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Frankfurt’s Light + Building fills the city with new luminaires, controls and room-scale mock ups. It is where launches land and where specifiers reality-check ideas against real light.
What it is
A global fair focused on architectural lighting, luminaires, smart controls and building tech. Brands show full installations, not just plinths, so you can judge scale, glare and finish properly.
Trends we actually saw in use
Portable LEDs for inside to outside living. Most run 8 to 12 hours around 2700K to 3000K and many carry useful IP ratings. Replaceable batteries are becoming common on better models.
Low glare as a baseline. Deep 30 to 40 mm regress, microprism diffusers and honeycomb louvres cropped up across downlights and wall washers.
Material first. Mouth blown glass, cast aluminium and solid brass paired with simple geometry. It reads calm in kitchens, living spaces and reception areas.
Tunable white without the fuss. A practical 2700K to 4000K band covers day to night. Keep controls scene based so everyone can use them.
Slim, modular lines. Continuous runs, discreet wall grazers and tidy nodes for shelving and joinery keep sightlines clean.
What stood out on the floor
Belmont still earns its space, warm fabric against crisp hardware. Bola Lantern and UMA Mini were the pick of the portables, gentle spread and easy controls for bedside or terrace.
Model 2065 was the quiet highlight for hallways and dining, broad light without harshness. Model 237 and 238 add character on walls without visual clutter.
Stellar Nebula’s glass showed subtle colour without becoming a spectacle. Takku remains a handy task portable for desks and side tables. Dimming stayed smooth at low levels, which matters for dining rooms.
The dependable end of the spectrum. Wall and ceiling basics through to bollards and pendants that tie façades, paths and planting together. Long running staples like 66658 still look right on elevations, while newer pathway pieces, including 84176, guide cleanly without glare.
Putting it to work
Anchor a room with a pendant or linear, then lift shadows with a couple of portables on shelves or side tables.
Choose deep set downlights and shielded wall lights where people sit or pass. Keep two or three finishes across a space for continuity. Most homes do fine with two scenes, evening warm and a slightly cooler task. Outside, repeat a family across wall, ceiling and bollards so routes read clearly.
A note on awards. Light + Building’s Design Plus recognised Zero Lighting’s Slize in 2022, a reminder that restraint and tidy engineering still win.
Quick answers
How do I size a pendant over a table
Start at 50 to 60 percent of table width and tweak to sightlines.
Can I mix brands
Yes. Hold a common colour temperature and a tight material palette.
How do I tame glare on statements
Use dim to warm sources and add honeycomb or frosted control where available.
If you want the look without the lead time, we can suggest in stock options and close alternatives.
100% Authentic products
Free delivery on orders over £100 (UK Mainland)
14 Days Return Policy
Overseas Shipping Available
Over 70 Designer Brands
Excellent Customer Service 
