Minimalism values simple forms, monochromatic color palettes, and serene style, and minimalist lighting follows these rules. However, the simplicity of form and style of minimalist lighting does not mean that it is boring.
Rather, this style of lighting supports the design as a whole, providing textural balance to the overall look of the room. Thus, classic minimalist lighting has clean lines, neutral colors, and no superfluous ornamentation. Yet, in recent years there has been a new design style emerging called warm minimalism.
This style varies the lines, textures, and neutral colors tones to provide pleasing contrast to the more one dimensional look.
Minimalist lighting defined
Clean and bright light are valued in minimalist design, but this does not mean that all the light sources should be overt and distinct. Rather, the most important light in minimalist style is natural light.
Therefore, it is important to maximize a natural light source like large windows and open floor plans.
However, artificial light sources are important to balance out the light in rooms and provide deeper texture and a greater ability for control of the light. Yet, artificial light sources should be unobtrusive.
Types of minimalist lighting
Minimalist light sources are provided in a variety of ways. However, the common components across these forms of light are purposeful form and design.
To achieve the right balance of lighting you rely on different kinds of light to bring balance to the room: ambient, decorative, accent, and task lighting.
- Recessed and track lighting – This kind of lighting is ideal in minimalist design as it is unseen but adds light and ambiance throughout the room without the “clutter” of extra elements in the design.
- Minimalist pendant lighting – Pendant lights are those that hang from the ceiling on a cord or chain to a single fixture. These offer task lighting to necessary areas like a bar or dining table. These are simple in form and material.
- Minimalist chandeliers – Chandeliers hang from the ceiling to a a fixture with multiple lights. For minimalist design, these have clean lines sometimes with a geometric form.
- Minimalist floor lamps – Floor lamps are light fixtures that have a base on the ground with a light that reaches above a seating area. These are valued because they preclude the need for extra side tables.
- Minimalist table lamps – Table lamps supply task lighting for cozy corners on sofas, chairs, and in the bedroom. However, these add another element to the design, so they should have clean lines and a simple style to achieve a minimalist look.
- Minimalist sconces – These are lighting fixtures attached to the wall with brackets. The brackets and the lights have a simple shape and style for minimalist design.
Minimalist Lighting Inspiration
Here are a few rooms to help give you an idea of the overall look, style, and lighting in various minimalist room designs.
Curved floor lamp
This living room displays the best in minimalist interior design. The edited style looks comfortable but with no superfluous ornamentation. Consider the minimalist floor lamp which has a striking form but simple lines. Also, it provides centralized lighting at the sofa chaise where it is most needed.
Ambient track lighting
Ambient lighting is perfect in minimalist design as it provides a serene atmosphere without the extra clutter of a new element in the room. You can fit track lighting anywhere to shine a light in every dark corner. Also, notice the large window to provide ample natural light for this room.
Minimalist chandelier
Minimalist design values form and shape to create the visual texture over color and pattern. Notice how the chandelier in this design follows the line of the table. Also, the soft brushed brass and black add pleasing contrast in the minimalist dining room.
Minimalist Lighting Design Ideas
In this section, we will be focusing on minimalist lighting for your interior spaces. Minimalist lighting comes in all shapes and sizes. In general, they are simple in style and color. However, some also have interesting geometric shapes to add more visual interest.
Dusk Lamp
The Dusk Lamp has a clean design with subtle coloring that is works well with many types of decor including contemporary and modern minimalism. In addition, this lamp comes in both matte and a glossy finish to give you flexibility when designing your overall look.
Mini Mitch Pendant
This is a small globe pendant from vitaminliving with a stylish faceted sphere that reflects light across its multiple planes. This pendant comes in three shades, brass, white, and gray. Hang them together as a group, or hang them in small corners for unique task lighting.
Drake Pendant
One trend that we love in more recent minimalist designs is the incorporation of warmer tones. Brass is considered a warm metal tone, and it works very well to add depth to a minimalist room. For example, the Drake Pendant brings a touch of brass that is balanced by the layer black on the rod. Also, the globes on either side of the rod create a pleasing balance.
Ada Marble Table Lamp
Marble has an inherent quality of style that adds a luxurious look to any room. The white marble of the Ada Lamp has a luminescence and looks like it glows from the inside out. Also, the classic silhouette is perfect for minimalist design.
