From 8–13 March 2026, Frankfurt will host Light + Building, the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, showcasing the latest innovations in lighting design and architectural solutions. With around 1,000 exhibitors, the event covers everything from functional lighting for work and public spaces to sculptural, design-oriented luminaires that transform interiors.
© Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Petra Welzel
The bora.herke.palmisano style agency has identified three key trends in decorative lighting for 2026/27, highlighting how design, materiality, and spatial experience intersect.
Sensuous atmospheres
This trend emphasizes restraint, elegance, and subtle luminosity. Designers focus on soft, enveloping lighting that enhances physical and emotional wellbeing. Dynamic, circadian-inspired light adjusts intensity and color throughout the day, while natural, textile, and matte materials create a tactile, almost weightless spatial effect. Both interior and outdoor spaces benefit from this serene, intimate aesthetic.
Energetic gatherings
Characterized by retro-modern charm and expressive forms, this trend encourages vibrant, eclectic groupings of lights and furniture. Designers experiment with materials such as glass, ceramics, brass, and copper, blending craftsmanship with technology. Bold colors, varied surfaces, and inventive combinations create dynamic, visually stimulating atmospheres ideal for social and collaborative spaces.
Considered concepts
Here, clarity, balance, and technological sophistication define the approach. Designers reinterpret classic forms, revive archival designs, and explore new materials with durability and timeless aesthetics in mind. Clean lines, cool metals, marble, and recycled finishes combine functionality with sculptural presence, emphasizing thoughtful, enduring lighting solutions.
During the event, visitors can explore these trends firsthand at Design Plaza, Hall 3.1, where daily presentations provide insights into materials, techniques, and innovative lighting concepts shaping contemporary architecture and interiors.
Light + Building 2026 is not only a showcase of products but a platform for inspiration, highlighting sustainable, versatile, and design-driven lighting solutions for the coming years.
More information:
Light+Building
www.light-building.com
