The barnyard typology may correspond to its original idea of a simple structure and gable roof, sure. But the story changes when it comes to the barn aesthetic.
The barn aesthetic has evolved over the years, especially when it was reinterpreted with a modern twist. This allowed the style to retain its rustic charm and refined ornamentation while making it suitable for modern and traditional interiors alike.
And one way we see the barn aesthetic in homes today is with barn lights. These are industrial workhorses, which are now taking center stage in everything from rustic homes to sleek, modern spaces. Barn lights are versatile and durable—and easily factor in coziness into any space.
But as trends evolve, what has become hot in the world of barn lights? Keep reading as we take you through the latest barn light trends for interior designers!
Bold and Customizable Finishes
Gone are the days of plain barn lights. Today, we are seeing fixtures in bold colors, instantly drawing the eye and creating a statement in the space. From green to red to black, the options are endless.
Why It’s Hot: With a custom finish, you can match your barn light to any design palette. This means you can make them as eye-catching or subtle as you wish. For example, with our Hollywood Bowl light, you can customize your barn light by choosing from 12 different colors. (If you choose matte black, you can also pick from 3 different interior colors). As a bonus—you get to choose from different mounting styles, and add on accessories!
Design Tip: Consider matte black barn lights, like our Redondo light, for a modern farmhouse kitchen with white cabinetry. The striking contrast will instantly add visual interest—one of our tips for choosing the right kitchen island lights.
Minimalist Designs
In the (ever-evolving) world of interior design, minimalism remains a timeless trend—so much that we see it in barn lights, too. Fixtures with clean lines and sleek designs can be seen throughout homes. These ideally create a modern ambiance.
Why It’s Hot: The simplicity of minimalist barn lights complements a range of interiors, from modern to Scandinavian. So, they’re a famous choice among interior designers looking for lighting that is functional and stylish without overpowering the space.
Design Tip: Pair a sleek and low-profile barn light, like our Hawthorne light, with natural wooden tones and a neutral color palette. We see this combination in the image below, creating an inviting and elegant first impression of the home!
Oversized Statement Pieces
As designers are looking for ways to make lighting a central element in design, oversized barn lights are becoming all the rage. (And we’re not complaining!). In fact, we’d like to say… with barn lights, the bigger, the better.
Why It’s Hot: Oversized barn lights can become the focal point in a room. Plus, you’ll need only a single oversized fixture instead of the traditional setting of 3 pendants 😉
Design Tip: Consider a large-scale pendant light, like our Westwood light, to draw attention to your kitchen island.
Barn Lights as Outdoor-Indoor Crossover Pieces
It’s true that barn lights were originally designed for indoor use. But as the fixtures’ styles have evolved—and embraced a touch of modernity—designers are loving them within interiors, too. Think adding a rugged yet refined element to your kitchen, mudroom, bathroom, etc.
Why It’s Hot: The (original) outdoor-inspired aesthetic brings an authentic and hardwearing charm to your interior.
Design Tip: Use a galvanized fixture with that rustic outdoor touch in your laundry room. Our Mailbu vintage-style light is a win in this regard!
Eco-Friendly Options
One thing is for sure, incandescent bulbs are walking out—or should we say, have walked out—of the door. More energy-efficient options, like LED bulbs, are being preferred for barn lights.
Why It’s Hot: Clients are seeking eco-friendly design solutions as they become aware of their carbon footprint. And LED bulbs, paired with the style of barn lights, make for just the right solution.
Design Tip: Make sure your barn lights have LED bulbs (as these consume a whopping 90% less energy as compared to their incandescent counterparts).
Nature-Inspired Forms
As biophilic design continues to influence interior spaces, we’re seeing nature-inspired barn lights becoming a hot trend. These lights take cues from organic shapes found in nature—think flowing lines or petal-like structures—that bring a sense of serenity into the room.
Why It’s Hot: Incorporating natural elements into interior design can enhance well-being. They also create a more relaxing atmosphere. For barn lights specifically, nature-inspired forms can soften the look of these industrial fixtures.
Design Tip: Use a barn light with floral shapes in your interior to introduce subtle, nature-like elegance. A barn light with petal-shaped metalwork, for instance, can serve as a focal point—perfectly adding that biophilic feel. Case in point: Our Eagle Rock light.
The Key Takeaway…
One thing is for sure… Barn lights aren’t just functional—they’re a design statement. By staying ahead of the trends given above, you can provide your clients with stylish as well as functional lighting solutions. Sure doesn’t get any better, does it? 🤍
