Lighting the Southern way: Bold and timeless

2025.08.13

They like designs that reflect their proud heritage — whether that means music-inspired touches in Tennessee or the French and Spanish influences in Louisiana — with an updated, modern sensibility, according to lighting retailer Lightopia.

The Costa Mesa, Calif.-based lighting showroom recently conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 Americans and found that while only one in five Americans would splurge on lighting that screams “local flavor,” most of us subconsciously channel our regional roots.

Lightopia used hard sales data, search trends, social media deep-dives and designer brain-picking to create a comprehensive map of American lighting preferences.

Here’s what Southerners think about lighting (all findings, commentary and images courtesy of Lightopia):

Georgia: Peach State Pendants

Atlanta’s contemporary designs coexist with Savannah’s historic sensibilities, but both share a common mission: fixtures impressive enough to make your cousin from Charleston silently seethe with envy. Statement dining chandeliers are practically included with new home purchases, along with a mandatory ceiling fan for those sweltering summer months.

Local Luminaries Say: “If my chandelier doesn’t look like it could have been in ‘Gone With the Wind’ but also on Pinterest, I’ve failed as a homeowner.”

Alabama: Sweet Home Illumination

Alabama lighting walks the fine line between Southern elegance and practical functionality. Chandeliers say, “I host the best Sunday dinners” while ceiling fans whisper “but I’m not paying extra on my power bill for your comfort.”

Local Luminaries Say: “My great-grandmother’s silver may be in a safe deposit box, but her lighting style lives on in my foyer.”

Louisiana: Bayou Brilliance

New Orleans lighting doesn’t just illuminate rooms — it tells stories of French influence, Spanish heritage, and nights that start with “I’ll just have one more.” Ornate, slightly mysterious fixtures that look like they’ve witnessed centuries of secrets are the standard, with bonus points if they vaguely resemble the gas lamps of the French Quarter.

Local Luminaries Say: “If my chandelier doesn’t look like it could belong in both a haunted mansion and Architectural Digest, I don’t want it.”

Kentucky: Bluegrass Brilliance

Kentucky lighting bridges bourbon heritage with modern farmhouse aesthetics. Edison bulbs illuminate discussions about horse racing odds, while rustic chandeliers featuring whiskey barrel elements create the perfect backdrop for bourbon tastings. Louisville embraces more urban, contemporary styles, but the state’s rural areas prefer fixtures that feel like they’ve been illuminating the same family homestead for generations.

Local Luminaries Say: “Our lighting should be as smooth and complex as our bourbon — traditional craftsmanship with distinctive character.”

Tennessee: Volunteer Voltage

Tennessee embraces industrial-farmhouse hybrids with Nashville adding music-inspired touches — guitar string pendants, drum shade fixtures and vintage microphone wall sconces are actually a thing. Memphis preferences skew more soulful and eclectic, while the eastern mountains favor rustic simplicity that complements cabin aesthetics.

Local Luminaries Say: “I need my lighting to look good with both my vinyl record collection and my grandmother’s heirloom quilts.”

Arkansas: Natural State Illumination

Arkansas embraces simple pendants and practical ceiling fans, with a focus on affordable transitional designs that feel current without chasing trends. Budget-conscious but design-aware, Arkansas lighting choices reflect the state’s practical values while still allowing for the occasional statement piece in dining rooms where family gatherings happen.

Local Luminaries Say: “We want lighting that makes our homes look nice without making our neighbors think we’re putting on airs.”

Oklahoma: Sooner State Sparkle

Oklahoma blends southwestern influences with prairie practicality in its lighting choices. Fixtures must withstand tornadoes and oil boom/bust cycles, resulting in durable designs with warm finishes. Rural areas favor rustic simplicity, while cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa incorporate more contemporary elements with traditional southwestern touches.

Local Luminaries Say: “Our lighting should be as resilient as we are — able to weather any storm, literal or economic, while still looking like somewhere you’d want to gather for Sunday dinner.”

Texas: Lone Star Luminaries

Texas lighting follows the “everything’s bigger” principle — oversized chandeliers, dramatic pendants, and statement pieces that command attention dominate in a state where subtlety is for other, lesser states. Western influences meet contemporary design in fixtures that incorporate natural leather, horn and iron elements, especially in ranch-style homes.

Local Luminaries Say: “If your entryway chandelier doesn’t require special installation and additional ceiling support, are you even really Texan?”

Florida: Sunshine State Sophistication

Florida embraces lighting that works as hard as its air conditioning. Contemporary coastal fixtures illuminate conversations about homeowners’ association disputes and the latest hurricane tracking app. More money is spent on outdoor lighting than the national average because nocturnal gator spotting is a legitimate concern.

Local Luminaries Say: “My outdoor lighting needs to handle salt air, withstand hurricanes, and discourage both alligators and overly friendly tourists.”