Before I share my favorite lighting with you, I must confess upfront that I realize most of these lights are white. I'm not sure whether I should apologize for this in advance but the truth is, I really like white pendants and pretty chandeliers with crystals (as long as they are vintage and not overly ornate), and I love clean and modern lighting that isn't fussy or distracting from the overall decor too much. I've been trying to cross over to the dark side (ha ha) and grow to love bold, colorful lighting but I just can't seem to do it. I usually go back to white, though black also works. I'm not exactly sure why I love white lights so much but you know, I just do and that is really my fancy explanation. I'm not sure if white lighting catches your eye but perhaps after this post I'll make a white light lover out of you, too! Here's my collection of lights...

The Patrick Townsend Orbit chandelier is my #1 favorite light in the world (top right and bottom left) I am dying to own this lamp (ever since it was released, I am sure Patrick recalls my emails!) but it's not being made for the EU yet. Oh Patrick, please consider it! Also shown: Bertjan Pot Not Random light (lower right), Luncheonette pendant lamp from Anthropologie (upper left).

Here is dream light #2, this one is the 6-globe Branching Bubble by Lindsey Adelman (top). Umbu lighting on Etsy is rad and affordable.

Ahhhh, the Paper Chandelier by Moooi (my ultimate dream light for my entryway). Another nice pendant is the Moooi Random light.

Cargo Pendant (top left), a cluster light by Impressionen (bottom) and Lolita by Moooi (top right).

Modernica Bubble lights in any shape or size, though my favorite is the Cigar CC.

Tine K Lamp (top left) Solano by Zia Priven (top right), hand wrought chandelier from ABC Home (bottom right) and the Foscarini Cage pendant light for Diesel (bottom right, though the photo depresses me a bit).

Rie Elise Larsen pendants with fabric cords (a big trend here at the moment is fabric cords in multiple covers) and patterned accordion shades. Her white table lamp too (not shown, which I have).

Le Klint pendant 101 (top left), Teapot lights from Anthropologie (top right + bottom left) and the Relief Drip light from Jonathan Adler. While we're at it, any light by Jonathan Adler makes me happy. I have the Giraffe lamp (not shown above) but need to get him rewired since he doesn't work over here. I also need a new shade because mine was crushed when shipped over by my moving company. :( Eventually the giraffe will be up and running again, though! I miss him... Speaking of animal lights...

Miffy and a Rabbit Light -- I have it on the floor in my office and yes I'm aware I don't have children. It's fun to have a bun bun!

Cornet Pendant Lamp by Tse & Tse (bottom right), Bulb by Sofie Refer (top right). MHY by Muuto (top right) and the Acquamiki Suspension lamp by Michele De Lucchi (bottom left).

I have many others that I love but this is a great snapshot of some of my favorites. Plus,  in addition to all of these new lights I also LOVE  lighting from the mid century and also chandeliers from 1920's France. I have a two chandeliers in my home, both are French from the 20's and I love them. I currently have a vintage floor lamp in mint green from the 50s and a 50s table lamp as well. I also like the massive paper globes that you get for a few dollars at IKEA, I see them in some of the smartest rooms and they always look great. The best look is to have several on the ceiling in a three season porch, it looks lovely! I also love twinkle lights (also called fairy lights) in big, clear vases displayed around the house, but only one or two, not in every room. I like natural wood lighting too -- the Muuto Wood lamp sits proudly on my desk. My lighting taste is a bit eclectic and I love circles so I tend to love globes. I also like square or rectangular shapes as long as they have somewhat of a rounded detail on top. I like quirky lighting -- especially cups and teapots but also bird cages. I love ANIMALS as lights. Giraffes, elephants, rabbits, dogs, foo dogs, owls...

What about you? What do YOU like when it comes to lighting?

(images: linked to their sources above.)