Lighting Trends 2026/27

How will decorative lighting shape spaces in the future? Answers are provided by the presentation “Light + Building Trends 2026/27” by the renowned style agency bora.herke.palmisano. Three forward-looking trend themes pick up on current developments in luminaire design – ranging from sensuous atmosphere and creative energy to timeless clarity. At the Design Plaza in Hall 3.1, designers, architects, and planners gain inspiring insights into innovative lighting concepts, materials, colours, and surfaces. On all days of the trade fair, the trend scouts from the Frankfurt-based style agency bora.herke.palmisano will speak about key influences in decorative lighting design, providing in-depth background information and explaining design approaches. The presentations are complemented by mood boards, on which products from the respective exhibitors visually illustrate the trends. 

Lightness and subtle design ideas are the defining motifs of sensuous atmospheres – creating a sensual, enveloping sense of space as well as an expanded, mysterious staging in outdoor areas. Subtle luminaire designs and gentle lighting effects provide a soothing touch for the senses, resulting in intimate, relaxing, and enveloping lighting moods that positively influence physical well-being. Designers are also inspired by the circadian rhythm, emphasizing the importance of dynamic light that adapts in intensity and colour nuances to reflect the course of the day. The colour character is inspired by impressions of nature. Textile materials delicately filter the light and create weightless volume with an ultra-light material effect. When using strong materials such as glass and metal, minimalist design solutions surprise with softly matte surfaces, transparent layering, and reflections inspired by sunlight. 

Selected lighting designs and unique pieces of furniture come together in unusual and invigorating combinations. Expressive, creative, and graceful lighting objects and furniture have the character of individual pieces and, when combined, create varied and lively scenes. Artistic ideas and skilful execution make the designs unmistakable – whether hand-formed or robot-carved, they always move between craftsmanship and technology. The palette is idiosyncratic and diverse, featuring floral colours ranging from vibrant to soft, accompanied by neutral shades and darkened tones. Inspiring surfaces reflect a wide variety of techniques. Unconventional material ideas and unique noble-waste creations impress. Designers play with vintage associations or experiment with materials such as glass and ceramics, combined with a strong presence of metal – particularly brass and copper.

Here, luminaires make a striking statement for material awareness, timeless aesthetics, and durable design. Classic and innovative design concepts concisely combine decorative qualities with technological sophistication. They demonstrate how well-thought-out lighting objects can go beyond pure functionality, elegantly enhancing spaces with both functional and atmospheric light. A striking number of designers are working with proven classics or choosing retro references for their new designs. They breathe new life into classic forms, create reinterpretations of earlier works, or develop new editions and redesigns from manufacturers’ archives. The colour palette brings together colours with strong presence, understated tones, and clear neutrals. Clear shapes and material-focused design direct attention to strong, proven, and long-lasting materials. Cool, clean metals and marble accompany the timeless style and are continually redefined – for example, when recycled silver creates a refined lustre.