There are many cases in which nature has inspired decor, though none more so than in lighting. While lighting is a relatively new invention, the growth within the sector is massive, and, given that designers are taking cues from nature itself, each successive iteration in lighting becomes increasingly more inventive, creative, and beautiful. Let’s take a look at a few natural lighting phenomenons and how they present themselves in both the world around us and design today.

The Auroras | The Northern Lights are one of the most famed lighting attractions globally, created by the ionization and excitation of particles within the atmosphere, which emits changing and fluctuating lights. Seen in popular culture, the pages of travel magazines, and also on nearly everyone’s bucket lists, the aurora borealis is said to be one of the wonders of the natural world. But did you know there’s also an aurora australis? The Southern Lights can be seen only on or around Antarctica, while the Northern Lights can be seen in northern Greenland, Scandinavia, Siberia and parts of Alaska. You don’t have to travel far to see something similar, however! Designers have used this exciting phenomenon as the inspiration behind color changing lights, largely in LEDs, which can be seen in homes, entertainment shows, and commercial spaces around the world.

Bioluminescence | Bioluminescence is just a fancy word for light emitted from a living being. Unfortunately humanity doesn’t have this ability naturally, but several of the animals and organisms that also inhabit the world do contain this wonderful talent. Most of these are sea critters, and up to 76% of deep sea dwellers are said to have some form of bioluminescence. Several species of jellyfish, fish, crustaceans, and so on emit light, mostly in the blue to green spectrum, though a few can shoot out yellow or red rays. The land doesn’t have their fair share of bioluminescence, but there are many bacteria and fungi that are known to get down with some color, along with every child’s favorite insect: the firefly. Given that most of the creatures with bioluminescence are found in the dark depths of the ocean or underfoot, pathway lighting, pool lighting, undercabinet or floorboard lighting, and many more are ways in which design has taken cues from nature. Best way to see in a traditionally dark space? Shine a little light on it.

Solar Flares | Now, we’re not just talking about the sun, which, in and of itself, is quite the phenomenon, but solar flares. An instance of sudden brightness on the sun’s surface, not visible to the naked eye, but clearly seen when scientists use their telescopes, equipped with UV technologies, solar or sun flares are quite the spectacle. They are sometimes accompanied by eruptions or emissions from the sun’s surface and can vary in intensity. All of them are pretty intense, regardless; it is the sun, after all. While we get plenty of inspiration from the sun, from basic natural lighting to tanning beds to UV lamps, these flare ups bring to mind things like camera flashes and light dimmers.

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