Let there be light

Lighting is often considered as an afterthought, yet it's as important as paint and wallpaper in changing how your home looks and feels. The right lighting can mean the difference between a dimly-lit room with a harsh glare and a well-lit room with flexible lighting arrangements.

In modern homes, many rooms are multi-functional by necessity. For example, a living room can be a place for relaxing, for watching television, for reading or study and for dining. Lighting needs to reflect and meet all these different needs. With an ever-increasing number of people working from home, this multi-functionality is an important consideration when thinking about lighting.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Lighting should always be appropriate for the use of the room, for example reading, the home office, dining, watching television

Lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere of a room

The effectiveness of lighting often depends on the shade and type of bulb used

CHOOSING LIGHTING

There are three main kinds of lighting:

Ambient lighting is the general lighting used to illuminate a whole room. Normally the main source of light is a central pendant but this can be supplemented with:

wall lights

table lamps

floor lamps

uplighters

Generally speaking, you will need more supplementary light in a north or east facing room than in a south or west facing room.

Task lighting is used to illuminate particular areas of a room used for specific tasks. This could include areas such as a desk in a study or a kitchen work surface. The best choices here are:

desk lamps

subtle lighting under cabinets

clear bulbs for crafts

Accent lighting is used to highlight or emphasise special features such as pictures and architectural details. This includes:

spotlights and sunken lights

interior lights for display cabinets

table lamps

wall lights

REDECORATING

If you're planning to redecorate a room, this is the perfect time to review the current lighting arrangements. You could try any of the following:

add extra socket outlets in the correct positions for your table or floor lamps

add wall lights to supplement ceiling lights

move or change existing ceiling lights

introduce spotlights or downlighters

For safety's sake, always employ a qualified electrician to do the work for you.

EASY WAYS TO CHANGE YOUR LIGHTING

If you don't want to redecorate, there are still lots of ways to improve your existing lighting, including:

changing the central light fitting

changing light bulbs to energy efficient versions

adding floor and table lamps

changing shades to suit the purpose of the lamp or light fitting

LIGHTING EXPLAINED

Central pendants are the traditional form of lighting, usually supplemented with additional lighting.

Downlighters provide general lighting directed downwards and can be subtle if recessed. They do not illuminate much of the ceiling or vertical surfaces so supplementary lighting is needed.

Uplighters reflect light from the ceiling and upper walls and provide a gentle, general lighting of the whole room.

Wall lights are usually used in conjunction with a ceiling pendant but can be used independently in hallways.

Floor and table lamps are the most versatile form of lighting because they are portable. However, the shades should be appropriate for their use for the best effect. For instance, a tall bedside lamp with a wide coolie shade will give the best light for reading in bed.

Rise and fall lights are particularly suitable for dining rooms where they can be lowered to highlight the table.

Spotlights can be used to great effect individually or in groups to emphasise features of architectural interest or other special objects.

Candlelight can create a warm welcome in a hallway and a romantic atmosphere in a bedroom or bathroom. Ring the changes with differently shaped candlesticks, tea light shades and scented candles.

A WORD ABOUT LIGHTBULBS

To get the best from your light fitting, it's important to choose the right bulb. Incandescent bulbs are great for dimmers and fluorescent bulbs emit a soft, diffused light. Compact fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient and halogen bulbs are ideal for accent lighting.

TOP TIP: A dimmer switch is easy and cheap to install. It instantly changes the atmosphere of a room and can be used in fixed light fittings, floor and table lamps.

TOP TIP: Use a light-coloured, wide coolie shade in a dark room that gets little sunlight - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

TOP TIP: Energy efficient light bulbs are less expensive now than when they were first introduced and they really will save you money in the long term.

The striking Arnum wall light from John Lewis features eight stems with amber coloured glass shades: £220.

Add some unmistakable Art Deco style to your home with this evocative female figurine lamp from Scotts of Stow:

£39.95.

This beautiful Tiffany-inspired Rhona lamp from Christopher Wray will add elegance to any home: £255.

This unusual stained glass lamp from Past Times is decorated with Mackintosh-inspired rose designs: £55.

Scotts of Stows Mother and Child floor lamp includes a standard lamp and a flexible lamp ideal for reading or study areas: £59.95.

The Star collection by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams includes this stylish chandelier pendant: £45.

Add some sparkle to your life with the chrome-plated Yasmin crystal wall light from Next: £34.99.

For instant glamour, look no further than the ten-light Loreto pendant from Christopher Wray: £995.

The Murcott lamp from Laura Ashley features a stylish tear drop shaped base and a cream shade: £55.

USEFUL CONTACTS - Shopping Directory

Christopher Wray 0207 751 8701 www.christopher-wray.com

Cotswold 0870 550 2233 www.CotswoldCo.com

Debenhams Direct 08445 616 161 www.debenhams.com

John Lewis 08456 049 049 www.johnlewis.com

Laura Ashley 0871 230 2301 www.lauraashley.com

Marks & Spencer 0845 302 1234 www.marksandspencer.com

Next 0845 600 7000 www.next.co.uk

Past Times 0870 125 0125 www.past-times.com

Scotts of Stow 0870 600 4444 www.scottsofstow.co.uk