Does rustic sound too, well, rustic? Because this style sometimes looks undone or rundown, it’s often overlooked in home design. The truth is rustic décor is no longer just for lake cabins and mountain retreats. Authentic rustic elements complement a range of other designs, including French country, farmhouse, shabby chic and traditional.

By using pops of rustic décor, you can capture the style without going all in. And one of the simplest ways to do that is with rustic lighting. Lighting is easy to change out if you want something new, so there’s no harm in trying it on for size. Plus, rustic lighting, in particular, can make as little or as great an impact as you want it to. But first, let’s get to know this versatile style.

The Heart of Rustic Style

Exposed brick and cement floors are characteristic of an industrial loft, the same way white color palettes and natural light are true to Scandinavian design. So, of course, the rustic style has its own nuances, as well. Overall, rustic style is charming and rich in history. Almost everything in the house looks like it has a past with some real stories to tell. You’ll see it in the distressed wood and matte metals. There’s nothing shiny here. Rustic is rugged, not pretentious. It’s natural and organic, not plastic or manufactured. The materials are sturdy and textured, which is why you’ll see stone around the fireplace and chunky furnishings that welcome you with open arms.

A Cheat Sheet for Shopping Popular Rustic Décor

Whether you’re in the market for throw pillows, bar stools or light fixtures, rustic décor will feature one or more of these elements:

• Warm neutral tones, especially colors from nature
• Unfinished, reclaimed or distressed wood
• Rock or stone accents
• Matte metals – usually wrought iron
• Oversized or chunky elements
• Natural fabrics, like linen, wool, and burlap
• Hand-crafted details
• Animal influences, such as deer antlers

Rustic Lighting for Every Room

Face it. You need lighting in every room, which means you have several opportunities to add rustic style to your home. Whether you want it to be a statement piece or a fly on the wall, all depends on the elements you choose and the type of light fixture you need in your space.

Chandeliers

Rustic chandeliers are not your average chandeliers. There are no crystal flourishes or linen lamp shades, but that doesn’t mean simple materials can’t make an impression. Rustic chandeliers tend to be large and in charge of the space they’re in.

Where to hang your rustic chandelier: Save these focal points for vaulted ceilings or rooms where you want a little drama – like the bedroom.

Hinkley Lighting’s Dakota Chandelier

This circle chandelier is a modern response to candelabra lighting. Its faux leather straps and buckle connect to the rustic wrought-iron ring. The simplicity is surprisingly elegant enough for an entryway, even with hard, solid features.

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Fredrick Ramond’s Middlefield Chandelier

Unfinished wood in a globe formation is quintessential rustic lighting. Adding to its charm is the matte metal contrast, which gives this chandelier even more weight. Hanging in a master bedroom, this 31-inch-wide fixture is a focal point.

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Hinkley Lighting’s Atrium Chandelier

The Atrium Chandelier is the perfect fixture for someone looking to add a subtle rustic touch. The rich bronze finish with etched opal glass can bring simple beauty to complement any level of rustic style.

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Pendants

Pendants are always functional as task lighting, but rustic pendants offer even more than that. With so many different shapes, sizes and combinations of materials, you’ll find a rustic pendant light to match any home design.

Where to hang your rustic pendant light: These light fixtures are most useful in certain areas of the house. Consider adding a rustic pendant – or two or three – over your kitchen island, your dining room table, your entryway or your bathtub.

Hinkley Lighting’s Nantucket Hanging Lantern

The Nantucket may be the most delicate-looking light fixture in rustic home décor. Its mix of glass and bronze in a lantern style is textbook rustic. Yet, it’s airy enough to not overpower a small bathroom, especially above a clawfoot tub.

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Fredrick Ramond’s Nest Pendant

On the opposite end of the spectrum is this oversized Nest pendant. It, too, has a lantern quality. But the all-metal design gives it substantial weight, even though it’s an open cage. A light fixture with such dark tones looks best when contrasted against white shiplap or white-washed brick, so make sure you do it justice.

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Kichler’s Ridgewood Island Light

With its exposed metal brackets, Edison light bulbs, and rectangular shape, this pendant could easily be mistaken for an industrial fixture. On the other hand, its unfinished wood and handmade feel fit perfectly in a rustic dining room or as task lighting over your kitchen island.

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Sconces

Sconces wear many hats, inside and outside the house. Thankfully, rustic style allows for the wall sconce to either be a functional piece on your wrap-around porch or a conversation-starter in your foyer. Typically, rustic sconces are made with wrought iron, wood or glass and come in earthy colors that fit in on the exterior or stand out in a bedroom.

Where to use rustic sconces: The better question is where can’t you use sconces? They save space on nightstands when they flank your bed frame, welcome guests with a warm glow in your entryway, provide prep light above your bathroom vanity and lighten dark spots like a long hallway.

Troy Lighting’s Atkins Wall Light

If you need a true outdoor sconce, this old-school lantern style complements any brick or stone wall. The rust finish looks intentionally tarnished, so it appears aged like a fine wine. Meanwhile, the frosted, embossed glass shade is a nice antique touch for your porch or backyard living space.

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E. F. Chapman by Visual Comfort’s Branch Wall Sconce

Inspired by nature? So is this beautiful wall sconce. The branches twist and turn as if they’re growing up your wall. The two small candles provide just enough light to read or find your way down the hall. This whimsical fixture comes in three finishes – aged iron, gilded iron, and old white.

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Capture the Rustic Style

The right light fixture will balance out two-toned kitchens, hardwood floors, and weathered leather couches. Of course, if you’re not committed to wood beams and sliding barn doors, that’s okay, too. You don’t have to drench your home in rustic charm. Sometimes a touch of distressed wood or cast wrought will do. And you can easily achieve that with rustic chandeliers, pendants and wall sconces. Whether you use lighting to complete your rustic home design or to add charm to a single space, rest assured it will be just right.