Alphabetta Wall Sconce
If you want a contemporary minimalist sconce, the Alphabetta Wall Sconce is a good choice. This kind of light fixture casts a light with focus. In addition, the lacquered shades come in a variety of colors from the most brilliant to the subtle.
Case Pendant
This drop pendant light from vitaminliving comes in soft tones. The design is spare with a single light bulb hanging from a tone-on-tone rope and ceiling dome. For example, this would work well as a modern style bedroom sconce or to lighten a dark corner over a reading chair.
Esphera Table Lamp
This Esphera Lamp provides just the kind of texture needed in minimalist design. Thus, while the color scheme of the lamp is neutral, the rounded base has a nubby terracotta surface. Therefore, this lamp can be an important component used to vary the shape and materials to add depth to minimalist interiors.
Belden Bath Bar
The brushed brass base and etched glass hexagonal shades form a seamless design and bring practical functionality in the Belden Bath Bar. This two-light fixture casts lovely diffused light in a bathroom or hallway. In addition, this light uses LED light bulbs so you can feel good about the longevity of this light too.
Levels Lamp
The Levels Lamp is designed as a set of rounded concentric circles that collapse inside one another for ease of transport. Also, this graceful pendant comes in several sizes and in chrome, copper, and white.
Gaia Chandelier
In many minimalist interior spaces, the lighting is subtle and understated. However, the creators of the Gaia Chandelier meant for it to be seen and noticed. The inspiration for this style is the midecentury design of the Sputnik chandelier. The Gaia is a modern linear version of the iconic chandelier.
Alphabetta Pendant Light
White and other light neutrals are common in minimalist design. Black is a contrasting tone that brings deeper definition to minimalist interior space. Likewise, this sleek pendant light from Hem provides contrast and flexibility in lighting as they emit light from the top and the bottom of the fixture.
Gio Table Lamp
Brushed brass adds warmth to rooms that use neutral coloring which brings layered texture to any design. In addition, the natural linen drum lamp shade adds more natural texture and casts a diffused glow throughout the room.
Adalyn Floor Lamp
The Adalyn Lamp has an architectural appeal that is striking. The deep black exterior has a sophisticated matte finish. You can buy this lamp with finishings in brass or chrome.
Cloak Pendant
The Cloak Pendant is the ideal fixture for a warm minimalist look because of the textural wood sphere encased in the glass cylinder shade. The wood sphere comes in three different types of wood: oak, walnut, and ash.
Alphabetta Floor Lamp
The Aphabetta Floor Lamp has a modular design that is flexible in shape, size, and color. It has lights on the top and the bottom which gives it a cool and stylish look.
Bells Desk Lamp
The contrasting tone of dark and bright and the striking geometric design of the lamp make it a bold but beautiful choice for spare and serene designs. However, the contrast provides the perfect balance for soft and neutral toned spaces.
Whit 2 Geometric Pendant
This eye-catching chandelier would bring beauty and style to any room. It would look superb over a spare dining room set or as the focal point over a bar. This light fixture style is based on the iconic midcentury design of French designer, Serge Mouille.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Why is lighting so important?
In the most basic sense, lighting is important so we can see. Also, lighting affects your general mood and well-being. Light stabilizes your circadian rhythms which helps you get a better night’s sleep.
Where can I find lighting and furniture designed by Michael Anastassiades?
Michael Anastassiades is an artist who designs modern minimal furniture and lighting. Shop for his creations on websites like Design Within Reach (DWR) and the Herman Miller Store.
How important is lighting in design?
Lighting is crucial in minimalist design. As minimalist design relies more on texture, mood, and form rather than color and pattern. Lighting is part of creating a depth and texture in interior spaces.
How does light affect mood?
Lighting one of the most important components in maintaining a natural circadian rhythm. Also, bright light intensifies energy and dim light creates a cozy ambiance for relaxation.
What kind of lighting is best?
Natural light is the best for maintaining a positive mood. If this light is not available, choose a light color that mimics natural light. Also, you should not rely on one type of lighting but instead you should layer lighting sources so that it is easier on the eyes and so that you minimize the shadows.
Minimalist Lighting: Conclusion
Minimalist design has been a beloved design form since the 1920s, but it has had a resurgence of popularity in the current era. Lighting is an important layer in minimalist design, and there are a variety of types and styles of minimalist lighting.
Create depth and beauty in your home spaces by overlaying multiple sources of lighting, and look for striking fixtures to reflect your impeccable style.