PDI Merchandising Team Lights the Way at Lightovation 2025

Our merchandising team's (consisting of Brea Lonze & Karla Martin ) journey to innovation and inspiration led them to Lightovation at the Dallas Market Center this year, and what we discovered was nothing short of extraordinary. With a keen eye on the latest trends and design shifts, our team is ready to bring a curated selection of visually stunning lighting options to PDI showrooms in 2025. Here's a closer look at the insights and trends shaping the future of lighting design.

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The Evolution of Glass Design

Lighting has evolved beyond exposed Edison bulbs and clear glass. In 2025, the lightbulb will become a subtle, hidden element as glass takes center stage. Glass is no longer just a functional component but a decorative art form, diffusing glare and elevating the aesthetic appeal of light fixtures. The variety of textures and techniques is unparalleled, from faux alabaster swirls to iridescent, opal, ombre, and fluted glass. Seeded and pleated glass remain favorites, while designs incorporating faux alabaster lend timeless elegance to modern fixtures.

These trends bring new opportunities for us to creatively merchandise and inspire our customers with lighting as functional as beautiful.

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A Revival of Shades

Shades are making a triumphant return. They add depth and texture to lighting fixtures in ways we haven't seen in years. Classic tapered, pleated, and scalloped designs were highlighted with brands like?Corbett, Mitzi and Visual Comfort. The materials are equally exciting—creamy linens, natural textures, and colorful, patterned fabrics bring a warm, inviting element to lighting design. These updates make it easier for customers to incorporate a personalized touch into their homes.

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The Color Explosion

One of the most interesting developments we encountered was the bold embrace of color. Consumers are moving away from neutral palettes and embracing vibrant, personality-driven spaces. Vendors are meeting this demand head-on with collections designed to support #colordrenching—a trend that invites homeowners to saturate their spaces with bold, cohesive hues. Lighting is no exception, with fixtures doubling as functional pieces and vibrant focal points.

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Nature-Inspired Elegance

The biophilia movement continues to profoundly influence lighting design. We saw countless collections featuring natural materials and organic forms, from botanical-inspired shapes to fixtures crafted with wood, stone, and metal elements. This trend answers the call for a harmonious connection between interior spaces and the natural world. The softening of modern silhouettes and finishes, coupled with this biophilic influence, creates an inviting balance of structure and fluidity that we are eager to share with our customers.

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Looking Ahead

Our team provided valuable feedback to vendors, particularly around the need for broader finish offerings in silver and modern bronze—key elements for our builder channel and beyond. The days of exclusively black and gold finishes are behind us, and we look forward to seeing these updated collections debut later this year or in early 2025.

Bringing Lightovation Home

Lightovation 2025 was a dazzling display of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The trends we witnessed will shape the lighting industry and transform how our customers experience and interact with their spaces.

At PDI, we're your go-to source for the latest in design and innovation. Our showrooms are where trends meet expertise, and we’re excited to showcase the newest developments in lighting to inspire your next project.

Special thanks to all the great brands and representatives we were able to catch this year: John Anhut Cameron (Coxworth) Adler Visual Comfort & Co.