If you like your interiors rich, glamorous, and dripping with drama, the Opulence trend is calling your name (in gold lettering, naturally). This look is all about indulgence. Plush textures, sumptuous fabrics, and colours so deep they could give the Crown Jewels a run for their sparkle. Think velvets in sapphire blues, emerald greens, ruby reds, and accents of brass and gold for that final touch of “oh hello, luxury.”
And what better time to lean into opulence than when the clocks go back? As autumn draws in and winter nights arrive, this trend creates a cocoon of cosy decadence. Instead of dreading the darker evenings, you’ll be welcoming them in with a velvet-clad, jewel-toned glow.
But here’s the chandelier-sized secret: it isn’t just about the furniture or the fabrics. Lighting is the real VIP in an opulent interior. The right glow doesn’t just show off your velvet sofa, it makes the whole room feel like it belongs in a glossy magazine (or a palace, no less).
What makes Opulence so alluring?
Minimalism had its moment, but sometimes less is… well, less. Opulence is maximalism with manners. It’s not about clutter, it’s about curation. Rich jewel tones and velvets feel indulgent, but when paired with carefully chosen accessories and lighting, the look is polished, not overstuffed.
The key ingredients?
- Velvet textures: A sofa that begs to be stroked (go on, you know you want to)
- Jewel tones: Sapphire, emerald, ruby, and amethyst, like your home went shopping at Cartier
- Gold or brass finishes: Because silver just can’t keep up with this level of glam
- Drama in scale: Big pendants, oversized floor lamps, and chandeliers that make you stop and stare
The result is a room that feels rich, layered, and a little bit indulgent. It whispers “glamour” and shouts “style.” And when the outside world is grey and chilly, it’s the perfect excuse to retreat indoors to a space that seduces you with colour and warmth.
Velvet + lighting = a match made in luxe heaven
Velvet is a natural partner to good lighting because it plays with it. Shine a warm toned lamp over velvet and suddenly you’ve got depth, texture, and drama that materials like cotton just can’t match. The fabric soaks up the light in some spots and reflects it in others, creating a story within the glow that’s downright decadent.
- Emerald velvet with golden light: A jewel-toned lamp illuminated by a warm glow and brass accents? That’s not a living room, that’s a throne room
- Deep sapphire sofas under chandeliers: Cool blue tones balanced with warm, crystal-reflecting pendants create a moody-meets-glam vibe
- Ruby-red with dimmable lamps: Red velvet can look bold in daylight but soften the lighting in the evening and suddenly you’re in cocktail lounge chic
Lighting doesn’t just illuminate velvet, it activates it.
Lighting tricks to nail the Opulence look
1. Make a statement with chandeliers
Nothing says opulence like a chandelier. Crystal designs scatter light like diamonds, while modern gold frames with globe bulbs feel luxurious and on-trend. Hang one above a dining table or in a living room and it’ll become the crown jewel of your space.
2. Layer the luxe
Don’t rely on a single ceiling light. Opulence thrives on drama, and drama thrives on layers. Mix ceiling fixtures with wall lights, table lamps, and floor lamps. Each adds its own glow, building an atmosphere that’s rich and dimensional.
3. Play with metallics
Gold, brass, and bronze finishes bounce warm light around the room, adding shimmer to your jewel-toned palette. A velvet emerald sofa looks even more decadent with a gold pendant hanging above it.
4. Think big and bold
Oversized lamps or dramatic pendants double as functional lighting and statement art. In opulent spaces, scale is your friend. Glow big or go home.
Jewel tones in the spotlight
Lighting doesn’t just brighten a room, it decides how your colours really come to life. Jewel tones are particularly dramatic under the right glow. Think emerald greens turning lusher and more decadent when washed in warm light, ruby reds glowing with intensity, or sapphire blues taking on a velvety richness that feels both bold and inviting. Switch to a cooler, harsher light, and suddenly those same tones risk looking flat or losing their magic.
That’s why the golden rule is simple: warm light for warm vibes. Choosing the right bulb temperature can completely transform how your décor feels day to night.
Want a shortcut? Go for LED filament bulbs with a warm temperature (around 2700K). They mimic that golden-hour glow, flattering jewel tones and creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere long after the sun’s gone down. Pair them with opulent finishes like brass, velvet or marble, and you’ll see just how much drama lighting can bring to your space.
The last word in luxe
The Opulence trend is proof that more really can be more, when it’s done right. Rich colours, velvet textures, and layers of light create a space that feels indulgent, sophisticated, and seriously stylish.
Lighting is the secret ingredient that makes jewel tones sing and velvet shine. It doesn’t just show off your interiors, it transforms them, turning every corner into a little moment of luxury.
So, when the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, let your home sparkle instead of sulk. Add velvet, add jewel tones, and most importantly, add lighting that sets the scene. Because life’s too short for flat fabrics and dull bulbs. Bring on the opulence and let your home shine brighter than a crown jewel.