How many times have you laid in the grass and gazed up at the stars? There’s something mesmerizing about that galaxy far, far away. Just looking at a cluster of twinkling lights lets your mind drift into the great unknown. No wonder celestial lighting has become so trendy! With fascinating beams of light overhead, you can evoke those feelings of awe and intrigue in nearly every room of your home.

What is Celestial Lighting?

The cornerstone of celestial lighting is that it can break light into a million fractions, so your ceiling appears to be sparkling like the night sky. Hence, the popularity of star-shaped pendants. But celestial lighting has a much broader definition than that. After all, the word ‘celestial’ isn’t confined to stars. It’s derived from the Latin word caelestis, which comes from caelum, the word for ‘heaven.’

For that reason, you’ll find celestial lighting pay tribute to all things related to the sky, including astronomy and outer space. Most often you’ll see celestial light fixtures shaped like the moon, the stars or the sun. They even come in clusters of orbs that mimic planets. In reality, any geometric shape is welcome in celestial lighting, provided it sparks interest and glitters in a somewhat random pattern.

Of course, the shape is only part of it. Celestial lighting is clearly defined by contemporary materials, including brass, glass, and chrome. Brass gives that warm, star-like glow you want in a bedroom or intimate dining area. For more fanciful fixtures, you might choose a celestial chandelier made of glass or chrome.

When shopping for celestial lighting, look for the following characteristics:

• Geometric shapes
• Brass, glass or chrome finishes
• Dim lighting
• Globe light bulbs
• Thematic designs

3 Types of Celestial Lighting

Stellate

Stellate light fixtures are those that look most like a star, including the Sputnik chandelier and Moravian star. The Sputnik design became a mid-century modern staple, because of its sharp lines and unique geometry. Plus, it was born during a time when space exploration was peaking and all eyes were on the sky. Long before then, however, was the Moravian star. It started as a three-dimensional geometry lesson for Moravian church school students. Eventually, it became a popular holiday symbol throughout Europe and then made its way to the United States in 1842 as a tree ornament.

The Jonathan Adler Sputnik Pendant has thin chrome rods that look like they’re bursting with energy. Hang it in a dining room or entryway to grab attention.

Hang the E.F. Chapman Moravian Star Mini Pendants over a breakfast table for some lighthearted ambiance. Better yet, position them over your soaker tub so you can enjoy a hot bath under the stars.

Orbital

Some celestial light fixtures are pure balls of fun. These styles are inspired by the planets, specifically Saturn’s rings and the spheres that their orbits create as they crisscross at various junctures. That’s why you’ll find round, ball-shaped pendants as well as flat hoop designs. These orbital shapes are typical of contemporary and modern interiors.

Bring the galaxy to your living room with the ET2 Brim Pendant. This sleek globe is layered with three gunmetal orbits that offer just a sliver of light to set a soothing mood that might just be perfect for movie night

Don’t confine your celestial cravings to just the main living areas. A pair of Celesse Wall Sconces is out of this world situated above an unframed mirror in your guest bathroom.

An oversized hoop ring with a sky-blue accent is just the celestial accent you need in a contemporary living room. The Vermont Modern Ringo is simple but still makes a huge statement.

Crystallized

While not typically categorized as celestial lighting, crystal chandeliers have an innate sparkle. Remember, the essence of celestial lighting is its ability to scatter light throughout a room. Thanks to delicate glass details, crystal chandeliers do exactly that. Of course, it helps if they’re also crafted into geometric shapes or have a dramatic brass finish. All of those elements combined are a recipe for good mood lighting.

Schonbek Chantant is a Swarovski crystal chandelier that radiates light from every angle. It drapes from the ceiling like a firework coming down to earth. Hang it over your dining room table or in your foyer to really wow your house guests.

Let this large Lior Pendant by designer Alex Woogmaster orbit around your living room, dinner table or even master bed. The crystal rock formations are designed to mimic rays of sunshine that are a tinted yellow by the gold rim.

How This Trend Took Off

It’s hard to pinpoint the rocket that sent this beautiful style of lighting orbiting into space. However, there were confirmed celestial sightings in 2017, starting with none other than Fashion Week. Christian Dior’s fall/winter 2017 ready-to-wear collection was drenched in moody blue with glittering accents. After that, celestial designs landed on the red carpet and the 2017 solar eclipse created a frenzy in the sky. As trends trickled down, everything from weddings to home décor saw a burst of star-studded patterns and accessories.

Now you can bring this trend home and enjoy it in any room – or interior design. Next to starburst-framed mirrors, constellation pillows and galaxy wallpaper, hangs celestial light fixtures that suit a variety of styles. The trend is truly multi-dimensional with a selection for every design.

Mid-century modern has the sputnik chandelier, while farmhouse homes feature rustic orbitals. In contemporary homes, you might find a simple Saturn ring. But in a traditional design, it’s okay to add texture. That’s where you’ll see Moravian stars suspended from a midnight-blue ceiling.

Shoot for the Stars

As you plan the lighting in your modern interior, shoot for the stars – or moon, or even orbiting planets. Celestial lighting is the kind of statement you want to make in your home, because it elicits a dreamy vibe. Whether you hang a Moravian star in your foyer or adorn your living room with an orbiting pendant, sitting under these fixtures is like watching a fireworks show every night. You’ll even hear a few “oohs” and “ahhs.”