This Designer-Approved Fall Lighting Trend Is Peak Coziness

Written by

Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a lifestyle editor and writer. She has written for publications like Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, Wallpaper.com, New York Magazine, and more.
published Oct 20, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A modern, stylish and bright living room
Credit: Oscar Wong | Getty Images

Truth be told, nailing a gorgeous glow for your space isn’t as simple as picking out a pretty light fixture and calling it a day. You’ll also want to consider factors like choosing the best bulb and how to mix ambient, task, and accent lighting. Plus, as the temperature starts to dip and people crave more time indoors, many dwellers are now eager to rely on lighting for making their spaces feel as cozy as possible.

“​​​​People are gravitating towards warmth and texture,” explains Maddy DeVries and Ashley Walsh of Morgan Design Studio. “We are escaping the millennial gray trend!”

Enter: linen lighting, which is emerging as one of fall’s biggest lighting trends. Instead of a glass or opaque fabric shade, everything from table lamps to ceiling pendants is now getting finished with a layer of linen. Sure, linen’s lightweight, breezy quality might be synonymous with hot summer days, but that barely-there material emits a comfortable, sun-drenched glow that’s awesome for autumn (and beyond!). 

“It’s a comforting and classic never-go-out-of-style option,” shares Stephanie Meyer, principal designer at Sonoma-based firm AVCO Design. “The softness and textural quality give visual richness and are a friendly fit for most interiors.” 

To help start your shopping, I culled the market for nine of the best linen lighting options to give your home a cozy edge this fall. Bright ideas are just a few scrolls (and clicks!) away.

1 / 9
West Elm
$199.00

As this table lamp from West Elm proves, a little bit of texture can go a long way. Here, the nubby linen shade is offset by a ribbed ceramic base — proving that two very different materials can live together in perfect harmony.

2 / 9
AllModern
$340.00
was $410.00

Calling all minimalists: This pick from AllModern models a pared-back way to embrace the trend. When paired with an angular, wooden base, the linen lamp shade feels simultaneously soft and slightly Scandi.

3 / 9
Lulu and Georgia
$1430.00

Dare to defy gravity with this pretty pendant light from Arteriors. The crisp white linen shade gives this fixture a weightless quality, while the clever pulley makes it possible to adjust its height to perfection. Form, meet function.

4 / 9
Target
$49.99

Opposites do attract — just take a look at this sculptural option from Target. The breezy linen shade deftly juxtaposes the concrete base to create that perfect mix of hard and soft. It’s as if the coastal grandmother fad had a baby with brutalist design and made this conversation-sparking lamp.

5 / 9
Pottery Barn
$229.00

Crisp, white linen might be the go-to design move, but why not think outside the box? Pottery Barn’s pendant comes in three delightful neutrals, making it a sound choice for those who want to add a pop of color without veering into maximalist territory.

6 / 9
Arhaus
$699.00
was $999.00

Looking for a double dose of linen? Arhaus has got you covered. The brand wrapped both its shade and base, bringing a sense of cohesiveness to the entire fixture. Let the compliments come rolling in.

7 / 9
Anthropologie
$298.00

There are more ways to bring a little texture to your walls beyond hanging a dynamic wall-covering or setting up an intricate gallery wall. Sometimes, a carefully curated light fixture can work wonders. Case in point: Anthropologie’s Totem Sconce, where a linen shade and carved arm can turn a ho-hum wall into a can’t-miss design moment.

8 / 9
Wayfair
$92.99
was $99.99

It’s often the smaller touches that really tie a room together. While a flush mount tends to be considered an afterthought, this linen-laden option from Wayfair offers a thoughtful touch of texture that offers ample floor-to-ceiling appeal.

9 / 9
Crate & Barrel
$249.00

Fall might be all about cozying up indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pay homage to Mother Nature. For his collaboration with Crate & Barrel, designer Jake Arnold incorporated more natural touches with a mix of textured linen and rattan. Plus, the domed shade on this table lamp will make a sweet addition to your desk or kitchen countertops.