nature and now they want to increase that comfort.

Some ways to incorporate nature into your living space include bringing in more plants (for aesthetics as well as their air-cleansing properties), expanding or adding window space and replacing backyard access doors with sliding or folding glass doors or French door versions to increase the natural light and views.  

To decorate your interior like a professional designer, borrow some of their go-to techniques, like selecting natural materials for the lighting and furnishings and keeping the room’s palette light and neutral.

Because bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth and is reportedly up to three times stronger than wood, it is an ideal material for sustainable furniture pieces and lighting. Choosing lighting fixtures made from bamboo, rattan (which grows faster than trees), willow, raffia, and grasses not only enhances the room’s natural vibe, but reduces our carbon footprint when compared with more traditional manufacturing methods. Since these materials are lighter than metal or wood, light shines through them a bit more, which contributes to a brighter look in a space without any glare.

Another benefit is the texture these natural materials inherently provide. Touchable texture is a huge trend in interior design and will remain so for at least the next several years. There is another magical quality to natural materials, too, and that is their versatility. Lighting fixtures in cane, wicker, and woven grasses work as well in Boho and eclectic settings as they do in transitional and casual contemporary décor.

Consider natural materials for a timeless, low-maintenance aesthetic that adds freshness and beauty to any room in your home.

Shop our selection of natural materials lighting here!

See more 2023 trend coverage:

Royalcore | Two-Tone Finishes | Beads | 70s Style | Trending Colors